Feature 1
[PMS] will provide an advanced network from using highly bespoke technology, cost-saving engineering innovations (such
design that includes the stringent levels and instead try to exploit commercially- as simplified discharge air and hydraulics
of safety and redundancy associated with available technology at lower cost and systems) and reviewing alignment policy.
nuclear submarine control systems. The across a wider source of supply.’ Thales, as part of the Astute Innovative
COTS hardware and software will provide The objectives of the Key Supplier Combat System Rainbow Team (also
significant cost savings at delivery and, most Forum are four-fold: to help deliver an comprising BAE Systems, QinetiQ, and
importantly, reduced cost of ownership in affordable and sustainable submarine SEA), is looking to make a significant
comparison to bespoke solutions.’ industry; to allow key stakeholders to gain contribution to an affordable Boat 4
The MoD and prime contractor BAE a common and coherent understanding of combat system through the introduction
Systems are also engaging with major the future programme and the challenges of Sonar 2076 Stage 5, an open sonar
subcontractors – including Alstom, Rolls- collectively faced; to work more closely system design based on COTS equipment.
Royce, Thales, Ultra Electronics, and together to share best practice, remove This has multiple advantages – reduced
Weir Strachan & Henshaw – through a process inefficiencies, and artificial procurement cost, ease of upgrade, and
‘Key Supplier Forum,’ to identify ways of barriers to progress; and to help generate reduced through-life costs.
delivering a more affordable future Astute a through-life perspective in order to New technology is also being introduced
programme. ensure optimum decisions are made for outboard with an adoption of a new ‘Thin
‘The top 10 suppliers to the Astute the submarine enterprise. Flank’ array, to be fitted to Audacious, for
programme by value account for about Each of the key suppliers is now working Sonar 2076. The existing large aperture
80% of material spend,’ said Rear Admiral to develop proposals and/or specific flank array is heavy and is costly to fit, and
Mathews. ‘Its purpose is to ensure a solutions to the Astute Boat 4+ programme. Thales is now working with BAE Systems
consistent understanding of current and For example, Weir Strachan & Henshaw to demonstrate how new acoustic materials
future submarine programmes, and the and BAE Systems have agreed a ‘gain share’ could allow for a significant reduction
affordability challenges to be addressed. arrangement for cost reduction in the in weight - without compromising
What we are keen to do is change the weapon handling and discharge system. performance - and a simpler installation
mindset in industry. We want to move away Meanwhile, work is continuing to explore process. WT
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WT May 08 - p14+16+17.indd 17 23/04/2008 16:11:02
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