The Australian government is moving to create opportunities for Australian industry in its Hunter Class Frigate Programme with a feasibility study launched into locally manufactured main reduction gearboxes for future Hunter batches. Minister for Defence Linda Reynolds said the study will determine the capability and suitability of locally sourced gearboxes to meet the stringent technical requirements of the programme.
“The manufacture of an antisubmarine frigate’s main gearbox must meet a very high standard in respect to shock resilience, noise and vibration, which has never been done before in Australia,” Reynolds said. “As we grow Australian industry capacity and skills to support sovereign shipbuilding, this feasibility study demonstrates the (government’s) commitment to actively open new opportunities for Australian industry to grow its capacity to support the Hunter Class Frigate Programme. This government does not underestimate the value of Australian industry as a fundamental input to capability. Australian industry is proving its ability to produce these gearboxes right here in Australia to enhance our sovereignty.”
To ensure the Hunter Class Frigate Programme meets capability and technical requirements, ASC Shipbuilding will work closely with Australian Industry to leverage the experience gained across the first three ships. The Hunter Class Frigate Programme is continuing on schedule with ‘cut steel’ for prototyping due to commence at the end of 2020.
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