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desider
April 2012 Issue 47
t h e m a g a z i n e f o r d e f e n c e e q u i p m e n t a n d s u p p o r t
Refuelling the Navy’s global reach
Why DE&S staff are probing a World War Two shipwreck See inside
Dockyard Helmet system Look smart, Packaging up Astute’s
transformation proves a hit be smart! welfare powerplay
FEATURES
17
Picture courtesy of BMT Defence Services
18 Recycling closes the final chapter
Recycling of the former Royal Navy aircraft carrier Invincible
has been completed by the Turkish contractors inside ten
months. Invincible left Portsmouth last spring for recycling
by the Turkish company Leyal Ship Recycling, one of Turkey's
leading ship recycling companies near Izmir on the Aegean
coast
20 DE&S probes secrets of the deep
Members of DE&S' Salvage and Marine Operations team will
be hard at work on the island of St Helena from later this
month examining the wreck of a tanker which was sunk by
a German U-boat during World War Two. RFA Darkdale was
the first British ship sunk south of the equator during the
war as she was hit by four torpedoes in the early hours of 22
October, 1941.
22
2012
Open procurement is the way forward
The Government's White Paper in February obliges DE&S
to seek out what the global market has to offer UK Forces cover image
in cutting edge, high quality kit, getting the best return for
Signing of the £452 million Military Afloat Reach and
april
the UK taxpayer. But British companies should not fear this Sustainability Tanker contract has been described
competition, says Minister for Defence Equipment, Support as a dream by officials of the company – Daewoo
and Technology Peter Luff Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering – who will be
building the ships in a yard in South Korea.
desider NEWS
Assistant Head, Public Relations:
Ralph Dunn - 9352 30257 or 0117 9130257 5 ‘Awesome’, says user of his kit
ralph.dunn562@mod.uk HMS Astute has returned to Clyde after her latest
set of trials with her commanding officer saluting
Deputy Editor: her 'awesome capability'
Steve Moore - 9352 30537 or 0117 9130537
stephen.moore544@mod.uk 6 Sentinel’s early return boosts capability
The first Sentinel surveillance aircraft has now been
Distribution Manager: brought up to the same standard as the rest of the
Dick Naughton - 9352 34342 or 0117 9134342 fleet to increase the RAF's ISTAR capability
dessec-corp-busmgr1a@mod.uk
8 Welfare to come neatly packaged
Advertising: A cabin to house telephones, welfare
Anthon Linton – Ten Alps Publishing, 1 New Oxford communications equipment and personal
Street, High Holborn, London WC1A 1NU computers on the front line has passed
Tel: +44 (0)20 7657 1819. transportable trials
Fax: +44 (0)207 7379 7155
anthon.linton@tenalps.com 11 Look smart, be smart
The crew of Type 45 destroyer HMS Daring is
trialling a new combat uniform while the ship is on
Insider
Printing: counter-piracy operations
13
Ship pioneers upgrade programme
HMS Chiddingfold is undergoing a mid-life
upgrade in Portsmouth, the first of class for this
desider is distributed free of charge to DE&S employees
and the equipment capability sponsor. Copies can also type of project
be made available to readers outside the MOD, including
those in the defence industries. While the editor takes
14 Now Prince of Wales takes a bow
care to ensure all material produced is accurate, no The bow section of Prince of Wales, the second of
liability can be accepted for errors or omissions. Views the new aircraft carriers, has been welcomed to
expressed in desider, and the products and services Rosyth where the ships are being assembled
advertised, are not necessarily endorsed by DE&S or the
MOD. All content for advertorials must be cleared by the 15 MOD means business, with Serco help
relevant MOD project team before publication. Serco has been announced as the commercial
partner to help improve business services in the
© Crown Copyright
MOD
This magazine is produced on Cocoon 16 Announcing your arrival
Silk 90gsm which contains 50 per UK troops will soon be equipped with new
cent recycled and de-inked pulp from loudhailers to communicate more clearly with local
post consumer waste and Forest people in operational areas
Stewardship Council certified material
from well-managed forests.
Bernard Gray
Olympic air
Chief of Defence Materiel security is
‘The Materiel Strategy Interim put to the test
Structure will rebalance resources UK Armed Forces aircraft and
to achieve the manpower reductions personnel took part in the latest training
we have to make while enabling us exercise for their vital role providing air
security for the Olympic Games.
to continue to operate effectively’ Exercise Taurus Mountain 3 put
airmen, soldiers and sailors through
their paces in the skies over north
Yorkshire, detecting and intercepting
aircraft that intrude into restricted
airspace.
The Air Security Plan for the
I know you will be well aware that for new Royal Fleet Auxiliary Olympic Games builds on the RAF’s
work on The Materiel Strategy is tankers. existing defence of UK airspace.
continuing to go forward, as we This project fits in well The exercise integrated additional
develop and flesh out the options with the recently published forces to ensure the safety of the
for the future management of White Paper ‘National Security Olympics. These included RAF Puma
DE&S. This work is focusing on Through Technology’ in which aircraft together with Royal Navy and
the options for increasing the role the Government’s preference for Army Lynx helicopters carrying teams
of the private sector in DE&S, as fulfilling the UK’s defence and of RAF Regiment snipers to intercept
set out by the Secretary of State security requirements through aircraft in restricted airspace, and
in his statement to Parliament open competition in the domestic airborne surveillance aircraft including
Royal Navy Sea King and RAF E-3D
on Defence Transformation on and global market was clearly
Sentry aircraft.
1 March. These options will be set out.
On the ground, the RAF is providing
developed and tested further in The plan to buy an eighth C-17 additional mobile ground radar
the coming months, and I will was announced by the Prime systems, while the Army is deploying
update you as thinking matures. Minister on 8 February and the air observers and Rapier and Starstreak
I’ve spoken at a recent C-17 negotiating team was in missile systems.
town hall briefing about our the US within days to agree the Military activity, including the Air
work on The Materiel Strategy final terms and conditions. Due Security Plan, supports the overall
Interim Structure. This work to their hard work – which built police operation, so the exercise was a
will rebalance resources to upon a commendable amount of chance for police and military to learn
achieve, in a coherent way, the preliminary work undertaken more about how the other operates.
manpower reductions we have over the Christmas period – we Air Commodore Gary Waterfall, the
to make as part of the Strategic were able to have the contract Deputy Air Component Commander,
Defence and Security Review, signed and agreed with the said: “While there is no specific threat
while enabling us to continue to delivery date of the aircraft to the Games, we have to be ready for
operate effectively. As this work finalised within a month of the whatever occurs and play our part in
continues, you will be kept fully Prime Minister’s announcement. what will be a safe and secure Olympics
for all to enjoy.
informed. This is a prime example of
“Our multi-layered security plan
Alongside these pieces of a pure Military Off The Shelf means we have a range of responses
work, the constant focus of (MOTS) purchase. In this case available to us, ensuring we can deal
DE&S on the support of current we have contracted for a US appropriately with anything from
and future operations continues Air Force (USAF) aircraft in the redirecting an aircraft that may have
unchanged. I was very pleased very final stages of production, strayed into restricted airspace to
to see progress last month on thereby achieving an early preventing an attack.”
two very important equipment delivery date. In turn we pay for a
programmes – those for four USAF replacement aircraft at the Armed Forces units taking part in the
Military Afloat Reach and end of the production line. exercise included:
Sustainability (MARS) Tankers The fact that RAF C-17 aircraft o Typhoon jets from RAF Coningsby.
and for the eighth C-17 transport maintain strict configuration o Puma helicopters from RAF Benson with
aircraft. commonality with their USAF sniper teams from the RAF Regiment at RAF
They represent two very counterparts is a key enabler Honington.
different types of contracting, in delivering such agile o Royal Navy Lynx helicopters from RNAS
Yeovilton.
but both may be helpful pointers procurement to meet urgent o Royal Navy Sea King ASaC helicopters
towards some of the work operational needs. Procuring from RNAS Culdrose.
that DE&S may be doing in the C-17 on a pure MOTS basis also o Grob Tutor aircraft from RAF Leeming.
future. One was an international delivers a range of other benefits o Sentry E-3D aircraft from RAF
competition and the other was an including huge economies of Waddington, Lincolnshire.
o Air Surveillance and Control System
off-the-shelf purchase. scale in support by leveraging (ground-based radar), from RAF Boulmer.
For the MARS Tankers, off the very large USAF C-17 o 1 Air Control Centre (ground-based
the Afloat Support team ran a programme. Finally, our huge radar), from RAF Scampton.
demanding competition involving thanks go to the USAF for helping o Joint Ground-Based Air Defence (missile
systems), of 16 Regiment Royal Artillery,
shipbuilders in Europe and Asia us to procure the eighth C-17 in from North Luffenham.
and secured an excellent deal such an aggressive timescale.
news 5
‘An awesome NEWSREEL
Homecoming: HMS Astute on
the final leg of her return to
Clyde on 1 March
Last aircraft
piece of kit’
at St Athan
The last RAF aircraft
to be repaired at
St Athan in south
Wales has flown out,
Commander’s verdict on ending 75 years of
maintenance at the
Astute trials voyage site. A VC10 left St
Athan on Thursday
23 February en
route to RAF Brize
Norton. St Athan’s
history as an aircraft
maintenance base
dates back to 1938.
Engines
milestones
The 300th EJ200
engine to be built
at the Rolls-Royce
facility in Bristol
has been delivered
to BAE Systems
HMS Astute has returned to Report: Alan Dignon are beginning to look beyond
and the company
Clyde after her most important those problems and see the
has also delivered
series of sea trials so far − with promise. the 500th Tranche
her commander saluting her 16,400 miles. Commanding “We fired off four 2 standard engine
‘awesome’ capability. Officer, Commander Iain Tomahawks, aimed at a corner on behalf of the
The first-of-class submarine Breckenridge, said: “We are of Eglin Air Force Base to test Eurojet consortium.
spent 77 days at sea, 65 looking forward now to a bright for accuracy, and we fired six Both engines will
alongside, and was inspected future – this is a submarine of Spearfish torpedoes, including power Typhoons in
by 18 stars-worth of American tremendous capability.” the first salvo firing by a British the Royal Saudi Air
Force.
and British naval authority – On the deployment, where submarine for 15 years.
including the First Sea Lord and Astute visited the US Naval “Our sonar is fantastic and I
America’s naval equivalent, the Base in King’s Bay, Georgia, have never before experienced Handover
Chief of Naval Operations. Commander Breckenridge said: holding a submarine at the
Marshall Land
She ‘battled’ against USS “We met and surpassed every range we were. This is the future Systems has handed
New Mexico, America’s newest expectation. She is simply better – Astute is on its way. She is one over to the MOD the
and best Virginia class hunter than any other submarine I have awesome piece of kit.” first truly deployable
attack submarine. She deep ever been on. The 7,400-tonne submarine CT scanner, a
dived, fired her Tomahawk Land “She is still on trial and will stay at Clyde for Philips Brilliance 64
Attack Missiles, and over the is first-of-class which always maintenance before returning CT. The handover
was attended by
course of the deployment sailed brings its own problems but we to sea for more trials.
Brigadier Jon
Brittain, Head
of Capability
Expeditionary
Body armour plate proves just the job
Logistic Support, Sir
Michael Marshall,
Chairman of the
Marshall Group,
and representatives
A British soldier who was ground,” he said. “When of DE&S and the
shot in the back during a we got to a safe compound Surgeon General’s
firefight in Helmand Province I checked my body armour Department.
shrugged off the impact, and found the bullet had gone
swapped his damaged armour through my day-sack and into Sentry value
plate for a new one and carried my back plate. I was pretty
on with the mission. relieved, and felt a bit light- Sentry, the UK’s
Trooper Daniel Griffiths, headed.” Airborne Early
left, from 1st Battalion, The He later swapped the Warning (AEW) and
Control aircraft,
Queen’s Dragoon Guards was damaged plate for a new one
forms part of the
shot by insurgents on the edge before carrying on with the UK’s contribution to
of the Nad-e Ali district. mission. Nato and the six UK
As British soldiers returned Major Justin Stenhouse, aircraft generate
fire Trooper Griffiths, 23, was Queen’s Dragoon Guards, 25 per cent of the
hit in the back by a round in added: “This action total Nato AEW
the middle of his body armour demonstrates individual Force, Armed Forces
Minister Nick Harvey
plate. courage but is also testament
has told Parliament.
“It felt like a sledgehammer to the high-quality equipment
blow and knocked me to the issued to those on operations.”
6 news
NEWSREEL Logistic upgrade makes further progress
Training deal
renewed The single logistic system which gives global proves the processes required for the upgrade to
visibility of defence assets wherever they are Release 5 later this year and gives a huge degree of
FB Heliservices’ managed has moved on another step. confidence for future upgrades.
£193 million An upgrade from Release 3 to Release 4 of the Cdr Phil Waterhouse, MJDI Project Manager,
four-year contract Management of the Joint Deployed Inventory (MJDI) said: “This marks a significant step forward for
plus two possible opens more functionality to users. MJDI and brings the much-needed improvements
one-year extensions It also increases the amount of current and in the way defence stock is managed even nearer to
began on 1 April to historical information on stock availablity and its full capacity.
continue helicopter usage to all who have access. “The project team and suppliers deserve
flying training at It is the first time the system – which reaches praise for the success of this highly complex and
RAF Shawbury, full operating capability at the end of this month – challenging project.”
RAF Valley and has been upgraded incrementally. MJDI begins the challenge of rolling out to HQ
AAC Middle Wallop, It was achieved seamlessly, a major fillip to Army and HQ Navy ships and submarines in the
together with suppliers and its DE&S project team alike. It also next few months.
support services
at Shawbury and
Helmet system a hit
Middle Wallop.
The contract
continues Defence
Helicopter Flying
with Tornado crews
School support
which FBS and FB
Heliservices have
delivered for the last
15 years. Training
will continue
using Eurocopter A new helmet-mounted system
Squirrel and Bell to help RAF Tornado pilots
Griffin helicopters,
upgraded with identify friendly forces is proving
new technology. successful in Afghanistan.
FB Heliservices is The system, delivered by
owned by Bristow BAE Systems as an Urgent
Helicopters and Operational Requirement,
Cobham Aviation. projects information in front of
the pilot’s eye allowing instant
Fusion team assessment of points of interest.
The technology can save vital
Fusion Air Traffic seconds and lives in the theatre
Management has
of war.
added BT, Moog
Fernau, Park The request for the fitting of a
Air Systems and Tornado Helmet Mounted Cueing
Frequentis to its System (HMCS) onto the RAF’s
team bidding for Tornado GR4 fleet came last April.
Project Marshall to The system is now operational
provide air traffic on aircraft in Afghanistan with
control for all MOD Above: Gp Capt Mike Smith joins representatives of the DE&S
air stations and air
positive feedback from pilots. team and Raytheon UK alongside ZJ690
weapon ranges in Wing Commander Kurt Hill,
the UK and overseas.
Fusion also includes
Lockheed Martin,
Tornado Capability Manager
with DE&S’ Fast Air Support
team, said: “The Tornado
Sentinel’s early return
Finmeccanica
company Selex
Systems Integration
HMCS capability has greatly
enhanced the crew's situational
boosts fleet capability
awareness and resource
and Cobham.
management, enabling the rapid Sentinel team leader Group Captain Mike Smith has welcomed
identification of points of interest back ZJ690 to the fleet ahead of schedule at RAF Waddington after
dstl support in the homogeneous Afghan final modifications.
environment.” The surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft, the first to be
Engineering delivered under the ASTOR (Airborne Stand-off Radar) contract
consultancy Frazer- Martin Taylor, BAE Systems’
Combat Air Support Director, in 2008, was employed on early development but lacked the
Nash has been modifications.
appointed to support added: “We are delighted with the Now brought up to the same standard as the other four in the
the Defence Science positive feedback from the RAF fleet, ZJ690 can play a full part and will help boost the fleet’s ability
and Technology crews who have used the HMCS to conduct concurrent operations which it did recently in Afghanistan
Laboratory’s and Libya.
on Tornado in Afghanistan.
(Dstl) five-year Sentinel prime contractor Raytheon UK delivered ZJ690 back to
‘RAMD’ (reliability, The speed at which the system
was developed and deployed the RAF in January, under the original baseline cost and earlier than
availability, the 90 per cent schedule date of the end of last month.
maintainability and demonstrates our ability to
The aircraft deployed on Operation Herrick less than two weeks
durability) research respond effectively to customer after being accepted back into service at RAF Waddington and
programme requirements. performed faultlessly on its first mission over Afghanistan.
to improve “Over the coming months, DE&S’ Head of Air ISTAR Air Commodore Peter Ewen said: “I am
management and delighted to see ZJ690 returned to the front line ahead of schedule.
we will continue to work with
sustainability of The project team has worked closely with the Raytheon team and the
combat and logistic the customer, to provide the
capability across the wider early return of this aircraft gives the Front Line Commands a much
vehicles. more robust ISTAR capability to support operations in Afghanistan.”
Tornado fleet.”
Our UK employees are proud to provide
kit for Britain’s armed forces. We design,
manufacture and maintain fighter jets,
armoured vehicles and naval vessels
including the Typhoon aircraft, Scimitar
light tanks and the Astute Class of
submarine. But we’re prouder still of the
contribution and sacrifices made by our
armed forces every day. Thank you.
REAL PRIDE. REAL ADVANTAGE.
8 news
NEWSREEL
Land lands
Front-line welfare now
at Abbey Wood
Defence Science
and Technology
comes neatly packaged
Laboratory (Dstl)
is hosting a Land
and Joint Logistics
roadshow in A cabin to house telephones,
Neighbourhood 2, communications equipment and
Abbey Wood on 16 personal computers for front
May. It will showcase line personnel to keep in touch
work under the Chief with their families has passed
Scientific Adviser’s transportable trials.
Land research
programme. DE&S The FAST cabin
staff will be able to (flexible, agile, scalable and
discuss capability transportable) includes satellite
with colleagues communications, a generator
from Dstl. For more and air conditioning in one
information contact portable self-sufficient ISO-style
William Suttie, container.
Science Gateway Brize prize:
on 07748 181147 It will form part of the the FAST
or DESLESCG-TL@ WelComeE project, helping cabin can be
mod.uk families to keep in contact while safely carried
loved ones are deployed. by an RAF
Trials were run by RAF Chinook
Arresting kit Brize Norton’s Joint Air Delivery
Test and Evaluation Unit in
Marshall partnerhip with contractor
Aerospace has Paradigm and DE&S’ Networks
commissioned two team.
Rotary Hydraulic
The cabin can be deployed
Arrestor Gear
systems at Camp within 60 minutes. Final
Bastion following adjustments will be made after
the opening of a user trials in Cyprus.
new runway last Flt Lt Andy Wilson of the
year. Systems are Networks team said: “I was very
fitted at major impressed with the way the
RAF bases to slow
joint team ensured the FAST
down fast jets in an
emergency landing. cabin passed fixed and rotary flexible capabilities to theatre; relationship between MOD and
Two drum-wound wing trials. Lessons learned this will give Joint Force Support industry in existence throughout
belts tension a steel in creating this technology the capabilities they need to the trials phase.”
cable that spans the demonstrator should mean a provide high quality welfare WelComE’s communications
runway for landing much smoother introduction into services, while gaining the best package for service personnel
aircraft to hook onto service of the production model, value for defence.” currently comprises 30 minutes
at speeds of around
120 knots. Work at
planned for later this year. Martin Weeks, Paradigm’s publicly-funded call time per
Camp Bastion was “The cabin is the final piece project manager, added: “To person per week, with a top-
undertaken at the in the technology upgrade obtain this approval within up service available, as well as
request of DE&S’ Air programme that we have been three months is an excellent round-the-clock internet access
Commodities team. working on over the past two achievement and has been and a Wi-Fi-based messaging
years to deliver more agile and testament to the close working service called Wi-Lite.
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10 news
A400M – fit
for a king
The A400M transport is an aircraft fit for a king. Spain’s
Juan Carlos has become the first head of state to fly
in the Airbus Military future airlifter which is being
assembled in Seville.
With Airbus chief military test pilot Ed Strongman
and experimental test pilot Ignacio Lombo the King
made a flight of around 40 minutes from the Torrejon
base near Madrid.
During the flight the King, who is a qualified military
pilot, took control for 20 minutes at around 10,000 feet
and performed a series of manoeuvres including turns
and simulated delivery of humanitarian supplies.
Achieving new When it comes to the nation’s security, you
need outstanding engineering partners with
the highest levels of experience, integrity
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BMT has all these, which is why we’ve worked with
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provide you with a watertight business case,
ongoing support and valuable peace of mind.
So when you decide to work with BMT, you’ll be
putting together a highly successful partnership.
email our submarine specialist Ian Parker
at iparker@bmtdsl.co.uk or visit
www.bmtdsl.co.uk
BMT half page_DESider_Subs_April2012.indd 1 08/03/12 11:19:33news 11
Look smart, be smart NEWSREEL
Ellamy’s Italy
– Daring crew
road costs
Estimated costs
of transporting
trials uniforms
supplies and
materials by road
to Italy by military
vehicles during
Operation Ellamy
last year was about
£1.6 million, Armed
A new combat uniform for the Royal Navy is being
Forces Minister Nick
trialled by the ship’s company of HMS Daring while Harvey has revealed.
on counter-piracy operations in the Arabian Gulf. There were around
Sailors on board the Type 45 destroyer are now 400 moves by
wearing a specially-designed dark blue kit in place 2 Mechanical
of the Royal Navy’s traditional light blue outfit Transport Squadron
known as the Number 4 dress. This is the first new to Trapani and
Gioia Dell Colle
uniform to be worn by sailors on operations for 20
and additional road
years. moves by contracted
The new kit, pictured right, is designed to commercial
be more versatile and adaptable to the different carriers. Typical
weather the Navy encounters around the globe. cost per vehicle
Each sailor on board HMS Daring has been was around £2,000
issued multiple layers including a t-shirt, shirt, for fuel, £650 for
road tolls, £300 for
thermal fleece and windproof jacket, all in the new
accommodation
darker colour. The trousers have slanted pockets and other personal
on the legs so it is easier to use them when sitting “The boots costs for drivers
down. are very comfortable as and about £500
The whole uniform has been designed to make well, especially for people who are stood for Eurotunnel
it easier to get dressed quickly – something that is on their feet all day and with the zip it makes it costs. At the height
essential for those on board who may have to be easier to just pull them on and off.” of operations
around 100 hire
woken in the event of an incident. The boots have The Royal Navy emblem worn on the upper vehicles were used
zips as well as laces and the collar can be turned arm with the ship's badge emblazoned on the other to support 900
up and fastened instantly with Velcro rather than also makes the wearers instantly recognisable personnel.
fiddling with buttons. as RN personnel. Rank badges are worn at the
“So far the reaction on board the ship has been front rather than on the shoulders to ensure an
very positive,” said Lieutenant Commander Ben individual is instantly identifiable. On guard
Hughes, HMS Daring’s Logistics Officer. “People Similar trials of the new uniform are due to take
were initially apprehensive but it is a very practical place on the Type 23 Frigate HMS Westminster The MOD’s Police
uniform that looks much more modern. and the Trafalgar class submarine HMS Talent. and Guarding
Agency ceased
to have executive
agency status on 1
T45 No 5 is
Defender DEFENDER, the fifth Type 45
heads out April, in the latest
destroyer, is on her second and defence reform. The
of Glasgow final stage of sea trials off Scotland separate elements
back on trial ahead of handover to the Royal
Navy later this year.
of the MOD Police
and the Guarding
service will continue
Trials will include final testing
within the MOD,
of the ship’s power and propulsion,
collocated and
combat systems, navigational and under command
communications equipment. of the MOD Chief
The ship’s Senior Naval Officer, Constable. This
Commander Nicholas Boyd, said: is expected to
“The second set of sea trials marks save £140,000 on
another milestone in the life of administration,
Defence Under-
the ship and her company as we
secretary Andrew
prepare to join the fleet. Rowbathan
“We are looking forward announced in
to operating her sophisticated Parliament at the
equipment and systems during end of February.
Scientists keep close eye on Dragon trials and beyond, putting our
experience and training into
practice.” Jon on move
Dragon – the fourth Type 45 destroyer – fired her decoy flares for the Paul Rafferty, Type 45
first time during her latest trials. Jon Day, the 2nd
The Portsmouth-based warship used the ranges off Portland Bill, Programme Director at BAE
Systems, said: “The trials Permanent Under-
with a team from the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) secretary at the
ashore monitoring the destroyer’s radar cross-section and infra-red demonstrate progress and MOD is the new
characteristics as she fired off the flares. provide an opportunity to prove chairman of the
The distinctive angular nature of the Daring class is designed to her outstanding capability in Joint Intelligence
minimise the ‘blip’ the ships produce on an enemy radar screen and preparation for Acceptance off Committee.
suggest that, instead of an 7,500-tonne warship bristling with weaponry,
Contract in July.”
the target is an innocuous smaller vessel.12 news
MOD to urge
investment Business must make
most of French tie-up
from overseas
Overseas-based
suppliers are being
encouraged to invest in the
UK’s defence and security
sector through a new The UK’s smaller companies
Industrial Engagement
Policy.
have a vital role in developing Minister’s
the defence sector.
The MOD will
encourage participating
As the lifeblood of the messages
companies to:
• see the UK as a
defence industry they are
uniquely placed to influence to industry
prime location to engage in front-line technology.
research and development, Minister for Defence
investment and technology Equipment, Support and
transfer; Technology Peter Luff, pictured
• extend opportunities
right, addressed delegates at the
for UK companies to
become part of their supply NDI Conference on the role small
chain; and and medium-sized enterprises
• engage specifically (SMEs) play in developing new
with SMEs in these technologies.
activities and, where The two-day conference
possible, provide advice in Bristol last month, entitled
to enhance SMEs’
‘Building for Growth’, focused
opportunities to succeed in
the market place. on business opportunities in
defence, security, aerospace and
These activities will space.
also underpin promotion Mr Luff said: “SMEs are the
of UK defence and security lifeblood of any industry, but
exports. this is especially true in defence.
The new policy will
They have the agility to exploit
be implemented by the
UKTI Defence and Security new technologies, the niche
Organisation – Industrial capabilities to develop it and of
Engagement Unit who will course are cost effective.
draw up agreements with “They have a vital role to play
overseas-based suppliers in ensuring that our forces have
for engaging with UK the best support, at the right UK industry
industry. has nothing
price for the British tax payer.”
Annual reports will
provide Peter Luff, Minister He added: “We must spend on to fear from
for Defence Equipment, science and technology. We’ve competition –
Support and Technology, set the base line at 1.2 per cent of
with a consolidated total defence budget, currently
pages 22
overview of how suppliers equivalent to £400 million per and 23
interact with the UK’s annum. But I’m hoping it will be
defence and security sector
and how they support and possible to increase this as part
enhance the UK’s defence of the equipment programme.”
and security capabilities. Mr Luff also commented European spend on defence and “The treaty will open up
Mr Luff said: “We have on the UK-France Defence and by working together we are able greater opportunities for
had long and successful Security Co-operation Treaty, to maximise our purchasing SMEs. It’s important that UK
relationships with our and the business opportunities power, operational capabilities businesses make the most of it.
overseas based suppliers it opens up for UK companies. and sustain a strong industrial The relationship is here to stay
and I believe they will
continue to see the benefits “France and the UK presence that will underpin and I want all of you to be a part
of our new Industrial represent half the total both our and France’s security. of it.”
Engagement Policy and
will want to be seen to
Pen put to paper on RAF’s eighth C-17
continue their significant
and valued contributions
to our vibrant defence and
security sector. The RAF’s eighth C-17 strategic transport aircraft were initially acquired under a lease agreement with
“Our new approach – detailed in desider last month – is now undergoing Boeing before being purchased outright in 2008, with
will highlight the UK’s final production testing. orders subsequently placed for new-build fifth, sixth
unique environment for The contract was signed with Boeing on 9 March. and seventh C-17 aircraft.
investment by overseas- The aircraft is expected to enter service with the The UK fleet has logged more than 60,000 flight
based suppliers and RAF this July. hours since service entry, predominantly supporting
ensure that their future Announced by Prime Minister David Cameron UK operations but also providing humanitarian
engagement is fully on 8 February, the purchase represents a significant and disaster-relief missions and contingent airlift
recognised and targeted uplift in the UK C-17 fleet. capability for the nation’s Joint Rapid Reaction
more effectively in The aircraft plays a vital role in sustaining the Force.
support of the priorities UK’s ‘Air Bridge’ into Afghanistan. Under the MOD’s Future Force 2020 an eight-
this Government has Seven C-17s are already flown by the service’s strong C-17 fleet is complementary to A400M
outlined in its recent 99 Squadron from RAF Brize Norton, Oxfordshire. deliveries to the RAF.
‘National Security Through Last May the RAF marked completion of its first The UK operates the second-largest fleet of
Technology’ White Paper”. decade of operations with the C-17. The first four C-17s, behind the US Air Force.news 13
Victory sails off into new hands
The Royal Navy’s oldest commissioned the First Sea Lord. Second Sea Lord,
warship – currently at the start of a Vice-Admiral Charles Montgomery, said:
ten-year refurbishment under a DE&S “I am absolutely delighted with this
contract – is to be transferred from the initiative. It will significantly enhance the
MOD to a charitable trust. way in which Victory can be preserved
HMS Victory, at the Historic Dockyard for the benefit of the nation and future
in Portsmouth, will now be maintained generations, while retaining her links
by the HMS Victory Preservation Trust, with the Royal Navy.
part of the National Museum of the Royal “She will be in the hands of an
Navy. At the same time a £25million organisation which will look after her
capital grant has been announced to unique status and has all the professional
support the new Trust by the Gosling experience that her continued and
Foundation. The MOD has matched this enhanced preservation requires.”
with another £25 million. The new charity will also assume
HMS Victory will continue as a responsibility for the refurbishment
commissioned warship under her work of BAE Systems which was last
commanding officer and ship’s company year awarded the £16 million contract
and will remain as the flagship of the to restore the ship – the most in-depth
Second Sea Lord until, as previously transformation since her return from the
planned, she is made the flagship of Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. New dawn: for HMS Victory
Ship pioneers upgrade Northwood
hosts new
programme command
The Joint Forces
Command was due
to be launched on 2
April in a ceremony
at the Northwood
headquarters.
It has been
established to
ensure that a
range of vital
joint enabling
capabilities,
functions and
organisations –
such as medical
services, training
and education,
intelligence,
and cyber – are
organised and
managed effectively
New engines mark and efficiently.
It will work
a major milestone alongside the single
services to deliver
joint enabling
capabilities to
Ready and waiting: Chiddingfold is all set to receive her new engines support success on
operations.
Over the next
Two new engines have been the lives of the eight ships, engined Hunt class minehunters
year, the Command
fitted, marking a milestone maintaining their position as and we are looking forward to will assume the full
in the year-long upgrade of a some of the most capable mine putting this new system through range of its planned
Portsmouth minehunter. countermeasures vessels in the its paces later this year to find responsibilities
HMS Chiddingfold has seen world. out exactly how the ship will for current
her Rolls-Royce Deltics – which Work on Chiddingfold started perform.” operations, future
have been used in many of the in January with the removal of New gearboxes and propellers contingencies, and
for the longer term.
Royal Navy’s smaller warships two sections of deck to allow and an upgrade to the hydraulic It will reach Full
for years – replaced by Caterpillar access to the bowels of the ship. bow thruster system are also part Operating Capability
C32 Acert engines. With the engine room fully of the upgrade. by next April.
The work is part of a major prepared, the new engines were BAE Systems project manager For more
mid-life upgrade to the Navy’s carefully craned into the ship and Mark Draper said: “Chiddingfold information visit
eight Hunt class minehunters onto their new mounts. is the first of class for this project the JFC intranet
being carried out by BAE Systems Lieutenant Peter Davis, the and we are learning a lot. The site, http://
defenceintranet.
in Portsmouth. ship’s executive officer, said: engine installation is a real diiweb.r.mil.uk/
The programme will extend “Chiddingfold is the first of the re- milestone.” defenceintranet/jfc14 news
Now Prince of Wales takes to the waves
Aircraft Carrier Alliance workers at Rosyth have welcomed
the 400-tonne lower bow section of the second Queen Elizabeth
class aircraft carrier, which is to be assembled at Babcock’s
dockyard.
The bulbous bow, which is made up of two modules and will
form part of Prince of Wales, sailed under the Forth bridges,
above, on 15 March on a sea-going barge, to complete its voyage
from Babcock’s sister facility in Appledore, north Devon, left.
The ship is being constructed at yards around the UK and
each block will be transported to Rosyth for final assembly in the
Number One Dock. The bow is pictured, right, next to that of the
first
MSV Desider advert march 2012_Layout carrier, Queen
1 15/03/2012 Elizabeth.
16:58 Page 1
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Agility
www.marshall-ls.com
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Quality
+4
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Integrity
Protected Workspaces
Integrated Workspaces
Deployable Workspaces
Infrastructure Workspaces
Ground Station Workspaces
Customer Support
Marshall Specialist Vehicles Ltd
The Airport, Newmarket Road, Cambridge CB5 8RX
Tel: +44 (0) 1223 373737 Fax: +44 (0) 1223 373147
info@marshall-ls.com A Marshall Land Systems Companynews 15
Corsham kick-starts hunt NEWSREEL
Systems up
to find a ‘Big 5’ partner in numbers
UK machine gun
maker Manroy will
supply UK Forces
What may prove to be
with blank firing
the biggest information and systems (BFS), tow
communications technology bars and tripods
(ICT) services acquisition change in a £1.1 million
programme in Europe – based contract. Manroy
at DE&S’ Information Systems will provide 295 BFS
and Services HQ in Corsham – for training, taking
the total number
has advertised for a Strategic of BFS sold to the
Partner. MOD by Manroy to
Defence Core Network 363. Manroy owns
Services (DCNS) is the the intellectual
programme to deliver better property rights for
integrated end-to-end ICT the 0.5” calibre
services with greater agility at Heavy Machine
Gun Blank Firing
less cost. System, including
It is a step-change for the ISS the ammunition,
Operating Centre that leads on and last May signed
ICT services for the MOD. a £4.1m, five-year
The initiative will see continuation to an
replacement services for existing contract to
Merlin tests out landing area
ISS’ ‘Big 5’ supply contracts supply the MOD with
blank ammunition.
(Defence Electronic
Commerce Services, Defence
Fixed Telecommunications A Merlin helicopter from RAF Benson is pictured, above, paying a Mat Strat
Service, Defence Information flying visit to Corsham.
The visit on 2 March was to conduct a reconnaissance of the new LFE
Infrastructure, Defence High
landing area on the sports pitches and to discover the best way to
Frequency Communications approach the area by air. Major-General
Services, and Skynet Satellite As the ground is still settling the helicopter was unable to land, but Chris Deverell,
Communications), and also instead hovered in place to check for unexpected turbulence. The new Director Materiel
changes the way the organisation landing area is expected to be available from October. Strategy at DE&S,
goes to market for those services, will speak at a
Learning From
together with potential changes
Experience seminar
to ISS’ structure. partner is to be in place by the maintain and improve day-to- on phase one work
Early engagement of a end of June. day functionality, while driving of the Materiel
Strategic Partner is one of a Programme Director down costs. Our answer to Strategy on Tuesday
range of measures to better Commodore Jamie Hay this challenge is the DCNS 17 April from 2-3pm
manage the risk of transition to said: “Telephones, personal programme.” in the lecture
new contracts for ICT services. computers, office automation and DCNS is re-defining theatre at Abbey
Wood. Bookings
The DCNS Strategic Partner access to necessary applications acquisition of ICT services
through the Abbey
will work within ISS and provide are taken for granted by today’s against a challenging economy, Wood events
support and advice. workforce and, like many homes a dynamic marketplace and booking system.
They will build on the and businesses, the MOD buys changing needs of users.
strategies, plans and approach in these services from specialist It comprises four elements: the
during the DCNS programme providers and has contracts with Services Portfolio, Target Supply Air harmony
design, developing the organisations like BT and the Chain Model, Target Operating
implementation while de-risking Atlas consortium. Model and Delivery Programme, Engineering
outcomes and benefits. “Our ‘Big 5’ service supply covered in the DCNS factpack consultancy Frazer-
More than 150 representatives contracts come to an end and the programme director’s Nash, working
with Marshall
from 83 companies visited from 2013, so ISS must secure blogs available on the Defence
Aerospace, has been
Corsham on 12-13 March. A these services, and more, to Intranet. awarded a contract
by the European
MOD means business – with Serco help Defence Agency
(EDA) to produce a
harmonised set of
European military
Serco will be the commercial Serco will work with DBS, which Savings are expected to be around airworthiness
partner to help improve business will continue to be part of the MOD, £71 million during the contract. certification criteria.
services in the MOD. to turn the organisation into an Mr Hammond said: “The new A harmonised set
Defence Secretary Philip efficient shared services centre Serco management team have of standards and
Hammond announced the Defence which builds on private sector best first-hand experience of making requirements aims
Business Services Management practice. similar changes in the wider public to reduce duplication
Contract as part of a long-term The value of the four-year and private sector, improving across countries,
programme to transform the way contract is around £36 million with performance through innovation. cut initial aircraft
corporate services are provided. an option to extend for another year. “We are committed to procurement costs
Defence Business Services It is based on a zero working with Serco to make this and, potentially,
(DBS) stood up last July and management fee with all Serco’s transformation a success and to through-life costs.
provides human resources, finance, earnings performance-related. deliver savings which will allow
information and vetting to all areas Serco will be incentivised to drive more resources to be made
of the MOD. down costs and deliver efficiencies. available to the front line.”16 news
Calling all villagers!
New loudhailers will help UK troops get
their message across
– loud and clear
UK troops will soon be equipped with new loudhailers to
communicate more clearly with local people in operational areas.
STG Media Systems of north London has been awarded a
£48,000 contract by the Intelligence and Information Solutions team
– in DE&S’ ISTAR (intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and
reconnaissance) operating centre – to supply its latest ultra-lightweight
Mega-Voice public address system, pictured left.
It is battery operated, robust and has a range of up to 1,500 metres.
It will allow patrolling troops, particularly on operations in Afghanistan,
to announce their arrival to local villagers, provide reassurance and
Above: a UK patrol invite people to meetings.
passes a market in The system is lighter, smaller, louder and more portable than
an Afghan village. predecessors and can be operated from a 45-litre Bergen.
STG managing director Suzanne Coop said: “We are pleased to
A new loudhailer
work with our user group the way we do. Clients suggest improvements
will help troops get
to our current systems and the very next order incorporates the new
messages across to features.
the local population in “The latest Mega-Voice unit will improve personal safety by
operational areas increasing the effective communication distance, using wireless
technology with long-range, highly intelligible speech.”
Two Vanguard class ballistic
submarines have been in Devonport at the same
missile
Vigilant emerges fighting fit
time as HMS Vengeance prepares for her Long
Overhaul Period (Refuel) (LOP(R)).
At the same time the LOP(R) on HMS Vigilant
– the third Vanguard class refit and refuel to be HMS Vigilant emerges after three
undertaken by Babcock – is approaching the end of and a half years hard work by staff at
nearly three and a half years’ work at Devonport. Babcock, Rolls-Royce and DE&S
The more than £300 million LOP(R) has
represented five years of activity including the
planning phase.
Around 200 design alterations and class
modifications have been incorporated including an
upgrade to the latest reactor core as used in Astute
class submarines fuelling the submarine for life.
The project has involved more than 2.3 million
staff hours, over 2,000 people, and more than 80
subcontracting companies. Around 26,000 items
have been removed from the submarine and
overhauled, 32,000 litres of paint have been applied
and 400 systems have been tested by the Babcock
commissioning teams.
MOD contract manager Nick Febbrarro said:
“The success that this LOP(R) has enjoyed is due
to the close collaboration of many agencies and
contractors, but particularly the joint project ethos
that is dominant between MOD, Babcock, Rolls-
Royce and the ship’s company.”news 17
o At more
than 200
metres long, Ships will boost British design skills
the four
37,000-tonne
tankers
will be
approximately
the same
length as 14
double decker
buses and can
pump enough
fuel to fill two
Olympic sized
swimming
pools in an
hour.
Report: Tim Foreman Partners all ready
Signing of a £452 million contract was
described as a “dream” when a delegation
of senior personnel from one of the world’s to jump on board
UK’s new tankers
largest shipbuilders visited Abbey Wood.
The Military Afloat Reach and
Sustainability (MARS) Tanker contract
award event marked the new deal
between South Korean company Daewoo
Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering
(DSME) and the MOD.
At the event senior staff from DSME, Company visits Abbey Wood and hails 'dream'
who travelled from South Korea to the
Filton site, signed the MARS Tanker contract as a moment of history
contract with DE&S.
They were joined by members of the
Royal Fleet Auxiliary, who will operate will deliver the next generation of tankers and has taken a very long time.”
the ships, and UK ship designer BMT after winning this competition. We He added: “This support vessels
Defence Services, who will work with believe these will be excellent ships of contract is so significant that it will be
DSME on the programme. which the Royal Navy and the RFA will be recorded in the history of our company as
Vice Admiral Andrew Mathews, Chief hugely proud.” opening a new chapter.”
of Materiel (Fleet), signed the contract The MARS Tanker programme is The tankers will maintain the Royal
with Senior Executive Vice President at managed by the Afloat Support team in Navy’s ability to refuel at sea and provide
DSME, Mr Jae Ho Ko. DE&S, headed by Commodore David fuel to individual warships and seamlessly
During the signing Mr Ko handed Preston. integrate into Task Groups.
Vice-Admiral Mathews a crystal paper Mr Ko said: “We know that these ships They will support deployed amphibious
weight of the MARS Tanker design and are a high priority for the Royal Fleet land and air forces close to the shore,
joked: “This is an on-time delivery.” Auxiliary. Likewise, it is true that winning will be able to operate helicopters, and
Vice-Admiral Mathews, said: “This this contract has been like a dream for our are planned to enter service from 2016,
contract marks the end of a long journey company, DSME. replacing existing Royal Fleet Auxiliary
and I am absolutely delighted that DSME “The competition has been challenging single-hulled tankers.
Company to prove engineering expertise
The UK’s new fleet of refuelling tankers for the Royal Navy will
feature naval design expertise from Bath-based BMT Defence
Services.
Involvement of BMT will retain UK capability, knowledge and skills
in naval ship design and engineering with its Aegir vessel design.
BMT’s Aegir design uses a hull that meets the latest marine
pollution regulations and adopts design principles common with the
latest Royal Navy ships.
Muir Macdonald, Managing Director of BMT Defence Services,
said: “We and our partners Daewoo are delighted with this result
against such strong international competition and are looking forward
to reinforcing our partnership with this joint success.
“We shall very much enjoy working closely with the MOD to
deliver these ships that are such an important addition to the RFA
fleet.
“It will be a privilege to work with a shipbuilder with the
reputation and capabilities of DSME; it gives BMT a massive boost in
further proving our design and engineering expertise.”
He added: “The global market for auxiliary vessels will remain
strong over the next couple of decades and the selection of our Aegir
design puts Britain in pole position for championing our design and Mr Jae Ho Ko, senior vice-president of DSME, signs the contract with
know-how around the world.” DE&S' Chief of Materiel (Fleet) Vice Admiral Andrew Mathews18 disposals
Recycling closes Invin
R
ecycling of the Falklands campaign Disposal Reserve Ship Organisation successfully recycled for the DSA.
veteran HMS Invincible has (DRSO) played a crucial part in Leyal provided a monthly breakdown
been completed by the Turkish supporting DE&S’ Disposal Services of metals and waste removed, with
contractors inside ten months. Authority (DSA) by preparing the ship photographs showing key stages of
The Royal Navy aircraft carrier and producing an inventory of hazardous the dismantling. DSA staff made visits
enjoyed a career spanning nearly 30 materials and a ‘Green Passport’, which to the yard to make sure work was in
years ending with her leaving service highlighted the hazardous materials accordance with the UK Government’s
in 2005, but departed from Portsmouth on board along with an asbestos Ship Recycling Strategy. An audit of
in March 2011 for recycling by the survey. DRSO also supported towing original weighbridge tickets, licenses and
Turkish contractor Leyal Ship Recycling, preparations. consignment notes were also checked
one of Turkey’s leading ship recycling DSA’s primary aim is to sell surplus
companies, in Aliaga, near Izmir on ships to overseas governments for further
Turkey’s Aegean coast. This heavily military use. Where this is not possible
industrialised area has been dedicated – for instance when ships are no longer
for ship dismantling by the Turkish seaworthy and only suitable for recycling
Government while the speed of the work – then safe and environmentally sound
showed the value of an experienced recycling is the option in compliance with
workforce familiar in the complex art of its legal responsibilities as a producer of
ship recycling. waste. Invincible is the 14th ship to bedisposals 19
incible’s final chapter
against the monthly reports sent to the A final report on the ship’s recycling
DSA. More than 11,500 tonnes of waste will go to foreign governments who
were recovered, less than two per cent look to DE&S as providing the lead on
going to landfill. recycling warships.
Leyal was also subjected to audits and Invincible is Leyal’s eighth and
inspections from the UK Environmental highest profile ship recycled so far
Agency to make sure it was adhering following previous recycling of Type 42
to all current health, safety and destroyers Cardiff, Newcastle, Glasgow,
environmental legislation and the terms Exeter, Southampton and Nottingham,
of its waste management permit. and the former fleet auxiliary ship
Oakleaf.
The company received huge media
interest in Invincible as well as enquiries
from former sailors who received, with
the compliments of the company and in
recognition of the strong attachment that
the ship had with those who served on
her, a memento in the shape of a small
piece of the hull suitably engraved. Above: happy times – HMS Invincible returns
to Portsmouth safe and sound from the
Falklands in 1982
Main picture: Invincible departs from
Portsmouth last year for her journey to
Turkey20 salvage
DE&S probes secrets of
the deep Team heads south to survey
tanker sunk by German U-boat
A
fortnight on an island close to the RFA Darkdale became the first British hazard to an island where tourism is on
equator in the spring might sound ship sunk south of the equator during the the increase.
the ideal place to get away from war when U68 slammed four torpedoes “St Helena was an important stopping
it all. into her side as she lay at anchor off off point for ships passing to south
But members of DE&S’ Salvage and Jamestown in the early hours of 22 east Asia, particularly with war taking
Marine Operations (SANMO) team will October 1941. place in the Mediterranean,” said Matt
be hard at work on the South Atlantic Now oil gradually seeps from the hull Skelhorn, the team’s wreck research
island of St Helena – one of the earth’s into the 40-metre deep waters of James analyst.
more remote spots – later this month, Bay. The DE&S survey will decide what, “ Darkdale had been in St Helena for
examining the wreck of a tanker sunk if any, action is needed to prevent the some weeks and refueled some pretty
during World War Two. Darkdale becoming an environmental large warships. There was no anticipation
of a submarine attack on her.
“She blew up, broke in half and
sank. The bow section turned turtle,
the stern section is on its side. We don’t
HMS Royal Oak, the wreck
know how much oil is on board and
on which SANMO has been
working in Scapa Flow, until we start doing an in-depth survey
Orkney Islands of her we cannot be certain. There was
a big explosion and she was set on fire
before she sank so a lot of that oil could
have gone anyway. We know she’s been
leaking small quantities periodically ever
since and there are munitions on board
too. The wreck is gradually degrading.”
The team has been tasked as part of a
legacy wrecks remediation programme
to go down and survey her. Information
is critical and desk-based assessment
beforehand pulls together as much detail
about the ship as possible.
The team has scoured the archives,
looking at photographs, plans, diagrams
and logs to find out as much about the
Darkdale as possible.
Official British records have
provided a partial picture but much
information came from Kapitan Karl
Friedrich Merten, captain of U68, whose
scrupulously compiled logs provided
details of the types of torpedo used on the
night of the attack and their exact targets.
The log of a Norwegian ship which
refuelled the Darkdale some days before
was also useful. Local divers’ knowledge
has added to the picture.
A nine-strong team leaves on 26 April
with the survey set to last a fortnight.
SANMO’s team includes personnel from
its Marine Salvage Units at Devonport
and Greenock who will operate their
remotely controlled underwater vehicles
and multi-beam sonars. They will be
accompanied by a scientist and three
contractors who will provide the
environmental expertise.
With all the kit in a huge container the
team will fly from RAF Brize Norton to
Ascension Island – St Helena is still one
of the few places in the world you can’t fly
to, yet – before a Royal Mail ship will take
them on the final leg to the island.You can also read
