BAE frigate prototyping forges ahead

The first prototype unit to be built up into prototype ship blocks of Australia’s Hunter class frigates has progressed down the ‘pulse line’ at BAE Systems Australia Maritime’s Osborne Naval Shipyard.

The pulse line (pictured) is a production line in the Steel and Unit Fabrication Hall at the new purpose-built shipyard where the nine Hunter frigates will be built.

The pulse line has five work stations – work is completed at one station and then moved, or ‘pulsed’, to the next station.

BAE Systems announced that for the first time, its operations team pulsed from Station 1 – the boilermaking station, to Station 2 – the robotic welding station.

“This is the first prototyping unit to go down the pulse line.

“Once the unit reaches Station 5, the ‘finishing’ station, the prototyping unit is then complete.

“It will then move to the Block Assembly Hall where it will be created into the first representative prototyping block – which is the culmination of our prototyping efforts, ultimately allowing us to de-risk the program.”

Picture: BAE Systems Maritime Australia

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