June 19, 2020 | International, Naval
June 17, 2020 - Oxfordshire-based EP Barrus secured the seven-year contract for the upkeep, update and supply of engines fitted to more than 1,100 craft.
The contract covers boats within the current MOD in-service fleet for craft under 25m, including Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs), the Mexeflote landing-raft system powered by the Thrustmaster propulsion unit, workboats, and planned future craft.
Defence Minister Jeremy Quin said:
Our maritime industry continues to grow from strength to strength. This contract will secure an essential capability for our Armed Forces and support over 40 quality engineering jobs in Bicester plus many more throughout the UK.
The contract will support operations in the UK and overseas involving the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, British Army, Ministry of Defence Police, and Cadets.
The contract will directly support 40 jobs within Barrus's Engineering Centre, as well as a further 80 jobs across the UK supply chain that will benefit from the contract. In addition, this contract secures EP Barrus's graduate programme in Oxfordshire and the future roles for its young engineering students.
James Melia, Project Manager for DE&S Boats Team, said:
Boats are an essential capability of the UK Armed Forces and are used for many different operations around the world ensuring that our Navy has the reach it needs to protect our interests around the globe.
We are committed to ensuring that engines are effectively managed through every stage of their life cycle and our partnership with EP Barrus will provide critical support to this.
DE&S is proud to maintain excellent working relationships with EP Barrus, a valued industry supplier and we look forward to continuing to work together to support our front line with the equipment they need while also maintaining vital British skills and jobs.
Photo Crown copyright
View source version on UK Ministry of Defence: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/267-million-engine-support-contract-for-oxfordshire-company
September 10, 2023 | International, Aerospace
BAE Systems’ next-generation vehicle management computer was successfully flight tested on the F-35 Lighting II aircraft.
January 3, 2019 | International, Naval
The US Navy has announced its intention to block-buy two Ford-class aircraft carriers, US Senate Armed Services Committee member Tim Kaine has confirmed. The Ford-class warships are equipped with electromagnetic-powered aircraft launch system (EMALS) and are expected to replace Nimitz-class carriers, which have served the US Navy for more than 40 years. Welcoming the announcement, Kaine said: “I'm thrilled the navy has decided to pursue a block-buy for aircraft carriers, something I've been advocating to save billions in taxpayer dollars and offer more certainty to the Hampton Roads defence community. “This smart move will save taxpayer dollars and help ensure the shipyards can maintain a skilled workforce to get the job done. Newport News builds the finest carriers in the world, and I know they are ready to handle this increase in work as we make progress toward the navy's goal of a 355-ship fleet.” In June 2017, Huntington Ingalls Industries' (HII) Newport News Shipbuilding division delivered the first Ford-class aircraft carrier, Gerald R Ford (CVN 78), to the US Navy following completion of acceptance trials in May. The USS Gerald R Ford was built at a cost of $13bn and commissioned in July 2017. According to HII, the Ford-class carriers have a nuclear power plant, a redesigned island, electromagnetic catapults, and improved weapons movement, as well as an enhanced flight deck capable of increased aircraft sortie rates. The navy expects to spend around $43bn to build the first three ships in the class. Deployment of the ship is estimated to result in $4bn in total ownership cost savings for the navy. Last year, the navy asked HII for detailed pricing on the cost of two aircraft carriers. https://www.naval-technology.com/news/us-navy-ford-class-aircraft-carriers/
January 10, 2024 | International, Naval
Adm. Lisa Franchetti announced her priorities as the new chief of naval operations, in her first major speech since taking command in November.