Northrop Grumman UK has been awarded a contract for in-service support of the Astute Class Submarine Platform Management System by the Submarine Delivery Agency, an executive agency of the Ministry of Defence.
According to the firm, Northrop Grumman is the original equipment manufacturer of the state-of-the-art, fully integrated PMS installed on Astute Boats 4 to 7.
“With this new SDA contract, NGUK will support PMS in-service to deliver and maximise Astute availability for the Royal Navy.”
The PMS is an integral part of the boat, using technology to control and monitor on-board systems and machines, providing real time information and diagnostics.
Nick Chaffey, chief executive, Northrop Grumman UK, Europe and Middle East said:
“We will leverage our proven design and manufacturing expertise to delivering this critical technology for one of the Royal Navy‘s most advanced submarine fleets. Our digital-first approach to delivery will reduce life cycle costs and help the UK maintain its strength beneath the waves.”
The team said in a press release that it has been providing interim support on the programme since April 2020. With the company’s PMS installed on Type 45 destroyers, Hunt Class mine sweepers and the UK’s next generation nuclear deterrent, NGUK supports more than 40 Royal Navy platforms and establishments.
We need a Daniele M for keeping track of all the maintenance / upkeep contracts… indeed, with Dan’s provenance I quite like Richard Branson’s WCML Virgin fleet: we pay for the Pendi when it works; you pay us when it doesn’t.
Hmm.
‘“We will leverage our proven design and manufacturing expertise to delivering this critical technology for one of the Royal Navy‘s most advanced submarine fleets. Our digital-first approach to delivery will reduce life cycle costs and help the UK maintain its strength beneath the waves.”’
Just love the poorly written MoD notice. The RN has only one submarine fleet. It as two squadrons, or (a squadron and a flotilla). As far as maintaining its strength, SSNs were cut from 12 to 10 boats, then from 10 to 8, and now there are only 7. In bean-counter lingo, this is maintaining.
I hope the MOD have scoped the work needed properly. As I recall the MOD contracted Northrop to support the UK E3D’s and look what happened to them despite assurance given to the RAF that their needs would be met. The whole saga should be investigated by the House Commons Select Committee on Defence. ..
Is this the same pms that American Virginia class use? I also wondered is this also on the 1st-3rd boats or are they getting updated with the same system? The contract says it’s for boat 4-7.
Is this the NGUK that’s played such an absolute stunner with Ajax? Asking for a friend.