Royal Navy Type 31 Frigate

[Gary]

Babcock Team 31 Selected As Preferred Bidder For UK Type 31 Frigate Programme​

Following a comprehensive competitive process, Arrowhead 140, a capable, adaptable and technology-enabled global frigate will be the UK Royal Navy’s newest class of warships, with the first ship scheduled for launch in 2023.


At its height the programme will maximise a workforce of around 1250 highly- skilled roles in multiple locations throughout the UK, with around 150 new technical apprenticeships likely to be developed. The work is expected to support an additional 1250 roles within the wider UK supply chain.

With Babcock’s Rosyth facility as the central integration site, the solution provides value for money and squarely supports the principles of the National Shipbuilding Strategy. It builds on the knowledge and expertise developed during the Queen Elizabeth aircraft carrier modular build programme.


The announcement follows a competitive design phase where Babcock Team 31 was chosen alongside two other consortia to respond to the UK MOD’s requirements.

Work on the fleet of five ships will begin immediately following formal contract award later this financial year, with detailed design work to start now and manufacture commencing in 2021 and concluding in 2027.

“It has been a tough competition and we are absolutely delighted that Arrowhead 140 has been recognised as offering the best design, build and delivery solution for the UK’s Royal Navy Type 31 frigates.
“Driven by innovation and backed by experience and heritage, Arrowhead 140 is a modern warship that will meet the maritime threats of today and tomorrow, with British ingenuity and engineering at its core. It provides a flexible, adaptable platform that delivers value for money and supports the UK’s National Shipbuilding Strategy.”

Archie Bethel, CEO Babcock

Arrowhead 140 will offer the Royal Navy a new class of ship with a proven ability to deliver a range of peacekeeping, humanitarian and warfighting capabilities whilst offering communities and supply chains throughout the UK a wide range of economic and employment opportunities.

A key element of the Type31 programme is to supply a design with the potential to secure a range of export orders thereby supporting the UK economy and UK jobs. Arrowhead 140 will offer export customers an unrivalled blend of price, capability and flexibility backed by the Royal Navy’s world-class experience and Babcock looks forward to working closely with DIT and MOD in this regard.


Arrowhead 140 is a multi-role frigate equipping today’s mariner with real-time data to support immediate and complex decision-making.

Babcock will now enter a period of detailed discussions with the MOD and supply chain prior to formal contract award expected later this year.

The frigate is engineered to minimise through-life costs whilst delivering a truly leading-edge ship, featuring an established, proven and exportable combat management system provided by Thales.

Babcock Team 31 selected as preferred bidder for UK Type 31 frigate programme - Naval News

Babcock Team 31 has been selected by the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) as the preferred bidder to deliver its new warships. Led by Babcock, the Aerospace and Defence company, and in partnership with the Thales Group, the T31 general purpose frigate programme will provide the UK Government with a...

www.navalnews.com

Thales To Provide Royal Navy With Advanced Mission Systems For Type 31 Frigates​

Thales, as part of Babcock Team 31, has been selected to deliver the digital heart of the UK’s next generation frigates. Thales will be the mission systems integrator for the Type 31 programme, delivering the combat system, communications systems and the navigation and bridge system.​

The Type 31 general purpose frigate programme will provide the UK Government with a fleet of five ships, with an in service date set for May 2027.
Thales as part of Babcock Team 31 has been selected to deliver the digital heart of the UK’s next generation frigates. The company will be providing:

TACTICOS combat management system.​

Based on a recognized fire control capability worldwide, TACTICOS combines Combat Operations and Maritime Security Operations in one CMS.


TACTICOS technology is used on board more than 160 ships (from small patrol craft to full-size frigates and destroyers) operated by 20 navies.


Thales is announcing the opening of a naval combat management centre of excellence in Crawley this will enable us to develop the TACTICOS naval combat management system. The Royal Navy will join the global community of 25 navies utilising the Thales Tacticos combat management system.

NS series radar & Mirador Mk2 electro optic​

The NS series is the latest family or E/F-band AESA radar Thales. The company is the first to introduce a family of E/F-band AESA radars based upon the Dual axis multi-beam processing. This results in significantly increased situational awareness to deal with newest threats in the littoral environment. The combination of Dual axis multi-beam and AESA technology in the NS series creates Multi-capability radar suitable for use across a wide range of naval ships

MIRADOR is a lightweight, compact, electro-optical multi-sensor.

The Thales MIRADOR is a surveillance, tracking and fire control system of a stealthy design, which will contribute to a ship’s effort to remain undetected. MIRADOR is designed for use on a wide range of platforms, from small patrol craft to large carriers, where it acts as an observation system and fire control director for distant optical investigation, as well as anti-surface and anti-air warfare.

Integrated communications systems (COMTICS & PARTNER-C) and integrated bridge and navigation systems​

PARTNER C is a new generation communications management system from Thales, built around an intuitive user interface. COMTICS is a multimedia communication device resembling a smartphone that allows naval personnel permanent shipboard mobility and connectivity with all types of military radios. It is the only product available on the market to offer shipboard on the move multimedia services in a secure environment => naval personnel will have unlimited mobile connectivity at sea thanks to Thales.

About Type 31 Frigate​

The Type 31 (Arrowhead 140) will offer the Royal Navy a new class of ship with a proven ability to deliver a range of peacekeeping, humanitarian and warfighting capabilities whilst offering communities and supply chains throughout the UK a wide range of economic and employment opportunities.


The frigates will be assembled at Babcock’s Rosyth facility, and involve supply chains throughout the UK, in line with the UK’s shipbuilding strategy.


Arrowhead 140 will offer the Royal Navy a new class of ship with a proven ability to deliver a range of peacekeeping, humanitarian and warfighting capabilities whilst offering communities and supply chains throughout the UK a wide range of economic and employment opportunities. Arrowhead 140 is based on the proven Iver Huitfeldt-class of frigate of the Royal Danish Navy, designed by OMT, and adapted to Royal Navy requirement by Babcock and BMT. Thales will supply the combat management system of the Type 31.

Thales to Provide Royal Navy with Advanced Mission Systems for Type 31 Frigates - Naval News

Thales, as part of Babcock Team 31, has been selected to deliver the digital heart of the UK’s next generation frigates. Thales will be the mission systems integrator for the Type 31 programme, delivering the combat system, communications systems and the navigation and bridge system.

www.navalnews.com

 

[Gary]

MAN Supplying Propeller Equipment For 5 Frigates​

22nd April 2020 jburke


MAN Energy Solutions will supply propeller equipment for five general-purpose frigates to be constructed by Babcock International Group.
Each 138.7-m twin-screw vessel, rated at more than 16 000 kW pr. shaftline, will be equipped with MAN Alpha VBS Mk 5 CP propeller systems, and all related equipment.
The new vessels will feature a combined diesel and diesel (CODAD) propulsion system, integrating four diesel engines (twin in – single out), two CP propellers and two asymmetric shaft lines. The installed power plant will have the capacity to produce a maximum power of over 32 000 kW.
The propulsion system is designed to help ensure a low underwater-radiated noise (URN) signature and will comply with International Maritime Organization (IMO) Tier III regulations. It will also enable each vessel to attain a maximum speed of more than 25+ knots.
Rolls-Royce Power Systems will provide MTU main diesel engines and diesel generators manufactured in Germany.
The propeller configuration will be designed and supplied out of MAN Energy Solutions’ design and production facilities at Frederikshavn, Denmark.
Construction of the vessels will take place at Babcock´s Rosyth, Scotland-based yard. The design of the Type 31 is based on Odense Maritime Technology’s (OMT) industry- ‘Iver Huitfeldt class’ hull form, which is currently in service with the Royal Danish Navy.
“We are well-known in the naval segment but securing this frigate contract, along with our ability to comply with the Royal Navy’s comprehensive naval requirements, allows us to further showcase our expertise,” said Poul Knudsgaard, Head of MAN PrimeServ Four-Stroke Denmark, MAN Energy Solutions Site Frederikshavn. “The complexity and strict performance criteria demanded by this order make it an excellent reference for MAN Energy Solutions.”
The Arrowhead 140 was the preferred design for the Type 31 frigate program announced in September 2019. The first Type 31 frigate is scheduled to be in the water in 2023. The Arrowhead 140 is a general-purpose, light frigate developed by Team 31, led by Babcock International as prime for the Type 31 program, comprising Thales UK, BMT and OMT.
Babcock’s Arrowhead 140 solution provides the Royal Navy a new class of ship with proven ability to deliver a range of peacekeeping, humanitarian and warfighting capabilities.

Power Progress

Power Progress: Navigating on-highway, off-highway, stationary, and marine engine markets. Your source for cutting-edge insights in the power equipment sector.

dieselgasturbine.com

 

[Gary]

Babcock Announces Type 31 Supply Chain Contract Awards​

Babcock Team 31 is pleased to announce the second round of supply chain contract awards across the UK and Europe to support the Royal Navy’s Type 31 general purpose frigate programme.​

Xavier Vavasseur 19 Apr 2020

Babcock press release

Rolls-Royce is now a major supplier to the programme with its brand MTU, delivering the Main Engines and Diesel Generators for the Frigates, which will be manufactured in Germany. Renk, will provide the main reduction gearboxes, and MAN Energy Solutions will supply the propellers and propeller shaft lines.

In addition, Blunox are contracted to supply the exhaust environmental equipment that significantly reduces emissions from the Main Engines and Diesel Generators. Combined with the subcontract placed with Darchem Engineering Ltd, will supply the intake and exhaust systems for the main engines and generators, rounding out the key propulsion system subcontracts.

We are also pleased to announce award of the Chilled Water Plant subcontract with Novenco AS, providing critical system capability for the HVAC system.

Thales image

The Type 31 Programme will deliver prosperity into shipbuilding and the extended supply chain. The scale of this investment, principally in design, engineering, project management, procurement and advanced manufacturing skills, has an enduring positive impact on the UK.

“Team 31 have committed to a programme of investments to deliver prosperity in line with the National Shipbuilding Strategy. We are delighted to welcome these key suppliers to the supply chain for the Type 31 frigate programme, and we continue to engage with additional suppliers to support this exciting programme for Babcock and the Royal Navy.”

Babcock announces Type 31 supply chain contract awards - Naval News

Babcock Team 31 is pleased to announce the second round of supply chain contract awards across the UK and Europe to support the Royal Navy’s Type 31 general purpose frigate programme.

www.navalnews.com

 

[Gary]

Rolls-Royce will supply MTU propulsion systems for new Type 31 frigates of British navy​

May News 2020 Navy Naval Maritime Defense IndustryPOSTED ON SATURDAY, 30 MAY 2020 12:02

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Rolls-Royce is to supply complete MTU propulsion systems for five new Type 31 general-purpose frigates for the Royal British Navy. In total, the order comprises of 40 engines and generator sets to be used for main propulsion and on-board power generation, the MTU Callosum propulsion control and monitoring system, and Integrated Logistics Support (ILS)
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Rolls-Royce is to supply complete MTU propulsion systems for five new Type 31 general-purpose frigates for the Royal Navy. In total, the order comprises of 40 engines and generator sets to be used for main propulsion and on-board power generation, the MTU Callosum propulsion control and monitoring system, and Integrated Logistics Support (ILS). (Picture Copyright: Babcock International Group)

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Each new Brtish Navy Type 31 frigate will be powered by four MTU 20V 8000 M71 engines, each delivering over 8,000 kW. On-board power will be provided on each vessel by four MTU generator sets based on 16V 2000 M41B units, each delivering in excess of 900 kW.
In September 2021, Rolls-Royce will deliver the first shipset comprising four main propulsion engines and four generator sets to prime contractor Babcock International Group. Integrated Logistics Support for propulsion and onboard power systems will ensure efficient and cost-effective maintenance throughout their entire service life. It is expected that the MTU Callosum propulsion control and monitoring system will be officially added to the supply contract very shortly.
Sean Donaldson, Managing Director for Energy & Marine at Babcock International, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Rolls-Royce with its MTU solutions as a supplier to our Type 31 Programme. Its engines and on-board generator sets are already proving their mettle in numerous comparable vessels worldwide.”
The Royal Navy relies on Rolls-Royce propulsion solutions across its surface and submarine fleets. MTU Series 2000, 4000 and 8000 units will feature in future in most Royal Navy warships – in destroyers (Type 45), all frigate classes (Type 23, 26, 31) and submarines (Astute-class).
The Type 31 frigate, also formerly known as the Type 31e frigate or General Purpose Frigate (GPFF), is a planned class of frigate for the United Kingdom's Royal Navy, the first ship will be in the water by 2023 but the in-service date will 2027. It was announced on 12 September 2019 that the Arrowhead 140 design had been selected for the Type 31 Frigate.[36] A contract was formally awarded to Babcock Group on 15 November 2019, for an average production cost of £250 million per ship and an overall program cost set to be £2 billion with £1.25 billion value to prime contractor Babcock.

A September 2017 graphic released by the Royal Navy stressed modular adaptability and flexible construction of the design for export opportunities. Core requirements of the Type 31e frigate include a medium caliber gun, point defense systems, hangar, and a flight deck for Wildcat or ten-tonne helicopter operated by a crew of around 100 with space for 40 more personnel. The British government released a Request for Information (RFI) in September 2017, detailing the desired characteristics of the Type 31e. The RFI provides greater details such as a "Medium Calibre Gun" of greater than 57 mm (2.2 in), a point defense anti-air missile system, and the optional ability to launch and recover unmanned aerial vehicles. Forces News reported that the design will contain Sea Ceptor missiles, an advanced air and surface surveillance and target indication radar such as the Thales NS100[43] and be able to operate either an AgustaWestland Wildcat HMA2 or an AgustaWestland Merlin HM2.

Rolls-Royce will supply MTU propulsion systems for new Type 31 frigate

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[Gary]

Royal Navy: Deadly hi-tech naval guns to be fitted to £1.25bn fleet of new Type 31 frigates​

DEADLY hi-tech gun systems have been ordered for the Royal Navy’s newest fleet of frigates.​

By Tom Cotterill
Wednesday, 7th October 2020, 4:45 pm
UpdatedWednesday, 7th October 2020, 4:53 pm

Naval top brass have signed off on fitting the first five of Britain’s Type 31 frigates with the Bofors 40 Mk4 and Bofors 57 Mk3 naval guns.

The advanced weapons will be installed by defence giant BAE Systems in Sweden, with deliveries expected to take place between 2023 and 2024.
Five state-of-the-art, computer-loaded Mk3 medium calibre guns have been ordered, which can hurl automatic salvos of shells at 220 rounds per minute, alongside 10 of the Mk4 small calibre guns.

The Bofors 57 Mk3 naval gun firing. The weapons system is to be fitted to the Type 31 frigate. Photo: BAE System/Royal Navy

Both close-in weapon systems are designed to protect the ships against modern and future complex threats.
Lena Gillström, managing director for BAE Systems Bofors, said: ‘We will be providing the most cutting-edge gun system technology available which can adapt to different levels of conflict, including peacekeeping missions, local coastguard operations, and military operations.
‘This contract increases the number of European nations deploying our advanced, flexible weapon systems.’

The Type 31 frigate is due to enter service in 2027 following a slight delay in its programme.
The vessels are expected to be based in Portsmouth and will become the new work horses of the navy, alongside the more advanced Type 26 frigates. Both naval gun systems will be manufactured at BAE Systems’ facility in Karlskoga, Sweden.


The Bofors 57 Mk3 is used by eight nations, including Canada, Finland, Germany and Sweden, as well as the United States, where it is known as the Mk110 naval gun.

The Bofors 40 Mk4 smaller calibre gun has also been bought for the Type 31 frigates. Photo: BAE System/Royal Navy

SEE ALSO: Sailor once on her final warning for poor fitness becomes an Olympian​

The Bofors 40 Mk4 is the latest generation in the 40mm family, and with this contract, the Royal Navy will become its fifth operator.

Updating parliament about the new frigate programme, defence minister Jeremy Quin, insisted steel would be cut on the first five vessels in 2021.
‘The first Type 31 Frigate will be in the water in 2023 and all five ships will be delivered by the end of 2028,’ he said.
‘The approved in service date for the first Type 31 is May 2027. The dates for initial operating capability and full operating capability have not yet been determined.’

Deadly hi-tech naval guns to be fitted to navy's £1.25bn fleet of new frigates

DEADLY hi-tech gun systems have been ordered for the Royal Navy’s newest fleet of frigates.

www.portsmouth.co.uk

 

[Gary]

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1314569519696936960

 

[Gary]

Over 30 expressions of interest in Type 31: Babcock

Babcock Marine chief executive John Howie said there had been over 30 expressions of interest from overseas in the Type 31 frigate.

www.naval-technology.com

 

[Test7]

UK Unveils Massive Type 31 Frigate Building Hall in Rosyth​

The UK Ministry of Defence, last month, announced the start of work on a vast building hall in Roysth for the assembly of Royal Navy’s next-generation Type 31 frigates.

At 147 metres long, the new hall can comfortably fit three Olympic size swimming pools, and the 30 metre high ‘megadoors’ can accommodate two of the 138.7-metre vessels being assembled at the same time side by side.

Type 31 frigates are being built by Babcock in Roysth. Babcock awarded a £31.5 million contract to build the module to Robertson Construction and at a small COVID-safe ceremony marking the beginning of the steel structure construction. The defence firm also announced that it has placed an order for PEMA welding and production panel lines to support the automation of shipbuilding.

The unveiling of the module hall follows the substantial £16.5 billion settlement for defence over the next four years that will modernise the armed forces, reinvigorate the shipbuilding industry and bring jobs and prosperity to every part of the UK.

During the ceremony a virtual message was heard from Defence Secretary Ben Wallace, who said: “This vast industrial facility will see Scottish shipbuilders build our latest warships that will take pride of place in the Royal Navy fleet.”

Ground-breaking for the new hall commenced in April 2020. The steel structures are now in place in preparation for assembly of first of five Type 31s , which will commence in 2021.

Babcock marked the new Assembly Hall construction milestone by burying a commemorative time capsule at the site of the new facility.

“The Type 31 programme is re-energising the UKs’ maritime capability through innovative, next generation, UK ship design and build. The infrastructure investment underway at Rosyth builds on our exceptional heritage, experience and engineering insight, delivering a very real step change in capacity and capability for modern UK shipbuilding,” said John Howie, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer of Babcock.

“The provision of this facility will further enhance the delivery capabilities of Babcock from the Rosyth site. We are pleased to be selected as the delivery partner of choice for the new Assembly Hall,” said David Cairns, regional managing director, Robertson Construction.

The new hall has state-of-the art manufacturing facilities and new digital systems as well as gantry stair access inside the structure to remove the need for scaffolding. This means personnel will be able to safely access the vessels without leaving the building.

Additionally, three new panel lines, a cornerstone of Babcock’s digital transformation at Rosyth, will make the manufacturing process significantly more efficient. Work has already started on the refurbishment and extension of the existing manufacturing bay which will house the panel lines.

UK Unveils Massive Type 31 Frigate Building Hall in Rosyth - DefPost

Work has begun on a huge hall for the Royal Navy’s next-generation Type 31 frigates – to build two ships side-by-side.

defpost.com

Huge Type 31 ship hall unveiled in Rosyth

Work has begun on a huge hall for the Royal Navy’s next-generation Type 31 frigates – to build two ships side-by-side.

www.royalnavy.mod.uk

 

[Isa Khan]

New ‘Inspiration Class’ Type-31 warships named​

The names of five next-generation Type-31 frigates for the Royal Navy have been announced by the First Sea Lord, Admiral Tony Radakin.​

Approved by HM The Queen, the vessels will be named HMS Active, HMS Bulldog, HMS Campbeltown, HMS Formidable and HMS Venturer.

Grouped together as the Inspiration Class, the names of the new vessels are drawn from former warships and submarines whose missions and history will inspire Royal Navy operations.

The names also represent the Royal Navy’s future vision: HMS Active signifies the forward deployment of Royal Navy ships to protect UK values and interests, whilst HMS Bulldog is focused on operational advantage in the North Atlantic.

HMS Campbeltown symbolises the ‘raiding from the sea’ focus of the Royal Marines’ Future Commando Force, HMS Formidable recognises the history of aircraft carrier strike operations and HMS Venturer promotes the navy’s technology and innovation forward-look.

First Sea Lord, Admiral Tony Radakin said:​

I welcome the announcement of the names of the Inspiration-class frigates. Each of the names has been chosen for evoking those values we strive for: cutting-edge technology, audacity and global operations.

They represent the best of Britain’s world-class shipbuilding heritage and will fly the flag for decades to come.

As announced by the Prime Minister last November, Defence has received an increase in funding of over £24-billion across the next four years, enabling our Armed Forces to adapt to meet future threats. As part of this, the Type-31 frigates will replace the five general-purpose Type-23 frigates currently in service with the Royal Navy. Expected to enter service by 2028, they will carry a crew of up to 105 and will be deployed on duties around the world, working alongside new Type-26 frigates dedicated to submarine detection operations.

Initially announced by the MOD in November 2019, the new vessels will be constructed by Babcock at its dockyard in Rosyth and the first steel cut is due to take place this summer.

Outlined in the recent Defence Command Paper, the MOD remains committed to delivering on new vessels for the Royal Navy. The Type-31 will form part of Royal Navy Integrated Force 2030 vision, as it becomes a threat-focussed service.

• HMS Active: Named after the Type 21 frigate HMS Active which served the Royal Navy from the late 1970s until the mid-1990s. As well as taking part in the operation to liberate the Falklands, supporting the final battles for Port Stanley, Active spent her career deployed in support of Britain’s Overseas Territories and global interests, from tackling drug traffickers to enforcing UN embargos and providing humanitarian aid in the aftermath of natural disasters.
• HMS Bulldog: Named after the destroyer which helped turn the tables in the Battle of the Atlantic thanks to the bravery of her boarding party. They searched stricken U-boat U110 in May 1941 and recovered the Germans’ ‘unbreakable’ coding machine, Enigma, plus codebooks. It gave Britain a vital intelligence lead at a key stage in the struggle to keep its Atlantic lifelines open.
• HMS Campbeltown: Named after the wartime destroyer which led the ‘greatest commando raid of all’: St Nazaire in France. In March 1942, the ship rammed the dock gates and hidden explosives aboard blew up, wreaking havoc in the port and denying its use to major German warships for the rest of WW2. The action epitomises the raiding ethos driving the Royal Marines’ Future Commando Force.
• HMS Formidable: Named after the WW2 carrier which epitomised carrier strike operations from Norway, through the Mediterranean to the Pacific. She survived kamikaze strikes and took the war to the Japanese mainland with Lieutenant Commander Robert Hampton Gray earning the last naval VC of the war for his daring sinking of a Japanese destroyer just six days before Tokyo surrendered.
• HMS Venturer: Named after the WW2 submarine which sank German U-boat U864 northwest of Bergen, Norway, on February 9 1945 – while both vessels were submerged. Venturer enjoyed a technological and intelligence advantage over her foe thanks to decoded messages indicating the enemy’s location and a superbly-trained crew who located and destroyed the U-boat. It was the first time one submarine had deliberately sunk another while submerged.

New ‘Inspiration Class’ Type-31 warships named

The names of five next-generation Type-31 frigates for the Royal Navy have been announced by the First Sea Lord, Admiral Tony Radakin.

www.gov.uk

 

[Isa Khan]

The UK Government is pushing to export the Type 31 Frigate to Greece, Poland and Indonesia.​

David Lockwood, Chief Executive Officer of Babcock International, spoke at a formal meeting of the Defence Committee with the topic of ‘The Navy: purpose and procurement‘.

Tobias Ellwood (Chair): No doubt. The “e” in Type 31e stands for export. That is still the same. Can I ask, David, how many are you exporting?

David Lockwood: We are not exporting, because we are only just in the position to start export campaigns. We are involved in five live export campaigns.

Tobias Ellwood (Chair): Can you share, or is it confidential?

David Lockwood: The obvious big one is Greece, because that is the one that has been most heavily supported by Government and the Navy, but also Indonesia and Poland. Those are the big three frontrunners.

We recently covered efforts in Greece where Babcock are offering the Arrowhead 140 General Purpose Frigate, the design the Type 31 Frigate is based on, to the Hellenic Navy.

According to an e-mail from the firm, a comprehensive programme of discussions were undertaken as Babcock reinforced the strengths of the offer made by the company and the UK Government to provide the Hellenic Navy with a Hydra Class upgrade programme, an interim frigate capability and four Babcock Arrowhead 140 frigates.

“The Arrowhead 140 has already been chosen by the UK Royal Navy for its Type 31 future frigate programme. The company is committed to supporting Greek industry to build and assemble the new frigates in Greece, reinvigorating the domestic supply chain, upgrading infrastructure, modernising domestic facilities, upskilling and growing local workforces and transferring knowledge and technology. Babcock officials have also been engaging with Greece-based companies interested in being part of its in-country supply chain and recently held a live online event in Athens, under the auspices of the Hellenic MoD Armaments Directorate.”

Type 31 Frigate export hopes to Greece, Poland & Indonesia

The UK Government and Babcock are pushing to export the Type 31 Frigate to Greece, Poland and Indonesia.

ukdefencejournal.org.uk

 

[Isa Khan]

 

[Isa Khan]

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1441024583268769796

 

[Isa Khan]

In welcome news, First Sea Lord Tony Radakin has stated that the Type 31 Frigates will be ‘fitted for but not with’ the MK41 VLS missile launcher should the warships be required to operate the new surface-to-surface missile system.​

During a session of the Defence Committee today, the First Sea Lord said:

“Part of the debate that we’re having is that it’s going to be ‘fitted for’ MK41 launchers but not ‘with’ at the moment. That starts to become part of our lethality debate, particularly around a surface-to-surface weapon and do we extend that programme to include the Type 31.”

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1455569884197367817

The interim surface-to-surface guided weapon will replace the Royal Navy’s existing Harpoon missile capability. The Royal Navy recently set the requirements for a Surface-to-Surface Guided Weapon “to ensure they maintain the ability to deter and defeat enemy warships”. A competition is now taking place and on current plans, subject to funding, it is expect bids will be made to provide a solution to SSGW, by mid-2021, you can read more about those plans here.

The Mk 41 Vertical Launching System is a modular, below deck sited, missile launcher system that makes use of silos to launch and store missiles. The UK intends to use it on the Type 26 Frigate.

We already knew that the Type 31 frigate would be equipped with the Sea Ceptor missile system and will be equipped with one Bofors 57mm Mk3 and two Bofors 40mm naval guns.

Jeremy Quin, Minister for Defence Procurement, stated recently in response to a written Parliamentary question:

“It is intended that the Type 31 frigate will be equipped with the Sea Ceptor missile system and will be equipped with one Bofors 57mm Mk3 and two Bofors 40mm naval guns, in addition to a range of highly advanced weapon and sensor systems.

These include a sophisticated combat system with 4D air and surface surveillance, target indication radar and the capability to operate a Merlin or Wildcat helicopter.”

Recently, Secretary of State for Defence Ben Wallace cut the first steel for the first of the Royal Navy’s five new Type 31 frigates, HMS Venturer.

Hosted at Babcock’s facility in Rosyth, Scotland, where the Type 31 ‘Inspiration class’ ships are being built, representatives from across UK and international industry and public service, witnessed the historic ceremony signalling the official start of the build programme alongside employees and representatives from the local community.

The event also saw Babcock’s new assembly hall named ‘The Venturer Building’ – paying homage to the first new class of frigates to be built in the facility.

Royal Navy looking to ‘increase lethality’ of Type 31 Frigates

The Type 31 Frigates will be 'fitted for but not with' the MK41 VLS missile launcher should the warships be required to operate the new surface-to-surface missile system.

ukdefencejournal.org.uk

 

[Isa Khan]

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1465662445796696074

 

[Isa Khan]

https://www.facebook.com/royalnavy/posts/379388230901254

 

[F-6 enthusiast]

Babcock Team 31 Selected As Preferred Bidder For UK Type 31 Frigate Programme​

Following a comprehensive competitive process, Arrowhead 140, a capable, adaptable and technology-enabled global frigate will be the UK Royal Navy’s newest class of warships, with the first ship scheduled for launch in 2023.


At its height the programme will maximise a workforce of around 1250 highly- skilled roles in multiple locations throughout the UK, with around 150 new technical apprenticeships likely to be developed. The work is expected to support an additional 1250 roles within the wider UK supply chain.

With Babcock’s Rosyth facility as the central integration site, the solution provides value for money and squarely supports the principles of the National Shipbuilding Strategy. It builds on the knowledge and expertise developed during the Queen Elizabeth aircraft carrier modular build programme.


The announcement follows a competitive design phase where Babcock Team 31 was chosen alongside two other consortia to respond to the UK MOD’s requirements.

Work on the fleet of five ships will begin immediately following formal contract award later this financial year, with detailed design work to start now and manufacture commencing in 2021 and concluding in 2027.




Arrowhead 140 will offer the Royal Navy a new class of ship with a proven ability to deliver a range of peacekeeping, humanitarian and warfighting capabilities whilst offering communities and supply chains throughout the UK a wide range of economic and employment opportunities.

A key element of the Type31 programme is to supply a design with the potential to secure a range of export orders thereby supporting the UK economy and UK jobs. Arrowhead 140 will offer export customers an unrivalled blend of price, capability and flexibility backed by the Royal Navy’s world-class experience and Babcock looks forward to working closely with DIT and MOD in this regard.


Arrowhead 140 is a multi-role frigate equipping today’s mariner with real-time data to support immediate and complex decision-making.

Babcock will now enter a period of detailed discussions with the MOD and supply chain prior to formal contract award expected later this year.

The frigate is engineered to minimise through-life costs whilst delivering a truly leading-edge ship, featuring an established, proven and exportable combat management system provided by Thales.

Babcock Team 31 selected as preferred bidder for UK Type 31 frigate programme - Naval News

Babcock Team 31 has been selected by the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) as the preferred bidder to deliver its new warships. Led by Babcock, the Aerospace and Defence company, and in partnership with the Thales Group, the T31 general purpose frigate programme will provide the UK Government with a...

www.navalnews.com

Thales To Provide Royal Navy With Advanced Mission Systems For Type 31 Frigates​

Thales, as part of Babcock Team 31, has been selected to deliver the digital heart of the UK’s next generation frigates. Thales will be the mission systems integrator for the Type 31 programme, delivering the combat system, communications systems and the navigation and bridge system.​

The Type 31 general purpose frigate programme will provide the UK Government with a fleet of five ships, with an in service date set for May 2027.
Thales as part of Babcock Team 31 has been selected to deliver the digital heart of the UK’s next generation frigates. The company will be providing:

TACTICOS combat management system.​

Based on a recognized fire control capability worldwide, TACTICOS combines Combat Operations and Maritime Security Operations in one CMS.


TACTICOS technology is used on board more than 160 ships (from small patrol craft to full-size frigates and destroyers) operated by 20 navies.


Thales is announcing the opening of a naval combat management centre of excellence in Crawley this will enable us to develop the TACTICOS naval combat management system. The Royal Navy will join the global community of 25 navies utilising the Thales Tacticos combat management system.

NS series radar & Mirador Mk2 electro optic​

The NS series is the latest family or E/F-band AESA radar Thales. The company is the first to introduce a family of E/F-band AESA radars based upon the Dual axis multi-beam processing. This results in significantly increased situational awareness to deal with newest threats in the littoral environment. The combination of Dual axis multi-beam and AESA technology in the NS series creates Multi-capability radar suitable for use across a wide range of naval ships

MIRADOR is a lightweight, compact, electro-optical multi-sensor.

The Thales MIRADOR is a surveillance, tracking and fire control system of a stealthy design, which will contribute to a ship’s effort to remain undetected. MIRADOR is designed for use on a wide range of platforms, from small patrol craft to large carriers, where it acts as an observation system and fire control director for distant optical investigation, as well as anti-surface and anti-air warfare.

Integrated communications systems (COMTICS & PARTNER-C) and integrated bridge and navigation systems​

PARTNER C is a new generation communications management system from Thales, built around an intuitive user interface. COMTICS is a multimedia communication device resembling a smartphone that allows naval personnel permanent shipboard mobility and connectivity with all types of military radios. It is the only product available on the market to offer shipboard on the move multimedia services in a secure environment => naval personnel will have unlimited mobile connectivity at sea thanks to Thales.

About Type 31 Frigate​

The Type 31 (Arrowhead 140) will offer the Royal Navy a new class of ship with a proven ability to deliver a range of peacekeeping, humanitarian and warfighting capabilities whilst offering communities and supply chains throughout the UK a wide range of economic and employment opportunities.


The frigates will be assembled at Babcock’s Rosyth facility, and involve supply chains throughout the UK, in line with the UK’s shipbuilding strategy.


Arrowhead 140 will offer the Royal Navy a new class of ship with a proven ability to deliver a range of peacekeeping, humanitarian and warfighting capabilities whilst offering communities and supply chains throughout the UK a wide range of economic and employment opportunities. Arrowhead 140 is based on the proven Iver Huitfeldt-class of frigate of the Royal Danish Navy, designed by OMT, and adapted to Royal Navy requirement by Babcock and BMT. Thales will supply the combat management system of the Type 31.

Thales to Provide Royal Navy with Advanced Mission Systems for Type 31 Frigates - Naval News

Thales, as part of Babcock Team 31, has been selected to deliver the digital heart of the UK’s next generation frigates. Thales will be the mission systems integrator for the Type 31 programme, delivering the combat system, communications systems and the navigation and bridge system.

www.navalnews.com

will be interesting to see if they are willing/able to accommodate Aster-30 (by introducing SYLVER A70 VLS) on this hull. Maybe even naval SCALP integration while they are at it.