ROYAL NAVY TYPE 45 DESTROYER GUNNERY TRIALS USING HGI GENERATORS TO POWER TARGETS

Wirksworth, 23 November 2010; As the Royal Navy’s Type 45 destroyers undergo their trials programmes, prior to entering service, gunnery alignment is conducted using a target powered by a radio controlled generator provided by Harrington Generators International (HGI).   BAE Systems Surface Ships has awarded a contract to HGI to provide generators for the catamaran towed targets – called Histars. The generators power the lamps used to enhance the target’s thermal and visible signature.   In order to conserve fuel and reduce CO2 emissions the units have been fitted with a radio controlled starting system controlled from the towing ship using a simple control unit which instructs the engine management system to switch on or off.   “This contract demonstrates HGI’s ability to create bespoke power solutions. The combination of radio control, marinisation and the effects of being bounced around on the sea ensured that our designers had to come up a very robust solution,” said Bryan Harris, Managing Director of HGI.   The generators had to undergo full sea water and shock testing as well as being subject to EMC testing before being fitted to the catamaran targets by BAE Systems. The diesel generators, which provide 5kW of power at 50Hz and 230v, have a sealed battery and are controlled through a bespoke engine management system which controls the engine pre-heat, crank and starting of the generator.   The targets have been operating successfully for over a year helping gun crews to develop their gunnery skills.   Note to Editors   HGI is a leading generator supplier to the British MoD. The company has designed and manufactured generator sets for the Cormorant communications system, the Power Pack Refurbishment Facility, The Reacher mobile satellite ground terminal, the Astor Airborne Stand-Off Radar system and Ptarmigan, the trunk communications network. HGI has the experience and technical expertise to meet any military power application requirement.   HGI's latest generator set, the Lightweight Field Generator - (LFG), has been developed specifically for a British MoD project, it has been heralded as a benchmark product, whilst HGI's project team has been highlighted by the UK’s Defence Equipment and Support Organisation as a model of cooperation for others to follow in dealing with the British Government.   Combining unparalleled technical expertise with world-class production standards enables HGI to meet or exceed target deadlines and provide long-term reliability for every project.