Tag Archives: Global Combat Ship

Navy

Hunter Class FFG

The Turnbull Government will deliver one of the world’s most advanced anti-submarine warfare frigates, create 4000 Australian jobs and secure a local naval shipbuilding industry for decades to come.

BAE Systems has been selected as the preferred tenderer with the Global Combat Ship – Australia for the Navy's future frigate capability
BAE Systems has been selected as the preferred tenderer with the Global Combat Ship – Australia for the Navy’s future frigate capability

The frigates, to be designed by BAE Systems and built by ASC Shipbuilding, are central to our plan to secure our nation, our naval shipbuilding sovereignty and create Australian jobs.

BAE System’s Global Combat Ship – Australia will provide our nation with one of the most advanced anti-submarine warships in the world – a maritime combat capability that will underpin our security for decades to come.

The Future Frigates, named the Hunter class, will be built in Australia, by Australians, using Australian steel.

This $35 billion program will create 4,000 Australian jobs right around the country and create unprecedented local and global opportunities for businesses large and small.

The Hunter class will begin entering service in the late 2020s replacing the eight Anzac Frigates, which have been in service since 1996.

The Turnbull Government is committed to giving our military the potent naval capability it needs.

 

Naval Shipbuilding Sovereignty

The Future Frigate program is one of Australia’s most significant investments in military capability.

It provides a unique opportunity to not just strengthen but guarantee Australia’s naval shipbuilding sovereignty.

The next generation of frigates will be built by ASC Shipbuilding at the Osborne Naval Shipyard. ASC Shipbuilding, currently wholly owned by the Commonwealth, will become a subsidiary of BAE Systems during the build. This ensures BAE Systems is fully responsible and accountable for the delivery of the frigates and ensures the work will be carried out by Australian workers and create Australian jobs.

The Commonwealth of Australia will retain a sovereign share in ASC Shipbuilding while BAE manages the program. At the end of the program the Commonwealth will resume complete ownership of ASC Shipbuilding, thereby ensuring the retention in Australia of intellectual property, a highly skilled workforce and the associated equipment.

By the conclusion of the frigate build, ASC Shipbuilding will be a strategic national asset capable of independently designing, developing and leading the construction of complex, large naval warships.

This does not affect the Offshore Patrol Vessels, Air Warfare Destroyers, or the sustainment of the Collins Class submarines and will not preclude ASC Group from pursuing future shipbuilding opportunities.

Hunter Class Infographic
Hunter Class Infographic

 

Capability – The Hunter class

Following a rigorous and comprehensive Competitive Evaluation Process, the Government has assessed BAE’s Global Combat Ship – Australia as the capability best suited for our nation.

The Hunter class will provide the Australian Defence Force with the highest levels of lethality and deterrence our major surface combatants need in periods of global uncertainty.

The Hunter class will have the capability to conduct a variety of missions independently, or as part of a task group, with sufficient range and endurance to operate effectively throughout the region.

The frigates will also have the flexibility to support non-warfare roles such as humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

Incorporating the leading-edge Australian-developed CEA Phased-Array Radar and the US Navy’s Aegis combat management system, with an Australian interface developed by Saab Australia, the Hunter class will be one of the most capable warships in the world.

 

Australian Industry Content

The Turnbull Government’s commitment to maximise Australian Industry Content in our military capability is delivering for Australian workers and Australian businesses.

BAE expects the Australian Industry Content for the Hunter class build will be 65-70 per cent which will create and secure thousands of jobs for decades.

BAE has prequalified over 500 Australian businesses from every state and territory to be in the Hunter class supply chain.

The Turnbull Government would like to thank BAE Systems, Fincantieri and Navantia for their participation in the extensive and thorough process of selecting Australia’s new Hunter class.

 

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Type Frigate, Guided Missile (FFG)
Roles Anti-submarine Warfare

Air Defence

Surface Warfare

Surveillance & Intelligence

Interdiction

Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief
Builder BAE Systems/ASC Shipbuilding
Displacement 8,800 tonnes (full load)
Length 149.9 metres/491.8 feet
Beam 20.8 metres/68.2 feet
Propulsion Combined Diesel Electric or Gas (CODLOG)
Speed 27+ knots/31 mph/50 km/h (top speed)
Range 7,000 NM/8,055.5 miles/12,964 km (electric motor drive)
Weapons MU90 torpedos

Mk45 Mod 4 5″/127-mm gun

SM2 & ESSM missiles

Advanced anti-ship missiles

Mk41 Vertical Launch System

Nulka Decoy System
Aircraft 1 × MH-60R helicopter
Crew 180 crew including embarked flight. Accommodation for up to 208

 

Navy

Production begins

BAE Systems welcomed Sir Michael Fallon MP, Secretary of State for Defence, to its Glasgow shipyard to press the button to start production of the first of the new Type 26 Global Combat Ships for the UK Royal Navy. During his speech, the Defence Secretary unveiled the name of the first ship as HMS Glasgow.

Production begins in Glasgow for the first Royal Navy Type 26 Global Combat Ship
Production begins in Glasgow for the first Royal Navy Type 26 Global Combat Ship

This ceremonial event follows the UK Government’s recent award of a contract worth c£3.7bn for the first three ships to be built at BAE Systems’ sites in Glasgow. This builds on the work already underway to construct five River Class Offshore Patrol Vessels and provides a strong foundation for the next two decades of shipbuilding in Scotland, securing more than 4,000 jobs across BAE Systems and its UK maritime supply chain.

During the visit to BAE Systems’ shipyard in Glasgow, Defence Secretary, Sir Michael said: «Today marks yet another historic milestone for the Royal Navy, Scottish shipbuilding and UK Defence more widely. Glasgow will protect our powerful new aircraft carriers and nuclear deterrent, keeping British interests safe across the world. The Type 26 is a cutting-edge warship that will maintain our naval power with a truly global reach. Designed for a service life of at least 25 years, the Type 26 Frigates will form a backbone of the future Royal Navy surface fleet into the 2060s».

The Type 26 Global Combat Ship will be a world-class anti-submarine warfare ship, replacing the Type 23 anti-submarine variant frigates, with the first ship due to be delivered to the Royal Navy in the mid 2020s. Globally deployable, the flexible mission bay, aviation facilities and combat systems ensure it will be capable of undertaking a wide range of roles from high intensity warfare to humanitarian assistance, either operating independently or as part of a task group. We are exploring potential export opportunities where we have strong interest from international customers.

Type 26 is cutting edge in terms of its capability and benefits from the latest advances in digital technologies, including 3D and virtual reality, to ensure that the ship’s design is refined earlier in the process.  This has enabled BAE Systems to work in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence and the Royal Navy to ensure every zone of the ship has the requirements of its crew at the heart of the design.

Commenting on this important announcement, Iain Stevenson, Managing Director, BAE Systems Naval Ships said: «This is an extremely proud day for our employees across the UK and our wider UK maritime supply chain. Providing our customers with next generation platforms and technologies that give them an essential edge is what inspires us. Working with the Ministry of Defence and the Royal Navy we have designed the Type 26 in a fully digital environment and have now seen her through the eyes of her crew in a 3D environment. Through this approach we have a mature ship design that is ready for manufacture».

 

General Characteristics

Builder BAE Systems
Propulsion 2 electric motors, 4 high speed diesel generators, 1 gas turbine
Length 489 feet/149 m
Beam 68 feet/20.8 m
Displacement approximately 6,900 tonnes
Speed 26+ knots/30+ mph/48+ km/h
Range In excess of 7,000 NM/8,055 miles/12,964 km
Crew 157
Accommodation Up to 208, including Embarked Forces
Flexible mission bay Space for 10 × 20 feet/3 × 6 m ISO containers or boats and unmanned vehicles
Flight deck Capable of landing a Chinook helicopter

 

Navy

Contract for
Type 26 Frigate

BAE Systems has been awarded a contract by the UK Ministry of Defence worth £3.7 bn to manufacture the first three ships for the Type 26 Global Combat Ship programme, with steel being cut on the first ship in Glasgow in the coming weeks.

Manufacturing contract for Type 26 Global Combat Ship awarded to BAE Systems
Manufacturing contract for Type 26 Global Combat Ship awarded to BAE Systems

This provides a strong foundation for the next two decades of shipbuilding in Scotland, securing more than 3,400 jobs across BAE Systems and the wider UK maritime supply chain.

Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon said: «The Type 26 Frigate is a cutting-edge warship, combining the expertise of the British shipbuilding industry with the excellence of the Royal Navy. We will cut steel on the first ship later this month – a hugely significant milestone that delivers on our commitment to maintain our global naval power. These ships will be a force to be reckoned with, there to protect our powerful new carriers and helping keep British interests safe across the world. Backed by a rising defence budget and a £178 bn Equipment Plan, the Type 26 programme will bring vast economic benefits to Scotland and the wider UK. The contract is structured to ensure value for taxpayers’ money and, importantly, now designed to protect them from extra bills from project overrun. The investment will secure hundreds of skilled jobs at BAE Systems on the Clyde for the next twenty years, and thousands of jobs in the supply chain across Britain».

Commenting on this important announcement, Charles Woodburn, Chief Executive, BAE Systems said: «The award of this contract is a strong endorsement of the talent and commitment of our employees across the UK and reinforces Glasgow as the center of shipbuilding in the UK. We are extremely proud to be chosen to design and manufacture vessels that will give the Royal Navy an essential, next generation capability and be a vital addition to its fleet. We will continue to invest in our technologies, productivity and people to help us deliver these ships to the highest standards. Today we have five River Class Offshore Patrol vessels at varying stages of construction for the Royal Navy across our shipyards in Glasgow and we look forward to starting manufacture on the first Type 26 ship in the coming weeks».

The UK Government committed to eight advanced anti-submarine warfare ships in its 2015 Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR). The Type 26 programme currently employs more than 1,200 people in the UK supply chain, with a number of contracts already in place for the manufacture of major equipment for the first three ships. In total, there are already 33 UK and international companies working in the supply chain to deliver the Type 26 ships – with further announcements to be made shortly.

The Type 26 Global Combat Ship will be a world-class anti-submarine warfare ship and will replace the anti-submarine variant Type 23 frigates. Globally deployable, it will be capable of undertaking a wide range of roles from high intensity warfare to humanitarian assistance, either operating independently or as part of a task group. The Type 26 will be the most advanced ship in its class around the world and we are exploring potential export opportunities where there is strong interest from international customers.

Navy

Maritime Indirect Fires

BAE Systems on September 15, 2015 confirmed its selection as preferred bidder by the U.K. Ministry of Defence (MOD) to provide the gun system, known as the Maritime Indirect Fires System (MIFS), for the Type 26 Global Combat Ship. This follows the MOD’s £859 million Demonstration Phase contract for the Type 26 program that was awarded to BAE Systems earlier this year.

Maritime Indirect Fires System (MIFS) Mark-45 Mod 4
Maritime Indirect Fires System (MIFS) Mark-45 Mod 4

Subject to contract award, BAE Systems will provide the MIFS Integrated Gunnery System (IGS), which includes the 5-inch/127-mm, 62-caliber Mark-45 Mod 4 Naval Gun System, along with an automated Ammunition Handling System, Gun Fire Control System, and qualified ammunition.

«The Mark-45 is at the center of our MIFS solution and will provide the Royal Navy with a low-risk, low-cost, and highly effective automatic weapon system», said Joe Senftle, vice president and general manager of Weapon Systems at BAE Systems. «It combines the benefits of a mature, reliable, and proven system with the capacity to deliver the full range of ammunition available today and in development».

BAE Systems has begun work in support of the overall Type 26 development design effort and, earlier this year, participated in Mark-45 technical briefings between the U.S. Navy and Royal Navy on board the USS Winston Churchill in Portsmouth, U.K. The event gave members of the Royal Navy the opportunity to further experience the gun system’s features and capabilities.

The world-leading Mark-45 is in service with the U.S. Navy and 10 other allied nations. More than 240 Mark-45 guns have been delivered into service globally, benefiting engineering and manufacturing capabilities around the world.

With business and service teams in the United States and the United Kingdom, BAE Systems brings unrivalled skills and experience to the Type 26 Global Combat Ship.

The Type 26 Global Combat Ship will replace the capability of the Royal Navy’s Type 23 frigates with a multi-mission warship capable of undertaking a wide range of roles from high intensity warfare to humanitarian assistance, either operating independently or as part of a task group. Designed with an acoustically quiet hull, the ship is being designed to be supportable and upgradeable as new technology develops to ensure that it remains relevant to the future demands of the maritime environment.

Type 26 Global Combat Ship, Design concept only
Type 26 Global Combat Ship, Design concept only

 


BAE Systems has revealed the latest images of the Royal Navy’s Type 26 Global Combat Ship, which will replace the Type 23 frigate as the workhorse of the Fleet

 

 

Navy

Type 26

BAE Systems has awarded the first equipment manufacturing contracts for the Type 26 Global Combat Ships (GCSs), worth in excess of £170 million. With the contracts awarded to seven companies in the supply chain, there are now more than 1,250 people across the UK working on the programme to deliver the Royal Navy’s next generation warships.

The first vessel is due to enter service as soon as possible after 2020
The first vessel is due to enter service as soon as possible after 2020

The contracts, awarded from the Demonstration Phase contract funding, cover key equipment such as propulsion, communications and electrical systems for the first three Type 26 ships. The commitment to long lead items keeps the programme on track and means the equipment will be delivered to Glasgow at the point it is needed in the ship’s manufacturing phase, which is expected to begin next year. The contracts include the creation of onshore testing facilities to test the equipment prior to installation on the ships. The contracts are awarded to:

  • Babcock for the ship’s air weapons handling system;
  • David Brown Gear Systems Ltd for the propulsion gearbox and the test facility;
  • General Electric (GE) Power Conversion for the electric propulsion motor and drive system and testing facility;
  • Raytheon for the integrated navigation and bridge system;
  • Rolls Royce Power Engineering for the gas turbine;
  • Rohde & Schwarz UK Ltd for the communications systems;
  • WR Davis for the uptakes and downtakes.
Type 26 Global Combat Ship, Design concept only
Type 26 Global Combat Ship, Design concept only

BAE Systems has also confirmed a subcontract to its Combat Systems team for the Meteorological and Oceanographic (METOC) system, which collates and analyses environmental information to support operations.

Geoff Searle, Type 26 Programme Director at BAE Systems, said: «Today’s announcement is exciting for everyone involved in the Type 26 programme, as it will enable our partners in the supply chain to start manufacturing key equipment for the first three ships. This reinforces the strong momentum behind the programme and is an important step towards the start of manufacturing the Type 26 ships for the Royal Navy in Glasgow next year».

These contracts are helping to support the UK’s vibrant industrial base, as Steve Watson, Managing Director, David Brown Gear Systems Ltd, explains: «The contract to supply the gearboxes for the Type 26 ships is the largest single order in our firm’s 150 history. As a result of our involvement in this programme, we have made significant investments in our infrastructure and we have transformed a semi-derelict area of our Huddersfield site into new state of the art manufacturing, assembly and test facilities. This means we can provide the latest generation of gearing technology to the Royal Navy’s Type 26 ships and it creates a strong platform to secure future orders across the defence, oil and gas, and power generation sectors».

Type 26 Global Combat Ship
Type 26 Global Combat Ship

The £859 million Demonstration Phase contract for the Type 26 programme began in April 2015. The new manufacturing contracts build on the existing 15 design development agreements across the supply chain, which means that a total of 17 companies across the UK, Europe and Canada already have contracts in place under the Type 26 programme. A joint team from BAE Systems, the Ministry of Defence, and the supply chain are working together to complete the detailed design for the ships, procure key equipment and prepare the manufacturing proposal to be submitted to the Ministry of Defence.

Under current planning assumptions, 13 Type 26 ships will be delivered to the Royal Navy. The first vessel is due to enter service in the early 2020s and the Type 26 class will remain in service into the middle of this century and beyond.

The Type 26 Global Combat Ship will be a globally deployable, multi-mission warship capable of undertaking a wide range of roles from high intensity warfare to humanitarian assistance, either operating independently or as part of a task group. The ship will take full advantage of modular design and open systems architecture, ensuring it can be easily upgraded as new technology develops and can accommodate different sub-systems and equipment suited to potential overseas customer needs.

 

Latest footage of the Type 26 Global Combat Ship