The HMS Queen Elizabeth’s 680-tonne iconic forward island bridge section (UB07) has been lifted on to the flight deck - a key milestone in the project. it contains the main bridge and around 100 vital mission system compartments.
The island arrived at Babcock's Rosyth Facility, where the carriers are being assembled, from BAE Systems in Portsmouth in February.
The aircraft carriers, HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales will be the biggest and most powerful surface warships ever constructed for the Royal Navy and will represent a step change in capability, enabling the delivery of increased strategic effect and influence around the world. They are expected to enter service in 2017 and 2018 to match the entry into service of the joint combat aircraft, the F-35B.
CSD Sealing Systems is very proud to be part of this project in supplying many of its products during the construction phases. In January this included provision of a specialist team to install 200 Pipe Penetrations using CSD SLIPSIL Plugs and RISE Nofirno. In addition 26 EMC pipe penetrations were sealed using RISE Nofirno and EMC Conduction Flexible Rubber. The team worked very closely with BAE Systems operations and production to complete within a time critical three and a half week window before the front island left for its journey to Rosyth by Barge from Portsmouth.
David Ripley (Managing Director of CSD) commented, “We are very proud to be part of this iconic national project and our relationship has proved invaluable with the ACA partners, to ensure challenging deadlines are met as the ship moves through the manufacturing stage of the CADMID cycle.”
BAE Systems is part of the Aircraft Carrier Alliance (ACA), who is responsible for delivering the QE Class to the Royal Navy, these members also include Babcock, Thales UK and the UK Ministry of Defence.
Over a quarter of the penetrations were in challenging areas designated as confined spaces requiring controlled access. BAE Systems Quality Assurance and Lloyds Register Surveyors were very pleased with the quality of workmanship and quality assurance documentation; including a photographic log and submitted list identifying the individual responsible for sealing each penetration.
CSD’s longstanding relationship with BAE Systems through many successful projects has seen supply of materials and now support through our additional installation services. Following this recent success CSD have been contracted to install RISE Electrical Cable Transits on HMS Artful the 3rd Astute Class submarine and are looking to supply EMC RISE Nofirno on the next phase of the QEC Lower Block 02 in Rosyth.