Airspeed to supply composite ship stump masts

Composites manufacturer Airspeed has been awarded a contract to manufacture Replenishment At Sea (RAS) Stump Masts for the first batch of three Hunter class frigates being built in Adelaide.

The RAS Stump Masts allow for the transfer of fuel, munitions and stores from one ship to another while at sea.

Airspeed Managing Director Steve Barlow said: “As an Australian SME, Airspeed, is proud to be a part of the Hunter Class Frigate Program and the advanced capabilities it brings to the Royal Australian Navy.

“We are also very pleased to showcase the abilities of the Airspeed team at the core of a successful, sovereign, design and build composite manufacturing organisation.”

Airspeed’s composite systems have been widely used to replace sections of the Collins class submarine to reduce vessel weight.

It is natural for naval ships to gain weight through their lifetime as new systems are added, with composites providing a lightweighting answer.

Airspeed is already supplying RAS Stump Masts for the first batch of three Type 26 frigates, which BAE Systems is building for the Royal Navy in the United Kingdom.

Airspeed’s contract for Type 26 was secured with support from BAE Systems Australia’s Global Access Program, which identifies and facilitates opportunities for Australian businesses to enter BAE Systems’ global supply chain.

The quality of Airspeed’s products for both Type 26 and its light-weight floor panels supplied for the Air Warfare Destroyer program were key enablers for Airspeed being selected to supply into the RAS Stump Masts, according to BAE Systems Australia.

The Managing Director of BAE Systems Australia – Maritime Craig Lockhart said: “One of the great benefits of Hunter and Type 26 being part of the same Global Combat Ship family is the ability for companies to expand their operations internationally and supply into multiple shipbuilding programs here in Australia and the UK.

“This is a great testament to not only the quality of work that Airspeed has produced, but also the work we do as a company – through initiatives like the Global Access Program – to enable growth in Australian industry.

“The strong progress we’re making on the Hunter program at the Osborne Naval Shipyard demonstrates the success of all our suppliers and partners, who are all involved in this truly national shipbuilding program.”

Picture: BAE Systems Australia/Hunter class frigate