Steel cut for HMS Formidable – the Royal Navy’s third Type 31 frigate
At a ceremony held at Babcock’s Rosyth shipyard today, work began on the third of the five ‘Inspiration’ class ships.More
Type 31 Frigate
The development of a lean crewing solution for the Royal Navy’s Type 31 frigate
Like all navies, the RN is seeking to reduce the number of sailors needed to operate its warships as qualified people are expensive and in short supply. While putting fewer people in harm’s way, a small crew can have limitations. In this article, we look at how the designers of the Type 31 frigate have balanced lean crewing with effective operation.
Keel laid for second Type 31 frigate – HMS Active
At a ceremony in Rosyth today, the keel was laid for HMS Active the second ship of the ‘inspiration class’. Here we provide a brief update on the project and present a short animation of the Type 31 in action.
First members of ship’s company join HMS Venturer
Good progress has been made on constructing the first Type 31 frigate, HMS Venturer at Rosyth. The first 9 sailors of the ship’s company have joined the ship and will standby her in build, developing the standard operating procedures and routines for the new class of ship
Babcock showcases Arrowhead 140 Multi-Role Naval Platform concept with view to Type 32 frigate competition
Babcock recently unveiled how their Arrowhead 140 product, the parent design for the Type 31 frigate, could be significantly adapted to meet the RN’s Type 32 frigate requirement or modified for export customers.
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Royal Navy’s Type 31 frigates to be fitted with Mk41 vertical launch system
Speaking today at the First Sea Lord’s Sea Power Conference, Admiral Sir Ben Key, confirmed the Type 31 Inspiration Class frigates will be equipped with the Mk41 VLS.
Type 31 frigate benefits from an international shipbuilding programme
The recent news that some hull blocks for the second Type 31 frigate, HMS Active will be built a Poland has caused some controversy around warship construction work being done overseas. Here we look at this in context and summarise current progress with the Type 31 programme.
Developing the Type 31 frigate
To some extent, the capability of the Royal Navy’s Type 31 frigate cannot be fully appreciated without understanding the background to its development. Public perception has perhaps been over-focused on cost and initial armament, obscuring what has been achieved. In this article, we look at the procurement process and design philosophy that underpins the project.
In focus: the Bofors 57mm Mk 3 gun that will equip the Type 31 frigates
The Type 31 frigates will introduce two guns types new to Royal Navy service. In the second of two articles examining these weapons, we look at the Bofors 57mm Mk3 gun.
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