Royal Fleet Auxilary ship, Wave Knight

GE’s Power Conversion has started installation of the upgraded integrated platform management system (IPMS) onboard the UK Royal Fleet Auxiliary‘s (RFA) fleet tankers.

The technology enhancement will extend the operational life and performance of the IPMS equipped onboard the two ships, RFA Wave Knight (A389) and RFA Wave Ruler (A390), for the UK Royal Navy.

GE’s Power Conversion business naval service manager Barry Carr said updating the current IPMS systems would enable RFA to access latest technology that is compatible with future changes in the ships’ capability.

"This upgrade will improve and modernise the ships’ systems with a cost-effective solution that provides much faster control response, while also improving reliability and extending service life," Carr added.

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The IPMS life extension will assist the two RFA ships to maintain essential at-sea supply capabilities, while supporting the navy’s global maritime missions.

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Enabling effective performance of the ships’ basic functions, the IPMS offers machinery control and surveillance, damage surveillance and control, electrical power management and replenishment at sea (RAS) capabilities.

"This upgrade will improve and modernise the ships’ systems with a cost-effective solution that provides much faster control response, while also improving reliability and extending service life."

The company will also integrate RFA Wave Ruler with distributed information recording and display (DIRAD) critical asset management system, systems status, precision alarm response and damage control system.

Complementing the electric power and propulsion systems of the vessels, the new IPMS will maintain the core functionality of the original design, as well as manage component and system level obsolescence.

Designed to support Royal Naval warships worldwide, the Wave-class fast fleet replenishment tankers feature large helicopter flight deck to support helicopter missions.

Following the completion of installation work by early 2014, the upgraded IPMS system will undergo a simulation testing to validate its compatibility with the existing ship systems prior to delivery.

Image: The Royal Fleet Auxilary ship, Wave Knight, sails for deployment. Photo: courtesy of UK Royal Navy.