RUSI Conference

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Delivering Capability for Surface Combatants
14 December 2005
Cdre Luke van Beek RN Director Equipment
Capability (Above Water Effects)
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Outline

• Overview of UK Surface Combatant Programme
• Strategic Context
• Through Life Capability Management
• Flexibility
• Commonality
• Integrating Build Support Solutions

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Surface Combatants
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Surface Combatant Programme

• 1st Decade Type 45 Destroyer
• 2nd Decade MVD (Medium-Size Derivative Vessel)
• 3rd Decade VSC (Versatile Surface Combatant)

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Strategic Context

• Uncertain World
• Wide Range of Operations
• Interoperability with Allies
• Commercial Technology
• Changing Requirements

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Through Life Capability Management

• Evolution not Revolution
• Spiral Development
• Incremental Acquisition
• Technology Insertion
• Addressing Whole Life Costs
• Class Size / No. of Classes
• Support Solutions
• Understanding Cost of Ownership

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Flexibility

• Modularity
• Open Architectures
• Multi-role VLS
• Maritime Unmanned Vehicles

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Commonality

• Generic family of CMS
• Common CIS
• Standard Electronic Charting
• Common Radar
• Gun Systems

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Integrating Build Support Solutions

• Contracting for availability / capability
• Technology Management vs Obsolescence Management
• Partnering / Alliancing / Leasing

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PathfinderSurface Combatants

• Behavioural Change
• Challenge constraints obstacles
• Supported by National Defence Industry Council
• Joint MOD / Industry Team

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Key Themes

• Evolution not Revolution
• Whole Life Costs
• Flexibility
• Commonality
• Integrating provision of capability support

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