QinetiQ signatures, structures and survivability centre in Rosyth opens
The opening celebrates the collaboration between QinetiQ and the Ministry of Defence and their joint investment. It will ensure the future availability of signatures, structures and survivability for maritime customers needing advice, assessment and analysis.
Sarah Kenny, managing director of QinetiQ Maritime, said: “I am delighted by the formal opening of the Centre today. Besides showing our commitment to the area, this is an important milestone in refreshing the existing capabilities and retaining the connection to the historic home of Naval Construction research.
“Every ship and every energy production platform at sea generates “noise”, be it audible, vibration, electrical, radar or magnetic. Running engines, operating standard equipment, passage through water, generating electricity or pumping oil – all these create a detectable signature. The noise signature can also be thought of as a measure of wasted energy, and as increased wear and tear. To maintain effective capability, operational units must sustain high levels of signature hygiene. It makes the naval ship less likely to be detected by the enemy, and reduces waste. Less vulnerability to detection increases the probability of survival. Sensing equipment, whether in a mine or as part of an aggressor’s combat system, may be countered and even negated by an effective signature control regime.
“As well as helping the Navy avoid detection in the first place, our team at Rosyth works on maximising the survivability of its ships against actual attack. We developed and use SURVIVE™ software for the Ministry of Defence, to analyse the survivability of ships and submarines against likely threats. Our structural analysts also provide specialist advice that means the platform isn’t burdened by very heavy steel construction.
“We provide the space, acquire the data and provide the information covering the entire scope of signature management.”
Opening the Centre, Graham said he took pleasure in opening a new building dedicated to giving the Royal Navy its military fighting edge and its toughness in battle. He said, “That ‘tough’ reputation remains vital as our global maritime trade remains fundamental to the prosperity of the UK and we must therefore deter others from disrupting our trade or being aggressive to our allies or other peaceful states.
Above: The Royal Navy's HMS Diamond.
“Science and engineering capabilities are also useful to our allies who must face such unwanted military threats. These technologies also have great relevance to many other civilian industrial sectors as a result of the continual drive to improve safety or as a result of the spectra of terrorism.
“QinetiQ has a brilliant track record of in the area of signatures structures and survivability and the new offices will help sustain those skills.”
