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Abstract

The main propulsion drive on the T23 Duke Class Frigate is two DC Electric Motors connected permanently in line, one on each shaft. These unique motors are designed to enable the Class to perform lower speed manoeuvring, especially during their key operational tasking of anti-submarine warfare. Due to the significant capability the T23 has delivered, five ships were identified for a Life Extension (LIFEX) refit/revamp package; a massive joint undertaking by the Royal Navy and Babcock to add an extra decade to the life of the Fleet workhorses. Once in dry dock, and as part of pre-refit and LIFEX surveys, a unique defect was identified. This defect was associated with the port and starboard propulsion motors and was limited to two vessels of the Class. To rectify this defect, and assure the additional availability vital for the Royal Navy, both electric propulsion motors would need to be removed, overhauled and replaced. This presented Babcock Devonport with a major engineering, commercial and logistical challenge. With no formal motor removal and replacement process in existence, this placed significant technical focus into deriving a safe, efficient and repeatable solution for the Royal Navy. Resolution of the defect would involve determining the extent of the damage, the various repair options and the ultimate action necessary to deliver the extended life of the propulsion motors. The Babcock Warship Technical Authority (WTA), the MOD Representative at the waterfront in Devonport, was tasked to lead the development and implementation of a suitable repair method. Utilising established decision rights, the WTA was able to take responsibility for a multitude of lines of approval and sign-off activity on behalf of the T23 Warship Approval Authority (WAA) and Equipment Approving Authority (EAA). Very early on, as the repair gathered impetus, it was clear that to achieve success the collaboration required across all key Enterprise Stakeholders (WAA, WTA, EAA, Babcock Service Provider and Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM)) would be significant. This paper outlines the situation, the courses of action to rectify the defect and the final solution chosen that would assure the continued use of the propulsion motors during the extended life of the T23 Class. It also touches upon the Enterprise approach to decisions and approvals that achieved crucial success and the Learning from Experience (LfE) identified for future projects.

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