Type 31 programme passes design review milestone
The Type 31 programme for the UK RN has completed the the Whole Ship Critical Design Review. (Photo: Babcock)
The Type 31 frigate programme for the UK RN has passed the Whole Ship Critical Design Review (WSCDR) stage, shipbuilder Babcock announced on 27 April.
The WSCDR was held virtually over a period of ten days and comprised several specific reviews to assess the maturity of the individual systems and equipment for the £1.99 billion ($2.65 billion) Type 31 programme.
An independent board of 12 experts reviewed the design, interrogated the engineering team and provided advice to Babcock as the Design Authority.
Babcock noted: ‘Completing the Whole Ship CDR provides [the Babcock-led] Team 31 with the confidence to fully develop the 3D CAD [computer-aided design] model and move towards the generation of build drawings in readiness for first steel cut and ship assembly later this year.’
The Type 31 frigate programme was revealed in August 2020 to have entered the Whole Ship Engineering Phase and was on track to start production in 2021.
Team 31 intends to complete construction of the fifth and final Type 31 in 2027, Shephard Defence Insight reports.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Inspiration Class (Type 31) [UK]
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
BAE Systems to collaborate with Umoe Mandal on Type 26 frigate and Littoral Strike Craft
The agreement is intended to boost opportunities for both UK and Norwegian naval shipbuilding.
-
Thin-line towed arrays on uncrewed vessels deliver more cost-effective sonar, says SEA
Miniaturisation of technology opens up radical sensing technologies to smaller navies under submarine threat, according to SEA sonar expert.
-
£30 million UK-New Zealand deal sends new uncrewed vehicles to Ukraine
Sam Vye, the CEO of SYOS Aerospace, which supplied the vehicles, explained the rapid development and deployment of assets in the uncrewed world.
-
HII delivers first two Lionfish SUUVs to US Navy
The SUUVs could be part of a programme that scales to 200 vehicles.