Babcock wins ten-year Queen Elizabeth-class dry dock contract
The first activity in a dry-dock contract for the Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers is scheduled for 2023.
rMCM launch and recovery system undergoes tests
An ECA Group Inspector 125 USV (right) and launch and recovery system (LARS) fitted to the chartered VN Rebel. (Photo: Belgium Naval & Robotics.)
Tests continue under the autonomous mine clearance vessel programme for the Belgian and Dutch navies, with the latest focus being on launch and recovery systems.
Belgium Naval & Robotics on 13 January conducted live testing of a launch and recovery system (LARS) with an ECA Group Inspector 125 USV in Toulon for the Belgian-Dutch rMCM programme.
The Belgium Naval & Robotics consortium including Naval Group and ECA Group said the demonstration showed the ‘relevance and reliability [of LARS] in real conditions.’
The system was tested on the chartered vessel VN Rebel in the presence of the Belgian and Dutch naval representatives.
The trials brought together four components of the rMCM project for the first time; the LARS, a floating dock cradle for USVs, a security system to lock USVs into the floating dock, and the Inspector 125 USV – itself capable of deploying and recovering a range of subsystems for mine identification and neutralisation.
On 30 November, Naval Group laid the keel for the first of the 12 mine countermeasure vessels (MCMVs) in the rMCM programme, which are being produced by the Naval Group-Piriou JV Kership in Concarneau, France.
Belgium Naval & Robotics was awarded a contract for the rMCM programme in 2019.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Babcock wins ten-year Queen Elizabeth-class dry dock contract]()
-
![Reina Isabel returns to port after partial failure to complete Ukraine delivery]()
Reina Isabel returns to port after partial failure to complete Ukraine delivery
The Spanish Navy support vessel Reina Isabel returned to its homeport on 13 May after a mission to deliver arms, ammunition and Ukraine — although Kyiv did not receive everything it expected.
-
![RN explores autonomous vehicles under attack submarine replacement plans]()
RN explores autonomous vehicles under attack submarine replacement plans
Work on the future SSN(R), the replacement for the Astute-class submarines, continues to progress as planned.
-
![Indo-Pacific 2022: Rise of the maritime machines in Australia]()
Indo-Pacific 2022: Rise of the maritime machines in Australia
Although lagging behind the utilisation of UAVs, militaries are now exploring new applications for and types of UUVs and USVs. Australia is no exception.
-
![Indo-Pacific 2022: Australia is set to trigger MCM tender]()
Indo-Pacific 2022: Australia is set to trigger MCM tender
Three industry contenders have emerged for the Australian navy's quest for a new unmanned MCM system.
-
![Indo-Pacific 2022: Raytheon Anschütz climbs aboard Hunter programme]()
Indo-Pacific 2022: Raytheon Anschütz climbs aboard Hunter programme
Under contract from BAE Systems Australia, Raytheon Anschütz will initially deliver design engineering and requirements verification for installation of its WINBS navigation and bridge technology aboard the RAN’s future Hunter-class frigates.
