Illustration of the Royal Navy's Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carrier

Babcock has delivered the final pair of hydraulically-operated lift doors for the highly mechanised weapons handling system (HMWHS) in support of the UK Royal Navy’s second Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carrier, HMS Prince of Wales.

Capable of providing mechanical handling facilities to connect the magazines, hangar, weapon preparation area and flight deck, the HMWHS also provides weapons lift capabilities for moving palletised munitions around the deep magazine and weapon preparation areas.

Before delivering the components for installation, the doors underwent factory acceptance testing to validate all operational movements and sensors, as well as seals with a grease or chalk test.

The seals will now undergo further water pressure testing, following completion of the installation phase.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Aimed at reducing through-life costs and enhancing safety, the technology uses automated systems with all-electric control, adapted for safe transport and stowage of munitions in a warship environment.

"The overhead handlers, for the preparation areas and store, are currently in detail design and will be delivered towards the end of the installation phase."

Babcock senior project manager Jayne Page said the doors would enable munitions to be delivered in bulk to the point of use at rates that could not be achieved by manual handling.

"The overhead handlers, for the preparation areas and store, are currently in detail design and will be delivered towards the end of the installation phase," Page added.

Four pairs of magazine doors will be fitted onto each Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carrier at Babcock’s Rosyth shipyard.

The two 280m-long and 74m-wide Queen Elizabeth-class frigates will have a full-load displacement capacity of 65,000t and the capacity to carry 40 aircraft with a total runway area of 13,000m².

HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales are scheduled to enter service in 2016 and 2018 respectively.


Image: Illustration of the Royal Navy’s Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carrier. Photo: file image.