Hi-Tech Weapons Handling System for New Aircraft Carriers
(September 1, 2008) -- The Royal Navy is to get a hi-tech system to automate and track the movement of large quantities of munitions on board its two new aircraft carriers, thanks to a multimillion pound investment by the MoD.
The system, that will help the crews manage the largest ships in the Royal Navy, is one of a GBP51M package of important equipment contracts for HM Ships Queen Elizabeth and Prince of Wales.
Contracts have been placed for:
- Manufacture and installation of the Highly Mechanised Weapons Handling System for the two ships, valued at GBP34M;
- Supply of uptakes and downtakes systems for both ships, valued at GBP8M;
- Development and supply of Air Traffic Control software valued at GBP5M;
- Wholeship Pump Integration, including supply of pumps and associated systems engineering valued at over GBP3M;
- Emergency Diesel Generators, valued at over GBP1M.
Minister for Defence Equipment and Support, Baroness Taylor said:
"An equipment programme of this scale has clear benefits not only to the Royal Navy and UK shipyards but to industry throughout the country. It truly is a national project. Defence Equipment and Support continues to work closely with industry to deliver the capabilities our Armed Forces need for now and the future."
MoD Defence Equipment and Support Director General Ships Rear Admiral Bob Love said:
"These contracts are the culmination of comprehensive design, engineering and commercial preparations completed earlier in the project. The Highly Mechanised Weapons Handling System is at the cutting edge of British engineering and will enable a crew of similar size to the current Invincible Class carriers to operate a vessel that is considerably larger. Its development and demonstration is an achievement of which we can be proud."
Source : UK MoD
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