Babcock completes 4.5 inch Mk8 Mod1 gun upgrade
Babcock undertook the first Mk8 Mod1 upgrade under the contract in 2005. The seven year programme has involved major modification and overhaul work to convert 13 Mk8 guns to Mod1 standard, to provide improved safety and reliability and a reduced maintenance requirement. The Mk8 Mod1 gun features new electric drives, improving safety and power consumption efficiency and reducing overall weight and below-deck space requirements, as well as a computer-based test and diagnostics system.
Commenting on the company’s successful completion of the Mk8 Mod1 upgrade programme, Babcock equipment solutions managing director, John Stratton, said: “We are delighted to have successfully delivered the full Mk8 Mod1 upgrade programme on-time and in-budget, further underlining our strong capability in the field of weapon support and upgrade for the MoD and Royal Navy.
“Our experienced and skilled team of dedicated engineers, and policy of continuous review and improvement of our systems and processes, as well as our large purpose-built waterfront facility, have enabled us to manage the upgrade programme efficiently and cost-effectively. For example, we have introduced a bespoke ‘pulse’ software to drive down non-value-adding tasks and control the day to day production activities. We are one of the only companies to provide the MoD with a total weapons facility (a one stop shop for all CLS contracting activities) and we continue to apply this valuable expertise and capability in our on-going availability and system upgrade contracts.”
With the upgrade programme now complete, Babcock will be concentrating on the follow-on contract – a long term contract for worldwide in-service support for nineteen 4.5 inch Mod1 guns, which will include management of spares, overhaul, post-design services, obsolescence resolution and reliability improvements.
