Iron Duke benefits from systems upgrade

The system, potentially the forerunner to all ships in the Class being fitted with similar units, takes into account the latest developments in CBRN technology and will enable more cost effective through-life support through less frequent requirement for filter changes.

Fleet Support Limited (FSL) has worked closely with the Marine Environment Survivability and Habitability and Frigates Integrated Project Teams to provide installation design, installation, testing and trialling of the new system, which included new installations to the ship's superstructure as well as a considerable revamp to existing in-board fittings.

The CBRN upgrade was one of the major elements of the project on HMS Iron Duke, which saw a 40 per cent growth in workload during the life of the programme. Externally, the frigate was fitted with a new transom flap to improve fuel economy, a considerable number of sea tubes were replaced, radar trackers removed and overhauled, and finally an extensive painting package was completed.

Work internally was equally demanding with a varied menu of activity on the ship's machinery, particularly the gearbox. A new aircraft handling system enabling the ship to take the Merlin helicopter was fitted, while crew are benefiting from considerably enhanced accommodation. With a new crew, the ship will embark on an intensive training period early next year following successful completion of her sea trials.

Mal Lewis, FSL Engineering and Ship Support Director, said:

"Although we took into account the development of emerging work it turned out to be around twice what was anticipated. It required close and flexible working with the Frigate IPT and ship's staff to successfully carry out the additional tasks."

The achievement in carrying out the heavy workload in such a short space of time was also acknowledged by HMS Iron Duke's Commanding Officer, Commander Mark Newland:

"The efforts put in to achieve what became a significant package of work by all the members of Team Portsmouth was impressive," he explained. "I am immensely proud of the way in which my Ship's Company responded to the challenge. Iron Duke is now a much more capable warship and being able to embark a Merlin helicopter gives me a huge increase in capability."

Leading Engineering Technician Chris Simpson, commenting on the accommodation improvements to the mess decks, added:

"The finish in the mess is really good, all the lads are really pleased and so am I."