APPLICATION OF MECHANISED SYSTEMS TO ENABLE MULTI-ROLE CAPABILITY ON MINOR WARSHIPS

摘要

It is anticipated that future naval scenarios will require the capability to respond to unpredictable, asymmetric threats. Consequently, future warship platforms are being designed with multi-role capability and mission-modularity at their core. This will be enabled by a new generation of handling systems technology which can perform a variety of operations such as launch and recovery and pallet or mission-module handling. These systems are already being accommodated in large vessels such as frigates and aircraft carries, for example the UK Type 26 Mission Bay and the Highly Mechanised magazine on the UK Queen Elizabeth-class respectively. The increased capability provided by emerging handling system technology is also relevant to minor warships. This paper presents an evaluation of such a system for use on a typical Offshore Patrol Vessel. A functional assessment is conducted to identify the increased capability offered and the feasibility for integration on a minor warship. The pertinent design principles and philosophies are presented, and conclusions are drawn regarding the application of technology from existing applications.