Production
on HMS PRINCE OF WALES, the second Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carrier,
has started today at BAE Systems in Portsmouth Naval Base – the
future home of the Queen Elizabeth Class.
Work on the forward section of the hull, known as Lower Block 02, commenced
as Commander-in -Chief Fleet Admiral George Zambellas cut the first
steel in a ceremony at the company's production facility. The huge section,
which will weigh around 6,000 tonnes upon completion, will house the
ship's machinery spaces, stores and switchboards, as well as some of
the accommodation, including 85 cabins. |
|
Commander-in-Chief
Fleet Admiral George Zambellas, said: ""As Commander-in-Chief
Fleet, I am honoured and delighted to be asked to cut the steel that
will be form part of the mighty hull of HMS Prince of Wales, the second
of the Royal Navy's new 65,000 tonne aircraft carriers. Along with HMS
Queen Elizabeth these two ships - each of which will be in service for
over 50 years - lie at the heart of our national security posture. With
the equipment that will operate from them, they will be pivotal to the
UK's ability to project power at range for decades to come."
Mick Ord, Managing Director at BAE Systems' Naval Ships business, said:
"The steel cut for Lower Block 02 demonstrates the steady progress
which continues to be made on the carrier programme.
As home of the Royal Navy's surface fleet, everyone here is hugely proud
to be involved in one of the largest engineering projects in the UK
today and excited that the ships will return to Portsmouth, as their
home port once complete."
As a member of the Aircraft Carrier Alliance, BAE Systems is working
in partnership with Babcock, Thales UK and the Ministry of Defence to
deliver the biggest and most powerful surface warships ever constructed
in the UK. The company has an overarching role in managing the QE Class
programme, as well as playing a central role in the design and build
of the ships.
Construction of the forward island, which will control vessel navigation
and house the ship's bridge, is also underway at Portsmouth, while work
continues on Lower Block 02 and the stern section (known as Lower Block
05) of HMS Queen Elizabeth. Both sections are in the advanced stages
of outfit, with the team focusing on preparing the blocks for their
transit to Rosyth later this year, where all of the units and sections
of the carriers will come together to be assembled in the dry dock. |
|
Integration
and testing of the ship's complex mission system is currently underway
at the company's Maritime Integration and Support Centre on Portsdown
Hill, whilst teams of engineers from BAE Systems and Thales are testing
the advanced communications systems for the ships. Elsewhere in the
Hampshire region, Southampton-based Kempsafe Limited has contracts to
supply galley and laundry equipment on the vessels and Portsmouth-based
Selex Communications is involved in the design of the Identification
Friend or Foe system. |
A significant plan of investment is underway to enhance the Naval
Base, which will become the home of the two aircraft carriers when
they enter service. The plan, which will cost approximately £140
million, includes the dredging the existing channel to Portsmouth
to make it deeper and wider, and refurbishing the base's jetties to
ease access for both the QE Class and Type 45 fleet.
Each 65,000 tonne aircraft carrier will provide the armed forces with
a four acre military operating base which can be deployed worldwide.
The vessels will be versatile enough to be used for operations ranging
from supporting war efforts to providing humanitarian aid and disaster
relief.
The QE Class will be the centre piece of Britain's military capability
and will routinely operate at least 12 of the carrier variant Joint
Strike Fighter jets, allowing for unparalleled interoperability with
allied forces.
|
