Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Defence
  • /
  • HMS Prince of Wales sailors take over carrier's control centre

Defence

HMS Prince of Wales sailors take over carrier's control centre

The heart of HMS Prince of Wales is now in the hands of the men and women who will watch over it as the second of the UK’s new carriers takes a big step towards completion.


Courtesy Royal Navy

The Ship’s Control Centre has been formally handed over to the crew to maintain and run by engineers and technicians from the Aircraft Carrier Alliance who’ve built and fitted out the ship.

They gave the ship’s company the keys to the compartment 18 months ahead of when the ship is formally handed over to the Royal Navy.

Advertisement
Gulfstream RT

“If the bridge of a ship is considered its eyes, and the operations room its brain, there is no doubt that the Ship’s Control Centre is the beating heart,” said Cdr Pete Buckenham, Commander Marine Engineering.

All the carrier’s machinery – from propulsion to sewage and water works – are controlled from the SCC, with a team of engineers watching over the displays and read-outs 24 hours a day, every day, until the warship decommissions in 50 years’ time.

Also, in time of war, the SCC becomes the headquarters for the ‘internal battle’ – it’s where all information from around the ship about damage sustained – fires, floods, breakdowns and casualties – are reported and the damage control officer determines where to send repair teams, firefighters and first aid parties with the goal of keeping the ship in the fight.

“Compartments are normally handed over after sea trials, so to achieve this at such an early stage, to the high quality and specification required by the Royal Navy, is a very significant milestone for the team,” explained Sterry Matthews, ACA production manager.

Advertisement
Gulfstream RT

Cdr Buckenham added: “Taking ownership of the SCC this early in the build programme is a significant achievement and testament to the collaborative and integrated approach between industry and the Royal Navy.

“Having the ability to operate from the SCC enables us to support industry through commissioning and trials activity and to learn our ship, systems and equipment in preparation for sea trials and future operations."

 

Advertisement
Cranfield University
Lane Electronics to showcase defence connectivity at MSPO

Aerospace Defence Events

Lane Electronics to showcase defence connectivity at MSPO

11 July 2025

Lane Electronics, a franchised distributor for many of the industry’s major electrical, electronic and optical connector manufacturers, will be Exhibiting at MSPO 2025 (2nd–5th September 2025, Kielce, Poland), where they will be displaying the latest connector innovations and demonstrating their UK based assembling and value add services.

Flitetec secures two distribution agreements

Aerospace Defence Events

Flitetec secures two distribution agreements

11 July 2025

Amersham based aerospace business Flitetec, has confirmed two major deals that it shook on at the recent Paris Air Show.

GKN Aerospace secures Typhoon transparencies contract

Defence

GKN Aerospace secures Typhoon transparencies contract

10 July 2025

GKN Aerospace has signed a six-year follow-on contract with BAE Systems for continued manufacture of Eurofighter Typhoon transparencies at its Luton facility, through to the end of 2030.

Metis to supply Skyperion to NATO ally

Defence Security

Metis to supply Skyperion to NATO ally

10 July 2025

Metis has won a contract to supply a number of Skyperion drone detection systems to a NATO customer to provide the drone detect function as part of an integrated Counter Uncrewed Air Systems (C-UAS) capability.

Advertisement
Teledyne
ALL.SPACE unveils Hydra MAX

Defence Space

ALL.SPACE unveils Hydra MAX

10 July 2025

ALL.SPACE has revealed a major advancement in mobile satellite communications with the successful demonstration of Hydra MAX - the first network independent terminal of its kind to deliver ultra wideband communications to multiple satellites simultaneously.

BAE Systems assessed

Defence

BAE Systems assessed 'Awardable' for US DoD work in P1 Solutions Marketplace

9 July 2025

BAE Systems in collaboration with Defense Unicorns, have announced that their joint solution has achieved 'Awardable' status for US Department of Defense (DoD) work through the US Platform One (P1) Solutions Marketplace.

Advertisement
DSEI 2025