Babcock wins OPC design support contract
Babcock International will provide platform engineering design support for the design and construction phases of the US Coast Guard's Offshore Patrol Cutter (OPC) class vessels, the company announced on 21 March.
Babcock will deliver services as part of Team Eastern Shipbuilding Group (ESG), including delivering a whole ship 3D model, selected systems and production support as part of the new design work, supporting detailed modelling, production outputs and the detailed design of auxiliary systems, structure, outfit and electrical systems. Elements of the work will be subcontracted to VARD.
The first cutter is set to enter production in late 2018, and will be complete by 2021. Up to eight follow-on ships are included in the coast guard's initial order.
The OPCs will be 110m length, with 4,000 tonnes displacement. They will have a range of 10,200 nautical miles, and will carry a helicopter, boats and unmanned systems. Each OPC will feature a flight deck, weapons and command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance equipment.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![RTX Raytheon advances with the development of new Barracuda mine neutraliser]()
RTX Raytheon advances with the development of new Barracuda mine neutraliser
The new Barracuda version has been engineered to perform enhanced subsea and seabed warfare missions.
-
![Future of the US Navy’s Arleigh Burke programme remains unclear]()
Future of the US Navy’s Arleigh Burke programme remains unclear
The US Navy does not have a precise date for the award of the procurement contract for the third Arleigh Burke-class destroyer despite having the funds to advance with the programme in FY2025.
-
![US Navy may look to foreign suppliers to accelerate shipbuilding programmes]()
US Navy may look to foreign suppliers to accelerate shipbuilding programmes
The US Navy (USN) is currently reassessing its acquisition efforts and seeking ways to reduce the multiple delays across the shipbuilding initiatives.
