BVT prepares to take the lead in FSC

Friday, February 13, 2009

The Royal Navy has taken the first major step towards developing the next generation of warships for the fleet after it came to an agreement with BVT Surface Fleet to assist in the development phase.

The joint maritime venture between BAE Systems and VT Group, which holds a monopoly over nearly all major naval projects, will work with the Navy to develop a concept for the Future Surface Combatant (FSC).

BVT will lead the design and production of the FSCs, taking over responsibilities from the Naval Design Partnership.

The maritime manufacturing giant will also work with the Surface Combatants Directorate in Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) to jointly develop the costed assessment phase, the preparation of a joint cost model for the whole life of the programme and analysis of the supply chain and other factors.

Rear Admiral Bob Love, director general Ships for the DE&S, called the agreement a "hugely exciting day for the Royal Navy": "This is a significant moment in the life of FSC as we press forward in developing a world class escort for the future."

BVT officials were pleased by the latest contract victory. Chief executive Alan Johnston said that the contract award would allow BAE to retain vital shipbuilding skills.

The FSC is to be the next generation of surface warship, and is due to begin delivering the 26 ships into service by the middle of next decade. The ships were originally scheduled to replace the Type 23 frigates, but due to massive budget cuts and the dramatic reduction of the Navy's fleet, the programme is now set to perform a number of functions. The ships will replace the Type 22s as well.

The three main categories for the FSC are:

C1 - Force Anti-Submarine Warfare Combatant (formerly Versatile Surface Combatant)- around ten large vessels for high-threat environments.

C2 - Stabilisation Combatant (formerly Medium Sized Vessel Derivative) - around eight cheaper vessels

C3 - Ocean-Capable Patrol Vessel - around eight smaller ships to replace minesweepers and possibly current patrol ships.

The programme came under some criticism after it was revealed that the project was in effect replacing two additional orders of Type 45 Destroyers.

However with cuts and delays to nearly every major naval project, the FSC will most likely be reduced in size before the last orders are finalized.