MES Supply OPV(H) Navigation and Communications Package for Royal Navy
09 February 2006
MES will supply and install a complete navigation and civil communications equipment package for the Royal Navy's new Offshore Patrol Vessel (Helicopter) - OPV(H) - to be built at VT Shipbuilding.
The package incorporates a mixture of military equipment for naval tactical applications interfaced with commercial off the shelf equipment for less critical functions. This contract award further exemplifies the ability of MES to work in both the commercial and military sectors to provide value for money solutions without severely compromising operational capability.
The ship, based on the VT-built River Class which are currently under charter to the MoD, will replace the RN’s two existing Castle Class offshore patrol vessels and will carry out the role of Falkland Islands Patrol Vessel.
The ‘Batch 2’ River Class design will be enhanced with a helicopter deck capable of accepting helicopters up to the size of the new Merlin aircraft, increased accommodation to cater for an embarked force, a bigger gun, higher levels of survivability and surveillance radar.
The navigation and communication equipment package is part of an overall electrical contract awarded to Rolls Royce MES.
