Naval Warfare

Type 31 programme passes design review milestone

27th April 2021 - 15:20 GMT | by The Shephard News Team

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The Type 31 programme for the UK RN has completed the the Whole Ship Critical Design Review. (Photo: Babcock)

Shipbuilder Babcock expects to cut the first steel on the first Type 31 frigate by late 2021.

The Type 31 frigate programme for the UK RN has passed the Whole Ship Critical Design Review (WSCDR) stage, shipbuilder Babcock announced on 27 April.

The WSCDR was held virtually over a period of ten days and comprised several specific reviews to assess the maturity of the individual systems and equipment for the £1.99 billion ($2.65 billion) Type 31 programme.

An independent board of 12 experts reviewed the design, interrogated the engineering team and provided advice to Babcock as the Design Authority.

Babcock noted: ‘Completing the Whole Ship CDR provides [the Babcock-led] Team 31 with the confidence to fully develop the 3D CAD [computer-aided design] model and move towards the generation of build drawings in readiness for first steel cut and ship assembly later this year.’

The Type 31 frigate programme was revealed in August 2020 to have entered the Whole Ship Engineering Phase and was on track to start production in 2021.

Team 31 intends to complete construction of the fifth and final Type 31 in 2027, Shephard Defence Insight reports.

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