Evolutionary Trends In UK Sonar - by Dr Paul Gosling
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SUBMARINES: FUTURE TRENDS SUBMARINES: FUTURE TRENDS
Evolutionary Trends In UK Sonar
by Dr Paul Gosling
Paul Gosling is Technical Director of Thales UK Naval Division. Combatant (FSC), will all use proven sensor systems as their
Previously he was technical director of the UK Sonar 2087 baseline to minimise risk to the build programmes.
surface ship sonar project and prior to that the systems
architect on the Sonar 2076 submarine sonar project. Here In a process of incremental change there is a danger that
he discusses the likely evolution of sonar for submarines and systems will evolve to satisfy short-term requirements
surface ships over the next two decades. and, in so doing, longer-term evolutionary strategies or
breakthrough technologies will be sidelined. It is therefore
In today’s climate of a shrinking maritime defence budget important to consider incremental capability updates in the
and expanding global commitments, the UK MoD is faced context of the wider vision for these evolving sonar systems.
with the following dilemma in the underwater domain:
• How to deliver the same capability for less money over time. In the current economic climate, the concept of up-
• How to deliver enhanced capability more cost-effectively. front expenditure to prepare the foundations for a future
capability is difficult to justify. This is clearly one of the
This paper examines these challenges in the context of the challenges of an evolutionary equipment strategy. However,
primary underwater sensor: sonar, identified in the Defence in some cases the penalty of anticipation of future trends
Industrial Strategy as a key sovereign technology critical to can be minimised. For example, in most modern equipments
UK defence. the inboard processing electronics will evolve to mainstream
COTS and with it the software infrastructure will make
The UK operates some of the most advanced sonar capability enhancement, through addition of portable and
equipment in the world. Most notably: well-defined software modules, much more cost-effective.
• The latest submarine Sonar 2076 incorporating state-of-the- However, one should not underestimate the challenge in
art flank arrays, advanced processing and display graphics. establishing a robust enterprise model able to support the
• The surface fleet Sonar 2087 system – a low frequency introduction of third-party capabilities into an open systems
active sonar combined with a highly advanced passive solution, managed by a systems integrator.
towed array.
• Mine warfare sonar 2093 (variable depth) and 2193 In terms of a future vision it is important to consider the
(hull mounted) able to detect mines in both deep and wider impact of equipment evolution. Each change requires
shallow waters. investment in training, shore-based facilities and support
services (Defence Lines of Development or DLoDS) and these
must form part of the assessment.
The vision for the future will focus Finally, evolution and associated investment must not focus
entirely on ‘quick wins’. Sustainment depends on investment
on their likely evolution rather in the low-technology readiness activity as well as more
than any quantum change or applied research and development (R&D).
introduction of new systems Whilst this paper focuses on the major sonar arenas of
anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and mine warfare, emerging
requirements in maritime safety and security and airborne
With these Sonar systems at the start of their operational life, sonar remain very relevant.
the vision for the future will focus on their likely evolution
rather than any quantum change or introduction of new Improving Sonar Performance
systems. Indeed, 15 years ago sonar procurement was a ‘green Sonar performance is driven by a number of key parameters:
field site’ where new technology-stretching systems were being • Number of hydrophones (i.e. array size).
developed. Sonar procurement over the next 15 years is very • Array sensitivity to noise.
much a ‘brown field site’ which will be driven by incremental • Arc of cover.
change from the existing baseline. Incremental evolution will • Frequency.
not only apply to legacy systems, but also to those to be fitted • Bandwidth.
in future platforms. Indeed, the MoD has stipulated that later • Source Level.
Astute submarines, the SSBN Successor and the Future Surface Fundamentally increased performance is achieved by
44 RUSI DEFENCE SYSTEMS OCTOBER 2008
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SUBMARINES: FUTURE TRENDS
Figure 1: Evolutionary Cycle [Thales UK]
increased signal-to-noise ratio and through better extraction improvement programme during its submarine and surface
of the signal from noise. Once a sonar array is fitted, then ship new-build programmes (Astute, SSBN Successor and FSC).
the primary means of achieving better performance is fixed
and improvements in signal extraction through introduction Submarine Sonar
of better algorithms becomes the only means of evolution. It The two primary submarine sonar equipments in service with
is therefore absolutely essential that fundamental acoustic the Royal Navy today are Sonar 2076, fitted to the Trafalgar-
systems knowledge and technology be retained by the UK and Astute-class submarines and 2054 fitted to the Vanguard
in order to be able to make the correct sensor systems class. Both systems are currently undergoing an inboard
decisions during the fitting of next-generation equipments. architecture conversion to an open-systems framework.
For both systems the emphasis in general has been on cost
It is often easier to change the parameters on a new system reduction rather than capability enhancement.
than it is on an existing one, where retrospective change
is often uneconomic. For example, replacing an existing Submarine sonar is perhaps the most nationally sensitive
hull-mounted array on a submarine is a costly exercise, but area of sonar development. A number of the technologies
evolving the array design for the next submarine fit is far developed for the UK submarine fleet are limited in terms of
easier, providing the exercise of re-proving performance at export opportunity. However, the strong links between the
sea can be handled in a cost-effective manner. UK and the US may enable some leverage between the US
and UK programmes in terms of export and shared research
We can conclude, therefore, that it is important to invest and technology (R&T).
in flexibility and upgrade capacity upfront and to grow the
through-life capability through down-stream processing The 2076 and 2054 sonar systems are an integrated suite of
enhancements rather than any draconian change in the array functions from multiple array sites. It is likely that the trend
subsystems. Fortunately, the UK has recognised this truth and to address submarine sonar capability as a whole rather
is in a strong position to exploit the advantages of modern than as a set of individual arrays or subsystems will remain
processing algorithms and computer hardware capabilities important both in terms of minimising acoustic interference
in its current sensors, whilst actively engaging in a sensor between systems, and in ensuring that the overall capability
OCTOBER 2008 RUSI DEFENCE SYSTEMS 45
SUBMARINES: FUTURE TRENDS SUBMARINES: FUTURE TRENDS
HMS Turbulent [Thales UK]
of the suite (arcs of cover, frequency range, noise sensitivity Integration of the submarine sensors with off-board sensors
etc.) is considered. The longer-term trend will be for further becomes feasible with anticipated future improvements in
coherence in sonar solutions in the Astute and SSBN underwater data communications. There is certainly some
successor platforms, resulting in a common sonar design. merit in submarines being able to receive information from
inorganic or off-board sensors. There is no technical reason
why submarines could not be involved in the deployment of
The longer-term trend will be such sensors.
for further coherence in sonar The largest and most capable sonar sensors are contained in
the 2076 system produced by Thales UK. Through adoption
solutions in the Astute and SSBN of new technologies it has been possible to reduce the
successor platforms, resulting production and through-life costs of these sensors without
significant loss in performance. In some cases the cost
in a common sonar design reductions can be realised in the sensors themselves, and in
other cases in the fitting and integration costs (for example,
considerable savings are made when analogue arrays are
To achieve this goal, system integration will be a key digitised outboard, as the number of hull penetrations can
discipline. The appointed system integrator will have to be reduced).
ensure synergy across the fleet in terms of capability
evolution, software testing, programme management Developing flank and bow sensor technologies are seen as
and training. In the future this role might be expanded. key evolutions of the hull-mounted sensors, potentially
Currently, underwater sensing is predominantly sonar- providing trade-offs for the towed array system. Using
based, but with the emergence of other sensing techniques new sensor types with dedicated processing will improve
and novel acoustic sensor applications, combined with both noise performance and sensitivity. The opportunity to
advances in acoustic communications, it is likely that produce even larger arrays and, potentially, to sample these
underwater situational awareness will draw more heavily on arrays to increase the frequency range is afforded by some of
a combination of sensors and sensor applications. these technology evolutions.
46 RUSI DEFENCE SYSTEMS OCTOBER 2008
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Most of the evolution on submarines is focused on passive sonar for ASW. In Type 23 and Type 22 frigates, the 2050
sonar with active sonar being given less consideration for hull-mount sonar is a medium-frequency active system
obvious reasons of stealth. Use of the submarine as a bi- combined with passive capabilities at lower frequencies.
static receiver of active transmissions from other sources is With the introduction of LF active, the role of hull-mounted
a possible future scenario, but concern will remain about the sonar in new platform designs needs to be revisited. Any
risk of counter-detection in such scenarios. future hull-mount decision must recognise the capability
requirement to search the whole water column available
Surface Ship Sonar to the target and note that traditional medium-frequency,
For surface ship ASW operations, low-frequency active sonar hull-mounted sonars would not necessarily form part of
provides the most capable counter to the submarine threat. the solution. It would seem prudent, however, given historic
The primary sonar available to the Royal Navy is Sonar 2087. vulnerability to collision with submerged objects and the
The 2087 system has a well mapped out evolution from need to operate in close confined littoral waters, to at
the current IOC (Initial Operating Capability) to its FOC least consider obstacle avoidance sonar in the bow space.
(Final Operating Capability). FOC will focus on capability A greater degree of common processing and integration of
increments to the inboard processing, benefiting primarily the hull-mount sonar with the LF active sonar would also
from work done under the applied research programmes. seem to be a sensible strategy. The use of new materials
should result in modular bow array designs capable of wide
In the short-term, the FOC challenges for 2087 are capable bandwidth reception with good rejection of own-ships’ noise.
of being supported through inboard processing and have In the future, the likely emphasis for the bow array will be on
little effect on the physical sensors, handling equipment or cost-effectiveness, and essential requirements only.
transmitters. The major disruption occurs to the system if
there is a desire to modify the transmit or receive elements
of the system, a particular area of interest coming out of
research work being the introduction of wider bandwidth
Most of the evolution on
transmissions and advanced processing of these wider submarines is focused on passive
bandwidths. The incorporation of wider bandwidth
transmissions could require major change to the transmitters, sonar with active sonar being
transducers and associated matching electronics. given less consideration for
In some cases major change can be tied into planned obvious reasons of stealth
maintenance of the existing cables and arrays so as to avoid
excessive scrapping of serviceable equipment. The challenge in
these cases is to engineer inherent flexibility into the design of Looking at the 15- to 20-year future time frame, we are
the retained equipment (handling systems, interfaces etc.). envisioning the introduction into service of FSC and the
eventual decommissioning of the type 23 platforms.
The UK 2087 system is part of the Thales product family, which However, with the current life extension predictions for the
includes both the large system variants (such as 2087 and Type 23, there will still be Type 23 platforms in operation
the FREMM system) and also medium-sized versions (such as with 2087 and 2050 sonars fitted to them, so there is a need
the 4229 fitted to the new Norwegian Frigates). This product to consider the evolution strategy towards FSC.
family now includes a smaller, new-generation sonar (called
CAPTAS Nano) that uses an innovative linear transmit array
design. Each LF active system is tailored to differing platform
needs and customer requirements. The 2087 system represents
the largest of this sonar generation, but shares common
components. This provides advantages to the UK as it is able
to benefit from evolutions and obsolescence management of
these equipments in the export market.
Passive towed array capabilities on surface ships and
submarines have evolved separately, but contain common
elements. Technically, there is no reason why the passive
capability cannot converge to a common implementation.
This would actually facilitate the ability to utilise submarine
resources on surface ships, as the training in the use of the
equipment as well as spares would be common.
Traditionally, surface ships have employed a hull-mounted The Sonar 2087 system has a well mapped out evolution [Thales UK]
OCTOBER 2008 RUSI DEFENCE SYSTEMS 47
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Advances in acoustic communications will enhance surface- as battery life, communications and autonomy control
ship capability growth. Acoustic communications is a that need to be explored, and a role for these devices in
significant tactical aid and also provides enabling data for submarine ASW is yet to be established. The more likely
multi-statics, so the way in which acoustic communications role is in mine countermeasures (MCM) and security-type
is incorporated within the overall system requires careful applications as part of a specific modular fit to general-
consideration. In applications such as multi-statics where purpose platforms.
the sonar is not simply acting as a modem, it becomes a
generator and user of the information transmitted over the Mine Warfare
acoustic communications link. Mine warfare can be described in terms of three main
system types:
• Dedicated MCM platforms (e.g. those which could
With the introduction of LF incorporate evolutions of 2093 and S2193).
active, the role of hull-mounted • Organic Systems (MCM capabilities fitted to non-specialist
MCM platforms to deliver an MCM effect) – e.g. organic
sonar in new platform designs capabilities for FSC platform such as UUVs and USVs,
needs to be revisited with an MCM C2 capability coupled to the core combat
management system).
• Portable Systems – air transportable systems with
a mobile capability able to deliver short-term MCM
In a new design it would be prudent to consider the surface- worldwide with minimal recourse to host-nation
ship sonar as a sonar suite in much the same way as it infrastructure or specialist shipping.
is considered on a submarine. It makes sense, therefore,
that hull-mount sonars evolve towards a common inboard The main threats in the future will be from the more
architecture shared with the towed array system. In many sophisticated mines. Within this time frame we can expect:
respects the inboard processing collapses to a very small
processing volume compared to the existing designs o Enhanced capability due to cheap and widely available
especially when all the sensors are integrated into a common electronics and micro-computers, allowing improved signal
computing environment. There is clearly a need to consider processing and logic capabilities, and a reduction in firing
the transmitter and array electronics side of the future mechanism volume and power consumption.
designs, as well as in a migration strategy, but modification o Application of modern signal processing techniques and the
here would be to remove excessive obsolescence development of more sensitive influence sensors, allowing a
management overheads. larger threat radius and greater target discrimination.
o Increased explosive density providing greater lethality.
In the time frame of FSC it will be necessary to consider o Improved resistance to MCM.
the nature of the next generation of sonar arrays. Given the o Increased operating depths, use of wireless or acoustic link
extended life of the Type 23, it may be justifiable to upgrade remote control, longer ranges and improved guidance for
some of the platforms with new sensor designs to de-risk propelled warhead mines.
FSC, but the business case for this has yet to be drafted.
A significant landmark in the evolution of the surface-ship
combat systems will be the adoption of a Modular Open In a new design it would
Systems Architecture (MOSA). The current combat system
integration process on the Type 23 frigate is both time-
be prudent to consider the
consuming and costly, essentially due to the outdated surface-ship sonar as a sonar
architecture which does not sufficiently de-couple safety
and mission-critical systems. The cost savings realised suite in much the same way
from adoption of a MOSA architecture should enable
more flexible implementation and interoperation
as it is considered on a submarine
of new capabilities and will be essential in order to
realise cost-effective introduction of C2 systems for
unmanned vehicles. The main mine warfare equipments in the UK are currently
dedicated systems. These are the variable-depth 2093 sonar
In recent years there has been considerable interest in fitted to the Sandown Class and the hull mounted 2193
remote-sensing devices, either in the form of remotely sonar fitted to the Hunt Class. As with many other areas of
deployable sensor arrays or in the form of UUVs and USVs. defence, funding to develop mine warfare is very limited,
There are clearly technical challenges in these areas such and with little in the way of procurement of new platforms
48 RUSI DEFENCE SYSTEMS OCTOBER 2008SUBMARINES: FUTURE TRENDS
SUBMARINES: FUTURE TRENDS
the likely evolution will be through progressive upgrades to vehicles (autonomy/communications, propulsion/duration,
the existing arrays, with a gradual reduction in dedicated deployment/recovery and payload) and the extent to which
systems in favour of organic and portable systems. these will be solved sufficiently to allow remote vehicles
to be a standard fit to surface ships and submarines of the
In the case of 2093, the UK can clearly benefit from a future will remain uncertain for some time. Clearly, this is
product that is in use with a number of navies throughout one of the more novel innovations in underwater sensing,
the world and the natural evolution that tends to follow which requires further attention in terms of the CONOPS
from a wider customer base. as well as the technology challenges.
Dedicated mine warfare systems tend to have a cut-down Conclusion
command and control capability that is almost entirely This paper considers the likely evolution of UK sonar systems
dedicated to the MCM task. Evolution of the MCM C2 to an in the next 10 to 20 years. Typically, sonar systems will need
open framework provides the option for this to evolve as to respond to the increasing stealth and sophistication of
a dedicated function on mine warfare platforms and as an submarines, mines and torpedoes.
organic C2 module to be connected to core combat system
modules on more general-purpose vessels. Provision within In the submarine domain, the emphasis will remain on
the MCM C2 for improved situational information (chart development of improved passive detection techniques
overlays, bottom topography, wreck data bases etc.) will combined with large aperture sonar arrays. Improved sonar
generally serve to improve the effectiveness of the MCM algorithms will find a more rapid path to in-service use
system, especially in the littoral environment. through the adoption of open architectures and through
the ability to test such algorithms on more readily available
recorded threat information.
The future vision of The surface ship ASW role is already shifting from passive
to active detection using low-frequency variable depth
underwater sensing places sonar (VDS) such as 2087, albeit augmented by a robust
great hope in the deployment passive capability. The evolution of VDS sonar to further
improve target detection and discrimination against clutter
of remote vehicles will be the key development in the medium-term.
In both submarine and surface ships the role of unmanned
The wider-spread use of organic and portable MCM vehicles will increase as the technology matures, but in the
systems will involve MCM systems with UUVs time frame we are considering this is seen as a capability
incorporating side-scan sonar and non-acoustic sensing evolution rather than a wholesale replacement of the
modules. USVs can also form part of the portable system, traditional sensors.
with towed acoustic and magnetic systems along with
mine disposal systems.
Remote and Networked Sensors In both submarine and surface
In the longer term there is some hope that the use of
network and, in particular, underwater communications ships the role of unmanned
activities will enable off-board sensors (either mounted vehicles will increase as the
to an unmanned vehicle or stand alone) to communicate
in a network-enabled group to act as a means of affordably technology matures
improving performance. There are considerable challenges
here both in terms of data bandwidth and security of
the networks, as well as autonomy and duration of In mine warfare the progression will be towards more
the remote sensors. An obvious force multiplier comes capable dedicated systems supported by increasingly
in the development of multi-statics capabilities sophisticated remote sensors and effectors in the form
between platforms. of UUVs and USVs.
The future vision of underwater sensing places great hope For all sonar systems the inboard evolution towards COTS
in the deployment of remote vehicles. The most mature technology and more rapid capability insertion is seen as both
evolution of this is in the field of mine warfare, but wider desirable and an inevitable consequence of the dominance of
aspirations for special forces, harbour protection and even COTS in future systems. The challenge is to be able to leverage
anti-submarine warfare have been envisaged. There are the potential cost savings in integration and to be able to use
clearly technical challenges in the key aspects of remote these to invest in capability enhancement.
OCTOBER 2008 RUSI DEFENCE SYSTEMS 49YOU’D BE SURPRISED
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www.thalesgroup.com/naval The world is safer with ThalesSUBMARINES: FUTURE TRENDS
SUBMARINES: FUTURE TRENDS
Submarine Support:
Achieving Affordable Availability
By Roger Hardy
Roger Hardy is Managing Director Submarines for Babcock facilities are in place to support both the currently operational
Marine, the through-life defence support specialist. Here he submarines and those entering service in future. These facilities
looks at what can be, needs to be, and is being done to ensure must be kept up-to-date to meet availability, reliability and
effective and cost-efficient in-service support for the Royal safety targets to ensure that the submarine programme does
Navy’s submarine flotilla, today and tomorrow. not incur time or cost overrun due to facility-related issues, as
was often the case throughout the last decade.
Effective and cost-efficient submarine support is a highly
topical issue. For many decades the submarine flotilla has Consolidation of in-service support under Babcock Marine,
been seen by outsiders as being both expensive and poor at which now supports the entire Royal Navy submarine flotilla,
delivering the required availability. As the last Trafalgar-class contributes beneficially here in bringing together Britain’s
nuclear-powered attack submarine (SSN) refit approaches submarine support facilities at Devonport and Clyde and
completion (HMS Triumph), the first of the new Astute-class presenting opportunities for rationalisation and avoidance
SSNs approaches entry into service, the Vanguard-class of duplication in capacity, capability and skills. At Devonport,
ballistic missile submarines (SSBN) enter mid-life, and the which underwent a major upgrade in the five years to 2002,
early stages of the successor deterrent programme get under the Future Nuclear Facilities (FNF) programme currently
way, the future of submarine support is very much a subject of under way in a partnering agreement with the MoD involves
discussion and debate. Considerable attention now needs to a project to provide a fleet time docking facility within the
centre on how to maximise availability and extend operating submarine refit complex, plus a £150M investment for a
life if necessary, with optimum cost-efficiency. world-class, low-level defuelling facility, due to be completed
by 2012. Meanwhile, substantial MoD infrastructure
investment at the Clyde facilities sees work under way on
a new £200M floating jetty, with the capability to berth
Considerable attention now needs the new Astute-class, to be installed and commissioned
to centre on how to maximise later this year and operated by Babcock Marine. Once these
investments are complete the goal should be to undertake
availability and extend operating through-life maintenance without need for further large
life if necessary, with optimum capital investment.
cost-efficiency Given the cost of acquiring and maintaining support
facilities, ensuring that their use is maximised is critical.
Certainly adaptation of assets and support equipment
Clearly this is a huge subject with, inevitably, a whole range of already in use for Trafalgar and Vanguard classes will be key
aspects and factors to be considered, from the in-service support to constraining and minimising future infrastructure costs.
facilities and resources themselves and how to maintain and Similarly, measures such as optimising dock utilisation
maximise these, through to the contracting approach between have a role to play. Docks are traditionally dedicated to
the MoD and industry and, longer term, the importance of either warships or submarines (each requiring different
bringing in-service knowledge and experience to bear at the infrastructure and support systems such as safety systems
concept, development and construction stages to minimise and water cooling among others). Using a single dock for
through-life cost. This is an issue that the Submarine Enterprise both demands effective integration of the complex nuclear
Collaborative Agreement (SECA) is seeking to address, aided submarine and surface ship maintenance procedures
by the industrial consolidation within the submarine in-service and planning processes, and represents a major planning
support sector to create Babcock Marine (now a single source of and logistics exercise. It was successfully achieved at the
in-service support experience and expertise). Devonport site last year, however, when the amphibious
helicopter carrier HMS Ocean entered dock within four hours
Maximising Resources of the nuclear-powered attack submarine HMS Turbulent
To take the subject of facilities first, it is evidently a leaving the same dock. Measures of this type to maximise
fundamental requirement to ensure that the infrastructure and asset use can help to generate valuable cost efficiencies.
OCTOBER 2008 RUSI DEFENCE SYSTEMS 51SUBMARINES: FUTURE TRENDS SUBMARINES: FUTURE TRENDS
Output-based contracting would focus primarily on submarine availability [Babcock Marine]
Similarly, sharing and smoothing manpower resources for both performance- or output-based model, for the support of both
ship and submarine support is again valuable. Careful planning operational and future submarine classes.
and coordination of resource requirements to avoid large
manpower peaks and troughs can minimise the cost of labour At a time of almost unprecedented focus on, and concern over,
supply and bring cost benefits to both ship and submarine defence budgets and spend, and with the submarine support
programmes. Indeed, the sharing of both physical assets and budget due to reduce over the next five years, the need to
manpower resource is likely to become a notable feature of ensure optimised availability, quality and cost-efficiency is
maritime in-service support given the significant decline in critical. Experience from best-practice in-service support
the size of the nuclear submarine flotilla, and a gap in SSN models, both within the defence sector (including the Harrier
refitting between completion of the last Trafalgar-class refits and Tornado fast jets, T996 naval radar, and Survey/River-class
next year and the first Astute refit in the early 2020s. OPVs) and outside it (British Airways and London Underground
being two), demonstrates that through-life, performance-based
Performance-based Contracting contracting at platform level can achieve this. A generic figure
On a different note, contractual arrangements represent an of over 20% savings emerges from the through-life platform
important key to optimising through-life submarine support. level output performance-based projects mentioned.
One of the legacy factors cited by the MoD as driving the Output performance-based contracting in submarine
need for change in submarine manufacture and support going support would move away from discrete packages of work to
forward (giving rise to SECA) is a commercial framework that focus primarily on submarine availability when required, plus
has historically rewarded volume, not performance. In terms of factors such as whether the asset performs, maintenance is
today’s in-service requirements, with the maturing Vanguard delivered to plan, quality and safety are being maintained,
class presenting a number of challenges, and issues of how to and costs are reducing. This would bring significant efficiency
maximise availability and, potentially, extend operating life and effectiveness benefits by addressing a number of
coming to the fore, there are important benefits to be derived inherent flaws in current contracting approaches. Existing
from a new contractual approach that would move to a contractual measures, for example, include no availability or
52 RUSI DEFENCE SYSTEMS OCTOBER 2008SUBMARINES: FUTURE TRENDS
SUBMARINES: FUTURE TRENDS
in-service performance indicators, and limited opportunity this is a crucial element of the partnering relationship (which
for meaningful trend analysis; reporting for major should also feature establishment of trust, alignment of
maintenance activities is inconsistent, with a different set all parties’ interests to solve the customer’s problem, and
of performance metrics and reports for each Long Overhaul removal of any blame culture, as well as possible co-location
Period (LOP) or Revalidation and Assisted Maintenance at point of delivery) that is key to the success of output-based
Period (RAMP); and incentive mechanisms are ineffective in contracting. Babcock Marine is taking the lead in discussing
driving improved performance. with the MoD the approaches which can and should be
used to maximise submarine availability through the right
By contrast, performance-based contracts are centred on incentivising arrangement with industry.
outcome: whether the asset was available when required
and how well it performed. They are also more proactive
than reactive (with a focus on future availability of the
asset, and avoidance of performance shortfalls). Being long
This partnering agreement
term (generally at least five years) they promote alignment addresses the position of
throughout the supply chain, with risk-sharing where
appropriate. And they are set against a benchmark, with three monopoly suppliers
payments incentivised against the customer’s requirements and meets the Defence
for performance (with mechanisms to fund increased profit
via efficiency savings, and profit at risk against performance, Industrial Strategy’s vision
for instance). With cost reduction, improved performance
and increased profit all directly linked, both contractor and
customer will gain. Collaboration for Through-life Benefit
Looking forward, partnering and collaboration are indeed
the dominant themes of the UK submarine enterprise of
Output performance-based the future. While optimising and maximising facilities and
resources, coupled with a new contracting approach, will
contracting in submarine tackle many of the legacy issues (including the decline
support would move away in the size of the submarine flotilla, cost of acquiring and
maintaining facilities, and contracting that has traditionally
from discrete packages of rewarded volume not performance), collaboration under SECA
seeks to realign the contracting relationship between the
work to focus primarily MoD and industry. This partnering agreement addresses the
on submarine availability position of three monopoly suppliers and meets the Defence
Industrial Strategy’s vision of a ‘programme-level partnering
when required agreement with a single industrial entity for the full life cycle
of the submarine flotilla, while addressing key affordability
issues’. It thus overcomes the traditional fragmentation of
Evidently a clearly defined requirement is a prerequisite. submarine manufacture and support, bringing the two under
In submarine support, evaluation of whether the asset was single programme management.
available when required could be made in terms of adherence
to the Navy Plan (Fleet Operating Schedule), whether four While features of the new Astute-class such as the elimination
SSNs are ready for sea at any one time, the maintenance of of the need for costly and time-consuming reactor refuelling
Continuous At Sea Deterrence (CASD), and/or the percentage (required during the lifespan of the current SSNs) will
of non-maintenance days. Similarly, asset performance could contribute to significantly reducing through-life maintenance,
be evaluated in terms of operational defect frequency; delivery the greater building-in of through-life cost of ownership
of maintenance to plan against adherence to milestones; and considerations reported in Astute Boat 4 and follow-ons
achievement of cost reductions measured on cost per boat underlines the way forward.
available day, total class support costs, and/or savings versus
baseline costs. Certainly recognition of the importance of considering
in-service support issues (which, after all, represent some
Additionally, monitoring and sharing of information – such as 60–75% of whole-life cost of a platform), and drawing on
the number of safety or quality lapses raised, level of spares experience in this field with involvement of the maintainer to
availability being achieved, and whether milestones are being inform concept and design with in-service support in mind, is
attained – provides valuable opportunities for analysis to drive a huge and welcome step forward, and will prove an important
ongoing improvement. Open sharing of information is critical contributor to improving performance and reducing costs
to success, and management and federation of information across the submarine life cycle, to deliver an available and
must be given sufficient attention and investment. Indeed, affordable capability.
OCTOBER 2008 RUSI DEFENCE SYSTEMS 53You can also read
