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First UK sonar contractor logistic support trial shows positive results for Thales Underwater Systems and UK Defence Logistics Organisation

18 October 2002

A novel two-year "Proof of Concept" trial for Sonar Contractor Logistic Support, carried out by Thales Underwater Systems (TUS) for the UK Defence Logistics Organisation (DLO), has passed its mid-way point and is achieving results above expectation.

The novel concept of Contract Logistic Support for in-service Sonar Systems was developed by TUS in conjunction with DLO, as a mechanism by which the control and risks associated with in-service support were transferred to industry. The basis of the proposal was that Thales Underwater Systems would undertake to deliver Sonar availability while providing a minimum specified budget cost saving to the UK DLO. The attractiveness of this proposal was evident, but this novel approach to In-service Support had not been carried out previously.

Accordingly, the decision was taken to undertake a two year "Proof of Concept" trial based on the support of Sonar 2046, the SSN Towed Array Sonar, fitted to the Royal Navy's Swiftsure and Trafalgar Class submarines

A fixed price contract, based on a 20% reduction in the UK MoD budget for support of this sonar, was awarded to TUS. TUS took responsibility for support of Sonar 2046, with the role of Design Authority, Commodity Management, Technical Support including spares, repairs, design support and engineering support in order to deliver a specified level of Sonar availability.

The contract is incentivised by the mechanism of a Target Cost Incentive Fee, whereby if TUS can provide the required support with a reduction in cost to the MoD greater than the 20%, the benefits will be shared with the MoD.

The trial commenced on 1 July 2001 and results to date have been extremely encouraging. Availability figures have been met and a Customer Satisfaction Survey shows that the end users are impressed by the flexibility, responsiveness, and effectiveness of the service provided by Thales Underwater Systems. The current forecast on costs is that the 20% savings target will exceeded.

Dr Peter Lidgitt the UWS/IPT Team Leader has expressed his satisfaction with the trial and the performance of TUS in meeting all the trial objectives to date.

In view of the success to date, detailed work is now in hand to extend CLS to cover all major UK submarine sonars, and the new surface ship and minehunting sonars 2087 and 2193.

Jacques Rabain, CEO of Thales Underwater Systems said "We are pleased with the success to date of this CLS trial in the UK, and look forward to providing this service to other customers."

Contact presse :
Matt Pothecary - Tel : + 33 (0) 1 53 77 86 26