EUROPE
04 Jul 05. The UK office of Emerson Network Power, (a brand division of the US multinational Emerson Co., a global leader in power protection systems technology) recently won a contract to supply their Liebert brand Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) systems for military bases around the world. For 15 sites the highly adaptable Nfinity was selected and for another location where the load required a higher VA rating and no redundancy, four models from the Hinet range were supplied. Because Nfinity and Hinet are designed for simplified set-up, these products are marketed through distributors from whom customers may simply order and take delivery. However, where the application is more complex or critical, as in this case, the distributor can offer system design and other support including liaison with Emerson’s technical team if necessary.
29 Jun 05. Communications coherency project completes initial fit. DML Group, the defence support specialist, has begun initial implementation of the Communications Coherency for Submarines (CCSM) contract issued by the MoD, to enable submarines to become fully network-enabled and ease future capability insertion. The first installation of CCSM in HMS Turbulent was successfully completed last month. The CCSM project developed from previous studies into future communications office requirements and the need to address a Major Warfare Constraint, together with an urgent requirement to enable more effective capability insertion. It will provide nuclear submarines (SSNs) with increased capacity and capability to handle existing and future levels of message traffic and information, including the ability to use and share information efficiently as part of a joint or coalition task force – a reflection of their changing role. CCSM will also provide improved processes to enable rapid technology insertion for maximum efficiency and cost benefits, and to overcome inherent space constraints.
01 Jul 05. A consortium set-up to deliver the defensive aids suite for the Eurofighter Typhoon has secured a £850m ($1.5bn) deal to manufacture systems for the second batch of combat aircraft ordered late last year. EuroDASS is scheduled to deliver the first systems to Eurofighter GmbH in April 2007. Tranche 2 production of the Typhoon involves 236 aircraft ordered by the four-nation European program, which encompasses Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom. The EuroDASS consortium is led by SELEX Sensors and Airborne Systems, and includes Elettronica of Italy, Indra of Spain and EADS Germany. SELEX is the Finmeccanica majority-owned company formed from the merger earlier this year of U.K.-based BAE SYSTEMS Avionics and Galileo Avionica of Italy. The production order for the electronic warfare suite follows the award of a £100m development contract to EuroDASS earlier this year to upgrade the existing system already being supplied for Tranche 1 aircraft. That original supply deal was worth £320m. (Source: Defense News)
Jun 05. HMS ROEBUCK: Ship Life Extension Programme (SLEP). DML Devonport reports continued good progress on HMS ROEBUCK’s SLEP, with final installation works in hand. 11 Alterations and Additions (A&A) had been added to the original 32 during the SLEP, including the fit of new steering gear controls and accommodation upgrades. The survey vessel is now due to undertake “several weeks” of sea trials (having made an appearance at the International Fleet Review on 28 Jun 05). Comment: The 19-year old HMS ROEBUCK had been due to be decommissioned in April 2003, but it was decided to keep her in service until 2014 with the assistance of a SLEP. The SLEP was considered to be an economical alternative to ordering a third Echo Class survey vessel. (Source: DNA DEFENCE NEWS ANALYSIS, Issue 05/26, 04 Jul 05)
Jun 05. Escorts: Two More to Go. The Type 23 frigate HMS MARLBOROUGH officially decommissions in Portsmouth on 8 Jul 05. The Type 42 destroyer HMS CARDIFF’s decommissioning c