Babcock
has successfully completed factory acceptance testing of the first assembled
set of Mk32 Mod 9 torpedo launchers for the Hobart Class Air Warfare Destroyers
(AWD) at its Techport Australia
premises.
The pre-factory acceptance test functional configuration audit, and factory
acceptance test (FAT), represent two of the most significant project milestones
for ship set one and the launcher program.
Babcock has
adapted the Mk32 Mod 9 torpedo launcher system concept, originally designed for
the US Navy, under a contract awarded to Babcock Pty Ltd by Raytheon Australia
in late 2008 on behalf of the AWD Alliance.
Obsolescence posed a significant technical challenge, and in addressing this
Babcock has modernised the assembly to accommodate the launch of the MU90
lightweight torpedoes and meet the capability standard set by the AWD program.
The latest testing has now proven the Mk32 Mod 9 torpedo launcher assemblies’
ability to fire a MU90 lightweight torpedo.
This incorporated a custom designed land-based test rig and measuring equipment
utilising safe work procedures.
Two Mk32 Mod
9 torpedo launcher assemblies will be mounted in magazine compartments, port
and starboard, on each of the three Hobart
class AWDs.
The system is made up of three main components; a launcher, an air charging
panel and a torpedo loading tray.
The air charging panel has also been designed, built and tested by Babcock, and
the loading tray preliminary design is complete, with production drawings
finalised in readiness for the customer design review.
“Proving the
equipment is a key milestone in the program and a further illustration of the
strong progress we’ve made on the launcher contract,” Babcock Director Pat
Donovan said.
”As an Australian company, our locally based and skilled team, coupled with our
international reach-back capability, has been key to the delivery of this
project,” Pat added.
Babcock has
worked with US government organisations to secure a licence in accordance with
International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), and drawn on its links with
industry in the US and UK to source some specialist key components from proven
suppliers.
Babcock’s local presence has seen some 80% of the work undertaken in Australia (a
significant increase on the contracted 63% to be completed locally), including
using its local supply chain for the manufacture, and undertaking testing at
its Techport facility.
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The Mk32 Mod 9 torpedo launchers will be mounted in magazine compartments, port and starboard, on each of the three Hobart class AWDs.