Page 36 - The Constructor 2017

Our Military Affiliations

NEWS FROM HMS LANCASTER
Babcock starts HMS Lancaster upgrade and maintenance programme
CPO ‘Toyah’ Willcock, HMS Lancaster’s Lead Weapon Engineer writes “I am delighted to
have been asked to write an article for the Constructors Journal, giving you an update on
the status of your affiliated ship. Our affiliations mean a lot to the Ship’s Company, and we are
proud to share news of our progress.

HMS Lancaster docked-down in the Frigate Refit Complex, Devonport -© MOD
HMS Lancaster is well on her way back to operational service once again as she undertakes a multi-
million-pound refit in Devonport. After a 12-month period of dormancy, the ship left HMNB
Portsmouth on 7th April and arrived under tow at HMNB Devonport 10th April for a much-needed
upkeep, starting 1st May 17. Work is being undertaken primarily by Babcock Marine Devonport with
assistance from the Royal Navy Refit Support Group and several outside authorities. New and
improved weapon and sensor equipment will be fitted during this period supported by BAE Systems,
MBDA, Thales and others, that will significantly increase the ship’s sustainability and fighting
capability.
Among the upgrades to HMS Lancaster
under the programme are the installation
of Artisan (Advanced Radar Target
Indication Situational Awareness and
Navigation) 3D Radar (improving the ship’s
air-defence, anti-ship and air traffic
management capabilities); the DNA(2)
Command System (central to the ship’s
capability against air, surface and
underwater threats); the chloropac system
(to improve performance in the ship’s sea
water cooling systems by preventing or
reducing marine growth), an upgrade to
the high-pressure air system pipework (to HMS Lancaster makes her way into Devonport after
provide safe, reliable and flexible isolation being towed from Portsmouth © MOD
when required), modification to the
underwater inlets and outlets to reduce corrosion, and a galley equipment upgrade, among others.
The docking period will also include a programme of deep maintenance, including removal of
rudders and stabilisers along with a programme of maintenance on the propeller shafts and
associated bearings, overhaul of the helicopter handling system (PRISM), a complete overhaul or
renewal of all underwater and shipside valves and numerous pumps and motors and the

36 | Autumn 2017 | The Journal of the Worshipful Company of Constructors