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Substantial Trafalgar class RAMPs run back to back

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Substantial Trafalgar class RAMPs run back to back
UNITED KINGDOM - 10 FEBRUARY 2010

Nuclear-powered attack submarine (SSN) HMS Tireless sailed from Devonport on Saturday (6 February), following a substantial 18 month Revalidation and Assisted Maintenance Period (RAMP) and life extension, successfully completed ahead of schedule by Babcock. HMS Tireless’ departure follows the docking of HMS Trenchant earlier in the month for a major RAMP that will include significant capability upgrades.

The extensive 320,000 manhour RAMP in HMS Tireless (twice the manhours of a usual RAMP) has encompassed significant life extension work, and has included a shaft change, installation of a trial outboard sonar fit, steam generator in-service inspections, and reactor system inspections and maintenance, as well as several combat system capability updates and substantial structural and mechanical system survey, maintenance and repair work.

Particular challenges included the development of in-service inspection equipment and procedures in support of reactor system integrity checks. This required close working between Babcock, MoD and Rolls Royce to minimise programme impact and provide a capability that is now deployable on other submarines.

Joint Babcock/MoD initiatives contributed to the successful completion of this RAMP, including ensuring early definition of the work specification which enabled significant pre-planning to be undertaken and close working between Babcock, ship’s staff and the MoD during the project.

Commenting on the Tireless RAMP, Platform Group Manager Submarines, Cdr Tim Roberts RN, said: “The return of HMS Tireless to service six days earlier than scheduled after an extensive and very technically challenging project has been a most impressive performance. This achievement is a testament to the improved working practices and relationships that are providing Fleet with the certainty of delivery that they need to manage the intensive submarine operational programme.“

With HMS Tireless’ RAMP successfully completed, HMS Trenchant will now undergo a challenging 11 month RAMP by Babcock, featuring a volume of work normally reserved for a Long Overhaul Period (Refuel) [LOP(R)], including the largest and most complex combat system installation and upgrade package ever undertaken in a RAMP.

Some 15 capability upgrades will include the Communications Coherency Submarines (CCSM) final increment, as well as the final upgrade to the 2076 main sonar, complete replacement of the UAP electronic warfare capability with UAA4, replacement of the automated plotting tables with the Warship Electronic Chart Display & Information System, and replacement of the weapons data bus with the TaLAN local area network, all involving considerable equipment and cabling installation, and rack and mounting modifications.

This is in addition to a number of significant defect repair packages to be undertaken, including work to the sonar flank array outboard, and removal and replacement of both water ram discharge air reservoirs (normally a LOP(R) task), plus reactor systems in-service inspections, and a large package of hull survey work.

Babcock has been working with the MoD and applying its experience in RAMP management on an on-going basis to introduce considerable efficiencies and time and cost savings; a process that has continued in planning for the Trenchant RAMP.

A number of initiatives are being put into play jointly by the MoD and Babcock to ensure the smooth running of the project. The development and management of the substantial combat systems work package requires close working between Babcock and the MoD, and has driven the implementation of a new approach to working together, including re-defined lines of communication between all stakeholders, an improved understanding of roles and responsibilities, and an agreed capability insertion end-to-end process from design phase to delivery, with the technical requirement fully understood and planned for at the start of the RAMP. A dedicated Babcock combat systems package manager will oversee and ensure the efficient management of this significant and complex workscope.

Commenting on the RAMPs, Babcock submarine operations director Devonport, Gavin Leckie, said: “Having successfully completed Tireless’ RAMP to return her fighting fit, the size of the combat systems package now provides a unique challenge to the RAMP team to deliver Trenchant with the maximum capability possible, and within the timescales agreed up front with Navy Command. We have taken a different approach with the MoD in jointly developing the specification and RAMP schedule to support a ‘managing the requirement’ initiative to improve delivery performance. Lessons learned from the Tireless RAMP and the partnering ethos being demonstrated so early in a project is encouraging.”





Source: Babcock International
 
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Thales Announces Significant Sonar 2076 Upgrade
UNITED KINGDOM - 12 FEBRUARY 2010

Thales UK today announces that it has been awarded a contract by BAE Systems to upgrade three Trafalgar-class and three Astute- class submarines with the Sonar 2076 Stage 5 system.

These submarines are currently fitted with the 2076 Stage 4 system. Once all the work is completed, 2076 Stage 5 will be fully deployed across the UK Royal Navy's (RN's) nuclear-powered attack (SSN) submarine fleet.

This contract builds on Thales UK's relationship with BAE Systems Submarine Solutions, and is a demonstration of the success of the Performance Partnering Agreement jointly put in place.

The 'Stage 5 Inboard Replacement' (Stage 5 IR) contract is the latest in a series of developments to improve the capability, efficiency and through-life cost of the system to ensure that Sonar 2076 retains its reputation as the world's most advanced, fully integrated, passive/active search and attack sonar suite.

Stage 5 IR achieves the UK Ministry of Defence's (MoD's) requirement for reduced through-life costs and the need for rapid capability insertions of new hardware, software functionality and new algorithms to meet the RN's changing mission requirements.

The upgrade also delivers an open architecture that allows a high degree of commonality with the future Astute and Vanguard-class replacement (Successor) submarines, and supports the MoD's vision for the evolution of a common sonar and combat system across the RN submarine flotilla.

S2076 Stage 5 is currently being deployed on the 'first-of-class' platform and this is scheduled to complete by the middle of the year. Work on the Stage 5 IR contract will start immediately with equipment procurement and manufacture, with the platform upgrades planned for later this year through to late 2011.

Alec Grant, Head of Future Combat Systems at BAE Systems Submarine Solutions, says: "Thales UK is a key partner within the joint MoD / industry team developing the Submarine Common Combat System, and the roll out of Sonar 2076 Stage 5 represents a critical stage in achieving a common cross-flotilla solution."

Victor Chavez, Deputy CEO Thales UK, says: "This is a major milestone for Thales UK and confirmation that the solution we have developed in 2076 Stage 5 supports BAE Systems Submarine Solutions' intention to develop and deploy a common combat system across the flotilla for the MoD. We in Thales want to continue to play a major part in these developments and the Stage 5 IR contract is a significant step forward for us."


Source: Thales Group
 
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