Testing of the assembled Mk32 Mod 9 torpedo launchers for the
Hobart Class Air Warfare Destroyers is underway at Babcock's
Techport Australia premises, representing an important phase in the
project.
The contract, awarded to Babcock by Raytheon Australia in late
2008 on behalf of the Air Warfare Destroyer (AWD) Alliance,
involves the adaptation of the system concept originally designed
for the US Navy, with some elements of new design, assembly and
test of a weapons launching system for use with the MU90 torpedoes
for the AWD.
Babcock's international reach-back has been instrumental in
facilitating supply, both in working with US government
organisations to secure a licence in accordance with International
Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), and through its links with
industry in the US and UK to source some specialist key components
from proven suppliers. Babcock's local presence has seen some
80% of the work undertaken in Australia (a significant increase on
the contracted 63% to be completed locally), including using its
local supply chain for the manufacture, and undertaking testing at
its Techport facility. All in-service support can be
undertaken locally.
Two Mk32 Mod 9 torpedo launcher assemblies will be mounted in
magazine compartments, port and starboard, on each of the three
Hobart class AWDs. The system is made up of three main
components; a launcher, an air charging panel and a torpedo loading
tray. The air charging panel and loading tray have been
designed by Babcock to meet the requirements of the AWD
Alliance.
The ability of the Mk32 Mod9 torpedo launchers to fire a MU90
lightweight torpedo is now being proven in the current test phase,
which is being carried out using a custom designed land-based test
rig and measuring equipment and safe work procedures. Factory
Acceptance Tests will follow soon afterwards.
"We have made strong progress on the launcher contract, and
commencement of testing is a key milestone in this," Babcock
director Pat Donovan said. "As an Australian company our
locally based and focused team, coupled with our international
reach-back capability, has been key to the delivery of this
project."