BAE Systems – My Blog

UK MoD announced a contract with BAE Systems to update Type 45 destroyer propulsion system

The Ministry of Defence has announced a £160 million contract with BAE Systems to update the power and propulsion system fitted to the Royal Navy’s Type 45 destroyers.

According to official announcement; The Power Improvement Project (PIP) will enhance the resilience of the Type 45 class by installing additional power generation sources in each ship.

The contract has been awarded to BAE Systems, in collaboration with BMT Defence services and Cammell Laird. The physical conversion work will be conducted at Cammell Laird’s ship yard in Birkenhead, Merseyside.

Director Ships Support at the MOD’s Defence Equipment and Support organisation, Neal Lawson said:

“This contract demonstrates our ability to collaborate effectively with industry and I am extremely pleased with how the team at DE&S have worked rapidly to meet requirements.The PIP will ensure the fleet of highly sophisticated Type 45s can continue to be deployed successfully on operations around the globe, protecting the UK’s interests worldwide.”

As stated by SaveTheRoyalNavy.com; a feasibility study into upgrading the generators was completed by BAES and the MoD in March 2015. The funding for the “Type 45 machinery improvement package” was agreed in the November 2015 SDSR and at least the problem has finally been recognised and funds are in place. Each vessel will have to be dry-docked, large openings cut in the hull and one or possibly two new diesel generator sets slid into place.

The first of class conversion is expected to complete in 2021, with follow on ships completed during the early 2020s.

You can read the details of the propulsion problems and the whole story so far in this article by savetheroyalnavy.com

BAE Systems to demonstrate Type 31e design at DIMDEX 2018

Visitors to DIMDEX, the Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition & Conference, which is being held from 12-14 March in Doha, Qatar, will be able to see BAE Systems’ proposed design for the Type 31e frigate competition in the UK.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=88VUe98dSNI

BAE Systems has brought together its warship design and engineering capability and combat systems expertise with Cammell Laird, the commercial shipbuilder, in a Teaming Agreement to bid for the contract to deliver Type 31e, the UK’s adaptable general purpose frigate.

A key part of the Type 31e programme is configuring the new frigate and its Combat Management System to be attractive to potential international customers and DIMDEX is the first time BAE Systems is showcasing its proposed design outside the UK.

With a proposed top speed in excess of 25 knots and a range of more than 7,500 miles, BAE Systems’ design is equipped with some of the most modern and effective weapons systems available, and has been designed to operate in international waters, including the Gulf. It is capable of operating both independently for significant periods and as part of a task group, offering enormous value in bringing together allied maritime nations.

Plasan signs contract with BAE Systems to provide armour for the Type 26 Frigate fleet

Israeli firm Plasan announced that they have signed a contract with BAE Systems, to provide armour for the Type 26 Frigate fleet.

The new Type 26 Frigate designed and built by BAE Systems is the new class selected for the replacement of eight anti-submarine frigates of the Duke class currently in service with the Royal Navy.

Plasan is expected to begin the production of armour for the first three vessels of the class this year under the arrangement.

Official press release here

BAE Systems awarded 40 Mk4 Naval Gun contract for Finland

BAE Systems will produce and deliver Bofors 40 Mk4 Naval Guns for the Finnish Navy and its Hamina Class Squadron 2000 fast attack craft, under a contract with Patria, the prime contractor for the vessel’s mid-life upgrade and overhaul program.

With this contract, Finland adds the 40 Mk4 to its installed base of BAE Systems naval guns, including both previous versions of 40-millimeter (mm) L/70 systems and 57-mm Mk3 systems.

The low weight and compact Bofors 40 Mk4 gun system with its high rate of fire and ability to switch between optimized ammunition types – including the intelligent 40mm 3P all-target ammunition – provides high survivability and tactical freedom at all levels of conflict.

In addition to Finland, more than 10 countries currently use BAE Systems Bofors 40-mm guns.

You can read BAE Systems press release here

BAE Systems selected to help U.S. Navy SPAWAR identify and track threats

The U.S. Navy has selected BAE Systems to provide equipment and support services for Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Atlantic (SPAWAR).

Work under the contract will help SPAWAR’s Joint Warfare Support Division to field, adapt, and optimize a variety of mission critical surveillance and sensor systems. Services will include systems integration, test and evaluation, training, certification, maintenance, life-cycle management, and technical field service support. The total value of all orders to be awarded over the life of the IDIQ is estimated at $180 million.

You can read the details here on official press release…

BAE Systems awarded $54 Million contract to Modernize USS America and USS Cape St. George

BAE Systems has received two U.S. Navy contracts totalling $54.8 million to modernize the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) and the guided missile cruiser USS Cape St. George (CG 71).

Both contracts include options that, if exercised, would bring the total cumulative value of the awards to $62.2 million.

“These contracts are important to expanding the service lives and capability of these Navy ships,” said David Thomas, vice president and general manager of BAE Systems San Diego Ship Repair. “Our work on board the America will keep the ship ready for immediate service. For the Cape St. George, it is the beginning of a four-year journey toward full modernization and the ability to serve in the fleet longer.”

The USS America was commissioned in October 2014. BAE Systems will perform hull, mechanical, and electrical repairs, as well as additional flight deck modifications to support F-35 Lightning II operations on board. Work on the 844-foot-long ship will be conducted at Naval Station San Diego by company employees and subcontractors. The modernization is expected to begin in March and be completed in December 2018.

The USS Cape St. George was commissioned in June 1993. BAE Systems will perform ship alternations and repairs aboard the 567-foot-long ship, including the replacement of critical aluminium structures and the removal of obsolete equipment, under the Navy’s cruiser modernization program. BAE Systems’ work on the Cape St. George, to be conducted at the company’s shipyard in San Diego, is expected to begin in March and be completed by January 2019.

U.S. Navy awards BAE Systems contract to modernize USS Philippine Sea

BAE Systems has received a $9.6 million contract from the U.S. Navy to modernize the guided-missile cruiser USS Philippine Sea (CG 58).

The ship will undergo 10 months of work at the company’s Jacksonville, Florida, shipyard and at nearby Naval Station Mayport. This docking selected restricted availability (DSRA) contract includes options that, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value to approximately $72 million.

“We have extensive experience with the Navy’s Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruisers and specifically with the Philippine Sea,” said Todd Hooks, general manager of BAE Systems Jacksonville Ship Repair. “We will utilize our cruiser experience to accomplish the DSRA and return the ship back to the fleet ready for continued service.”

The USS Philippine Sea was commissioned in March 1989. Work on board the 567-foot-long ship is expected to begin in April and be completed in February 2019. The company’s Jacksonville shipyard currently employs about 540 people.

BAE Systems to provide U.S. Navy with modernized Mk 45 guns

The U.S. Navy has awarded BAE Systems a $46.8 million contract option to deliver four additional Mk 45 Naval Guns.

The contract modification calls for upgrading existing guns to the Mod 4 configuration to increase the firepower and extend the range of the weapons. This modification to the initial 10-gun contract brings the full value of the award to $176.8 million for the 14 guns.

The Mk 45 Mod 4 provides NSFS range of more than 20 nautical miles (36 km) with the Navy’s new 5-inch Cargo projectile and an improved propelling charge.

Work on the Mk 45 Mod 4 conversions will be performed at the BAE Systems’ facility in Louisville, Kentucky, with support from the company’s supplier base, and is expected to be complete by 2021.

You can read BAE Systems press release here