Welcome to MSW’s Scuttlebutt! Here’s the news for the day.
Look what the tide washed up...
Show off you recent ship modeling purchases! If you’ve bought a ship model, aftermarket accessories, reference material or tools, feel free to post it. As long as its ship/hobby related, it’s welcomed.
Ahoy
Hong Kong Maritime Museum
Today’s website is the Hong Kong Maritime Museum. The museum illustrates how China, Asia and the West have contributed through the ages to the development of boats, ships, maritime exploration and trade, and naval warfare. Enjoy.
Website
This Day in U.S. Naval History
1861 - Saratoga, a member of the U.S. African Squadron, captures the slaver sloop Express.
1933 - USS Ranger (CV 4), the first true aircraft carrier, is commissioned.
1959 - USS Galveston (CLG 3) fires the first Talos surface-to-air missile.
General Dynamics NASSCO Awarded Design Contract for Mobile Landing Platform Ship
Source: General Dynamics NASSCO
SAN DIEGO --- General Dynamics NASSCO, a wholly-owned subsidiary of General Dynamics, has been awarded a $3.5 million design contract for the U.S. Navy's Mobile Landing Ship (MLP) program. Under the contract, NASSCO will develop a preliminary ship design based on Navy requirements. A contract for the detail design and construction of up to three ships could be awarded next year.
The MLP is a new class of auxiliary ship for the Navy's Maritime Prepositioning Force of the Future (MPF(F)) program. The ship is intended to serve as a transfer station or "floating pier at sea," improving the U.S. military's ability to deliver equipment and cargo to areas where port access is limited or unavailable. Early requirements of the ship include the ability to land helicopters, a facility for the operation of air cushioned landing crafts (LCACs), and the capability for ship-to-ship transfer of equipment from large-draft prepositioning ships to others vessels, including T-AKE ships.
"We are pleased to be selected to design this revolutionary auxiliary ship," said Fred Harris, president of General Dynamics NASSCO. "We look forward to working closely with the Navy to further understand the requirements and ensure our team creates an affordable, effective MLP design."
General Dynamics NASSCO employs more than 4,700 people and is the only major ship construction and repair yard on the West Coast of the United States. NASSCO is currently building four T-AKE ships for the Navy and three product carriers for U.S. Shipping Partners L.P.
Norwegian Defence Logistics Organisation Selects BAE Systems Sting Ray Mod 1 To Meet Anti-Submarine Torpedo Requirements
Source: BAE Systems
WATERLOOVILLE, UK --- The Norwegian Defence Logistics Organisation has selected BAE Systems Sting Ray Mod 1 lightweight torpedo to meet the requirements of its Norwegian Antisubmarine Torpedo (NAT) programme. Sting Ray Mod 1 will arm the new Fridtjof Nansen class frigates and will be integrated with the new NH90 Anti Submarine Warfare helicopter and the Orion P3-C Maritime Patrol Aircraft.
The £99 million contract, won in competition against other leading defence companies, marks the first export success for Sting Ray Mod 1.
Commenting on the success, Rory Fisher, Managing Director of BAE Systems Integrated System Technologies said “I am delighted that Norway has decided to select Sting Ray Mod 1, which is widely recognised as one of the world's most sophisticated lightweight torpedo weapon systems. We can now set about delivering our commitments in programme delivery and ensure we become the dependable partner of choice for our Norwegian customer.”
In winning the competition, BAE Systems campaign manager for Sting Ray Mod 1, Bob Moran, acknowledged the support provided by UK customer partners, in particular the Torpedoes integrated project team within the Ministry of Defence procurement agency DE&S, and the UK Defence Storage and Distribution Agency based at Gosport, Hampshire.
“Across the team the support for Sting Ray Mod 1 has been outstanding. Our UK customer/industry partnership approach was responsible for establishing a logistic support and maintenance commitment to Norway which was a key factor in our success”, Moran said.
The Sting Ray Mod 1 system is currently in production for the UK Ministry of Defence at BAE Systems facilities in Portsmouth and Waterlooville, Hampshire, under a Main Production Order placed in 2003.
Moran added: “The Norway order will extend Sting Ray Mod 1 production until the end of 2012 and help safeguard up to 50 manufacturing and engineering jobs at BAE Systems over that time.”
Turbomeca Engines will Power Japan’s Defence Ministry
Source: Turbomeca
ANAHEIM, CA. --- The Turbomeca Arrius 2B2 engine will power the future EC 135 helicopters of Japan’s Defence Ministry.
Following the tender for training helicopters for the Maritime Self-Defence Forces (Navy THX programme), Japan's defence ministry will be equipped by the Arrius 2B2 engine to power their EC135 helicopter.
Two EC135T2 and Arrius 2B2 engines should be delivered by the end of February 2010.
The Arrius 2B2 was designed to allow a greater take-off weight in category A. It offers the best performances at high altitudes and temperatures.
In addition, the engine TBO (Time Between Overhaul) has been expanded up to 4,000 hours.
Customers also benefit from a computerized maintenance aid which allows them to process the data downloaded from the EECU (Engine Electronic Control Unit).
The family of Arrius engines relies on a solid experience of more than 2,300 delivered engines, accumulating close to four million flight hours. Turbomeca worldwide network already provides the after sales support of Arrius for 430 customers in 60 countries.
Turbomeca Japan is 10 years old and provides support for 450 engines operated by 130 customers.
Photo of the Day
The Military Sealift Command combat stores ship USNS San Jose (T-AFS 7) prepares to come alongside the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) during a replenishment-at-sea.
Gator
