Aircraft carrier programme reaches milestone
Preparations for the arrival of the British Royal Navy's HMS Queen Elizabeth aircraft carriers have reached a key milestone with the delivery of a frequency converter, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) announced on 2 August.
The frequency converter is a key element in the ships' power facilities. When the ships are at their home port, HMNB Portsmouth, they will be supplied power through a substation newly built by the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) at the base.
The converter will convert the power from the 50hz frenquency of the National Grid to the 60hz required by the vessels.
The frequency converter consists of a converter and a motor, each weighing 50 tonnes. The substation building, which is connected to the National Grid, is complete, with fitting-out currently ongoing.
Electricity will be supplied with a hydraulic boom to the vessels, 'plugging in' to the side of the ships. The boom is currently being built in Italy by VolkerStevin and will be delivered in early 2017. VolkerStevin is also installing navigational aids and upgrading the jetty.
Philip Wise, DIO project manager, said: 'I'm delighted to see the delivery of the frequency converter, a clear sign of the progress we and VolkerStevin are making on these facilities. The substation is vital for HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales so we’re pleased to be playing our part in supporting the country’s new aircraft carriers.'
More from Military Logistics
-
![Rolls-Royce gains major deal to support T-45 Goshawk engine]()
Rolls-Royce gains major deal to support T-45 Goshawk engine
New contract to support the Ardour turbofan is worth more than $1 billion.
-
![Brazil receives first A330 for multi-role operations]()
Brazil receives first A330 for multi-role operations
A pair of A330s will be converted by Airbus for aerial refuelling, logistical support, humanitarian aid, and medical evacuations.
-
![General Dynamics NASSCO to build three more US Navy replenishment vessels]()
General Dynamics NASSCO to build three more US Navy replenishment vessels
The latest $1.4 billion contract modification for General Dynamics NASSCO covers a new Expeditionary Sea Base ship and two more John Lewis-class fleet oilers.
-
![Australia onshores Super Hornet and Growler maintenance elements]()
Australia onshores Super Hornet and Growler maintenance elements
New MRO contract between Boeing Defence Australia and RUAG Australia replaces work previously done in the US.
-
![SEA to extend NSIPS to Queen Elizabeth-class carriers and Type 45 destroyers]()
SEA to extend NSIPS to Queen Elizabeth-class carriers and Type 45 destroyers
A systems integration contract for UK RN submarines is being extended to major surface vessels.
-
![USN exercises option for two more Navajo-class rescue and salvage ships]()
USN exercises option for two more Navajo-class rescue and salvage ships
Austal USA is to build two additional Navajo-class towing, salvage and rescue ships for the USN, after Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) exercised a $156.17 …
