DE&S Teams Up with McLaren Racing for Innovation
The UK’s Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) organization is set to collaborate with McLaren Racing to infuse motorsport innovation, insights, and a high-performance mindset into various projects across DE&S and the wider Ministry of Defence (MOD).
McLaren’s Accelerator division, renowned for its team of seasoned professionals with extensive experience in elite motorsport, will play a pivotal role in this partnership. Their specialized expertise is aimed at upskilling Defence teams to tackle Defence challenges more effectively.
This collaboration is poised to unlock a myriad of opportunities, encompassing the electrification of MOD vehicles, accelerating product development timelines, enhancing operational efficiency, and leveraging digital tools for data-driven decision-making processes.
Moreover, the partnership aligns with a broader agenda to promote best practices across the UK Defence industry, with an emphasis on climate change and sustainability. The collaboration is also expected to foster diversity by attracting, nurturing, and supporting talent in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) careers within the Defence sector.
By joining forces with McLaren Racing, DE&S aims to drive innovation and cultivate a culture of excellence, leveraging the synergies between motorsport and Defence to deliver cutting-edge solutions and maintain a competitive edge in an evolving global landscape.
BAE and Rolls-Royce to Build Australian Subs
In a significant development for the UK’s defence sector, industrial giants BAE Systems and Rolls-Royce have been chosen to construct Australia’s next-generation nuclear-powered submarines. Partnering with Australian defence company ASC Pty, the consortium will deliver the SSN-AUKUS submarines, set to be deployed by the Royal Australian Navy in the early 2040s.
Described as the ‘largest, most powerful, and advanced’ attack submarines ever to be deployed, these vessels mark a substantial military upgrade for Australia. Under the agreement, BAE Systems will lead the design efforts, while Rolls-Royce will focus on developing the nuclear reactors powering the submarines.
Australia has committed £2.4 billion for design work and will also finance the expansion of Rolls-Royce’s plant in Derby, which specializes in building submarine nuclear reactors. This investment underscores the country’s confidence in the capabilities of British defence companies, particularly BAE Systems and Rolls-Royce.
The project is expected to generate significant employment opportunities in the UK. BAE Systems anticipates creating 3,500 additional jobs over the next 15 years at its submarine division in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria. Meanwhile, Rolls-Royce plans to double the size of its Derby submarine facilities, adding 1,170 jobs to support the submarine construction and reactor development efforts.
The AUKUS agreement, initially established in 2021, has been a cornerstone of trilateral cooperation between the UK, Australia, and the US. In March 2023, leaders from these countries confirmed that Britain would be responsible for designing the submarines, fulfilling a key commitment to assist Australia in building and acquiring a formidable fleet of nuclear-powered submarines.
British Army to Receive 446 Ajax Vehicles by 2028
The British Army is gearing up to receive a total of 446 Ajax vehicles between 2024 and 2028, according to recent announcements. The delivery schedule will see varying annual numbers, starting with 93 vehicles in 2024 and peaking at 125 vehicles in 2027. However, there will be no deliveries in 2029 and 2030.
Here’s a breakdown of the yearly deliveries:
– 2024: 93 vehicles
– 2025: 89 vehicles
– 2026: 66 vehicles
– 2027: 125 vehicles
– 2028: 73 vehicles
Additionally, 143 Ajax vehicles from earlier build standards will undergo retrofitting to meet the final deployable build standard. While the exact delivery timeline for these retrofitted vehicles is still being finalized, all are expected to be delivered by 2029.
The Army aims to receive the vehicles in the same calendar year they are delivered to the Department. However, in cases where vehicles are received late in the year, deliveries may spill over to the following calendar year.
HENSOLDT UKs Manta NEO X Radar Approved
HENSOLDT UK, a leading sensor solutions provider, has achieved Type Approval for its cutting-edge Manta NEO X band radar system tailored for the commercial shipping sector. The certification, granted by TÜV SÜD BABT, verifies that the Manta NEO X band radar meets the standards set by the Marine Equipment Directive for Shipborne Radar Equipment CAT 1 and CAT 2 with Chart Option.
The comprehensive Type Approval covers the entire radar system, including the Kelvin Hughes radar display and software, as well as the Manta NEO X band radar sensor and antenna. The Manta NEO X band radar stands out for its superior target separation and long-range resolution, leveraging CHIRP pulse compression and beam sharpening technology.
One of the standout features of the Manta NEO radar system is its solid-state X band technology, which offers enhanced reliability and reduced through-life costs by eliminating the need for magnetron replacements. This versatility makes it a suitable choice for various vessel types, from workboats to large tankers and cruise ships.
In adverse weather conditions, the Manta NEO X band radar system ensures simplicity, visibility, and safety, thanks to its solid-state technology that enables rapid start-up. Furthermore, its compatibility with Kelvin Hughes Multifunction Displays ensures seamless integration and user-friendly operation.
Adrian Pilbeam, Head of Radar and Naval Solutions at HENSOLDT UK, commented, “The Manta NEO radar system builds on the legacy of the Kelvin Hughes Manta series, offering superior detection performance, versatility, high reliability, and cost-effectiveness.” This Type Approval marks another milestone for HENSOLDT UK in delivering innovative and reliable radar solutions for the maritime industry.
Royal Navy Embraces 3D Metal Printing for Ship Spare Parts
The Royal Navy is set to revolutionize its logistical and manufacturing capabilities with the adoption of advanced 3D metal printing technology. The Ministry of Defence has inked a £383,000 contract with Additive X of Ripon to procure two state-of-the-art 3D metal printers. The contract spans from 14th March 2024 to 30th March 2030.
This strategic move is part of the Royal Navy’s broader initiative to modernize its tools and technologies, addressing challenges related to component obsolescence and availability.
The newly acquired 3D printers will be stationed at Her Majesty’s Naval Bases (HMNB) in Devonport and Portsmouth. These printers are expected to significantly augment the Forward Support Unit’s capacity to swiftly design and manufacture metallic items. This marks a departure from the constraints of previous polymer-based manufacturing methods.
According to the contract specifications, the advanced 3D metal printers can produce parts up to 250mm x 183mm x 150mm, weighing up to 10kg. They can work with a variety of materials, including stainless steel, tool steel, Inconel 625, and copper. The technology boasts a dual nozzle print system, complemented by separate wash and sintering machines.
The primary aim behind deploying these printers is outlined in the contract description. The Forward Support Unit (B&C) seeks to expand its capability to design and manufacture metallic items. The current reliance on polymer manufacturing has limited the scope of this technology. By integrating 3D metal printing, the Royal Navy anticipates significant cost savings, especially for manufacturing obsolete or temporarily unavailable spare parts.
In addition to the procurement of the printers, the contract encompasses a comprehensive training and support package. Additive X or their representative will provide thorough training in the operation and maintenance of the printing machines and associated software. The training will be conducted on-site at HMNB Devonport and Portsmouth, targeting four personnel at each location, totalling eight combined.
This strategic investment underscores the Royal Navy’s commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technologies to enhance its operational efficiency and readiness.
That’s it folks, a little later that usual this time. Have a great easter break when it comes.