Technology development for steering and stabilizers

Abstract

As part of the All-Electric Ship concept the Ministry of Defence (MoD) Defence Procurement Agency Future Business Group's Marine Engineering Development Programme (MEDP) has been investigating the Electrical Actuation of Hydrodynamic Control Surfaces (ELAHCS) Programme for the Royal Navy. The project is presently examining the replacement of traditional hydraulic actuation systems for fixed-fin ship stabilizers, steering gear, and hydroplane actuation with novel electric actuation methods. As part of this programme the project has developed a technical demonstrator – a fixed-fin stabilizer actuator – which was fitted to both stabilizers on an operational Type 23 Frigate as part of a System Demonstrator Programme (SDP). This demonstrator is providing system performance and environmental data and contributing to the wider understanding of hydrodynamic control surface requirements. It is also illustrating the potential benefits of this technology which are reduced lifecycle costs, simpler installation and maintenance, improved survivability, cleaner systems, elimination of high-energy fluidic systems, and hence the associated support and training and hazards. This paper describes the development of the ELAHCS Programme, the progress of the SDP to date, and additional future exploitation of this technology for ship and submarine applications.