Babcock and SEA (Systems Engineering and Assessment) have set up
a teaming agreement to bid for the planned Technology Demonstrator
Programme (TDP) for the future Vanguard Replacement Programme (VRP)
Submarine Communications Buoy (SCB) system.
The UK MoD is planning a programme to develop a towed SCB system
for the future SSBN (similar to that used on the Vanguard class) to
meet the future communication requirements of this new
platform. A TDP is planned as a precursor to the system, and
an invitation to tender for the programme was released last month
(December).
Babcock has been involved with the MoD's SCB development
programme since the first contract went out to industry for tender
in 2008, and has previously been contracted by the MoD to undertake
concept design and assessment, analysis, model testing and platform
integration studies. The company has already expressed
interest in the next stage: the forthcoming TDP.
Babcock and SEA have combined forces to bid for the technically
challenging SCB TDP, forming a team with the high technical
capability needed to undertake the design, development, manufacture
and through-life aspects of the project, which is expected to have
extremely demanding, stringent reliability and signature
requirements. The towed SCBs must be capable of receiving
Very Low Frequency (VLF) radio signals at any time and in all
weather conditions and will have to operate in a complex dynamic
environment, therefore requiring expertise in a wide range of
disciplines. To achieve continuous communications the buoy
must remain at a controlled depth below the sea surface, while
remaining covert. The SCB design must be able to respond and
control its flight over a range of flow conditions, including large
amplitude irregular waves coming from any direction.
Babcock and SEA represent an impressive combination of TDP
experience, technical know-how and complimentary skills required to
deliver the SCB TDP successfully. Babcock brings significant
experience in the design, development, manufacture, support,
installation, repair and maintenance of submarine mechanical and
electromechanical systems. The company has undertaken studies
of the existing towed VLF buoy system, analysis of alternatives
conducted in the UK, hydrodynamic modelling data and trade studies,
as well as having experience and expertise in handling systems,
underwater winch technology and submarine trials including
TDPs.
SEA is a systems engineering company specialising in bringing
complex systems technologies to maturity, and is experienced in
delivering TDPs, with significant domain expertise in developing
simulation environments, particularly high level architecture, and
in conducting submarine system integration, test and trials.
The two companies have previously worked together successfully on
the Sonar 2112 programme in 2004.
Under the teaming agreement, Babcock takes responsibility for
project management, safety, design and manufacturing, with SEA
taking on TDP management, systems integration, systems engineering
and simulation and validation.
Babcock Future Business Development Manager James Date comments:
"We are delighted to be teaming with SEA to bid for the SCB
TDP. The Babcock-SEA team will combine Babcock's strengths in
engineering design and manufacture with SEA's flair for innovation
and technology insertion, offering the high level of experience and
technical expertise required to meet the challenges and deliver the
SCB TDP successfully. Babcock's work to date has already
contributed significantly to understanding the issues and building
a body of knowledge on which to base a future design. We look
forward to working with SEA to bid for the TDP and continue our
involvement in the SCB programme."