TYPE 45 platform design centre opened
18 May 2001
Ref: 073/2001
The new Type 45 Platform Design Centre (PDC) at Scotstoun, Glasgow, has been officially opened by Rear Admiral Tim McClement, Assistant Chief of the Naval Staff.
The PDC houses designers from both BAE Systems and Vosper Thornycroft as well customer representatives. Their responsibilities include designing the structure of the ship utilising the latest Finite Element Analysis Software, and using Computer Aided Design (CAD) technology to design the systems and accommodation, thus ensuring the Type 45 is easy to support and is the Royal Navy's most habitable ship.
Once the designs have passed through the initial review stage, scheduled for the final quarter of this year, the team will be expanded to include additional designers from BAE Systems Marine and Vosper Thornycroft.
As Prime Contractor for Type 45, BAE Systems is the design authority for the entire ship, including all the necessary equipment and systems, with the exception of the Principal Anti-Air Missile System (PAAMS) which was ordered by the Ministry of Defence under a separate contract.
Brian Phillipson, managing director Type 45 said: 'The opening of this facility is a major step forward in the programme. With the defence environment now one of considerable uncertainty and tight budgets we need a robust design which will last the ships for their lifetime, without the necessity for major rework in order to incorporate the changes of equipment which are bound to be needed as defence requirements change.'
Vosper Thornycroft Shipbuilding managing director Andrew Bunney added: 'The design team from VT and BAE Systems have already formed a close working relationship. The PDC will help to develop further the spirit of collaboration that is fundamental to the success of the Type 45 project.'
Simon Kirby, managing director, BAE Systems Marine commented: 'The opening of these well equipped offices at the Scotstoun shipyard adds impetus to the Type 45 programme, which is central to the future of BAE Systems Marine. The BAE Systems Marine employees are looking forward to working as part of the fully integrated team dedicated to bringing this stage of the project to a successful conclusion.'
Brian Phillipson concluded: 'With people from the Prime Contract Office, Marine, Vosper Thornycroft and the Ministry of Defence all working together as one team, we have a massive amount of expertise and experience being deployed on the Type 45 programme.
'Furthermore, having the Platform Design Centre at Scotstoun, where the First of Class HMS Daring will be built, enables a close working relationship to be developed between the designers and the manufacturers. Such integration is essential in making this programme work.'
About Type 45:
Type 45 is an Anti Air Warfare Destroyer which will in concert with the projected Future Carrier provide the backbone of the Royal Navy's air defences for much of the first half of the century. It will provide warships carriers and the auxiliaries and merchant ships that support them with protection against air, surface and subsurface threats. It will also be a multi-role, general-purpose platform capable of a wide range of tasks. The first Type 45, HMS Daring, is due to enter service in 2007.
Main design features:
Displacement: approx. 8000 tonnes.
Length: 152m.
Max Beam: 21m.
Speed: In excess of 27 knots (18 knots cruise).
Range: In excess of 5000 nautical miles.
Complement of less than 190 (with accommodation for 235) with significantly better living standards than in current RN warships.
Helicopter facilities - designed to operate Lynx or MERLIN with improved facilities including enlarged hangar and flight deck, increased spares storage and aviation fuel capacity for extended operation, improved ship motion for operation in more adverse environmental conditions.
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