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Abstract

The UK Ministry of Defence recently published the ‘Maritime Modularity Concept’, outlining the UK’s vision for the development and future deployment of modular capability. Whilst the concept of modularity in warships is not necessarily novel, the method of deploying this capability is new to the Royal Navy. Today, ‘modularity’ is typically seen using block construction during build or weapon system upgrades during deep maintenance periods. Aspects of modularity can also be seen in the installation of Military Tasking Equipment (MTE) to support specific operations or the on-boarding of specialist teams such as Fleet Air Arm personnel or Royal Marine Commandos. As such, the Maritime Modularity Concept does represent change in how the Royal Navy will deploy capability. Looking forward, both new classes of frigate for the Royal Navy, the Type 26 and Type 31 frigates, will have dedicated Mission Bays. These Mission Bays are designed to receive a wide range of equipment or facilities packaged within conventional shipping containers. The ability to onboard these containers and integrate them with the platform will deliver a multi-mission modular capability with inherent flexibility, agility, and pace. These vessels are the first step towards the futuristics vision where ships are no-longer designed with distinct roles but provide a platform for plug and play capability that is adaptable, versatile, and upgradeable to meet operational needs whilst deployed. The Royal Navy will look to achieve this through the introduction of Persistent Operational Deployment Systems (PODS). Such an adaptive and versatile capability needs to be maintainable and requires an innovative support solution that ensures modules are available at the point of operational need and enable the platform to remain on task. In this paper the key challenges and characteristics of a support solution that generates, sustains, and recovers modular capability will be explored. This will build on the experience of supporting modular capability today, be that capability upgrades, MTE fits, fleet aviation assets or landing craft.

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