Switchboard, circuit breakers for DERA Trimaran

Cutler-Hammer is to provide circuit protection equipment for the new Defence Evaluation and Research Agency 90 metre Trimaran Demonstrator Vessel, RV Triton.

Cutler-Hammer, the world-leading manufacturer of industrial controls and circuit protection equipment, is to provide circuit protection equipment for the new Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA) 90 metre Trimaran Demonstrator Vessel, 'RV Triton'.

Cutler-Hammer's 6.6kV Switchboard and W-VAC HV circuit breakers will be installed in the Trimaran's main Switchboard to provide its turnkey diesel electric propulsion system with powerful circuit protection.

The demonstrator will allow the Ministry of Defence to assess whether the Trimaran Hullform is suitable for use on future naval platforms including the Royal Navy's Future Surface Combatant.

The new Trimaran's electric propulsion system is being supplied and integrated as a turnkey package by Cutler-Hammer System Builder Vosper Thornycroft Controls Limited.

The System Builder agreement is a partnership that combines Cutler-Hammer's industry-leading technology with Vosper Thornycroft Controls' expertise in the merchant marine, military marine and oil and gas markets.

Vosper Thornycroft Controls was selected as the turnkey propulsion system provider by Vosper Thornycroft UK Limited, which is constructing the complete Trimaran vessel for DERA.

"Cutler-Hammer's technology adheres to the highest quality standards, and the fact that it carries DNV marine approval also played an important part in the tender process," commented Andy Whitehead, Engineering Executive - Electrical Products, Vosper Thornycroft Controls Limited.

"Cutler-Hammer makes the highest quality Switchboards, and its wide range of assemblies are fully type-tested - further assurance that the project will meet DERA's exacting standards.

Vosper Thornycroft Controls won the contract to provide the electric propulsion system for DERA's new Trimaran because it offered the best technology and the highest levels of implementation skills and marine expertise." The Trimaran Research Ship, RV Triton, is being built as a technology demonstrator ship for the Royal Navy's Future Surface Combatant frigate requirement.

The design and manufacture of a large sea-going demonstrator vessel, which will be used to quantify the structural and seakeeping performance of the Trimaran, is being funded by the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency.

About Vosper Thornycroft Controls Limited: Vosper Thornycroft Controls Limited supplies a wide range of marine and offshore electrical power generation and distribution systems, sub-sea control systems, engine control systems and integrated platform management systems.

Vosper Thornycroft Controls Limited is part of the Vosper Thornycroft Marine Products Division.

About Vosper Thornycroft (UK) Limited: Vosper Thornycroft (UK) Limited employs over 5,000 people in its three business sectors - Shipbuilding, Support Services and Marine Products.

Locations include the UK, Europe and the United States.

The company is one of the world's leading exporters of naval vessels and is also a major supplier to the Royal Navy.

Support Services comprise military and business services.

Military support services include Army and Royal Navy training, Royal Navy ship maintenance, and naval ship support.

Business support services include careers guidance, training, ship management, and engineering and logistics services.

The Marine Products Division incorporates Vosper Thornycroft Controls Limited and other companies providing an extensive range of stabilisers, steering gear, bow thrusters, water jet propulsors and specialised hydraulic equipment.

About DERA: DERA is an agency of the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and incorporates the bulk of the MoD's non-nuclear research, technology and test and evaluation establishments.

DERA is one of Europe's largest single research organisations.

Among its 12,000 staff, DERA employs many leading scientists and internationally acclaimed experts.

It offers a unique range of services, from the highest level of operational studies and analysis, through the various categories of basic and applied research, to consultancy advice on the procurement process and the test and evaluation of specific equipment in both the development phase and during actual operations.

DERA's test facilities include indoor and outdoor ranges for weapon effectiveness trials, underwater target ranges and marine testing facilities, wind tunnels and engine test facilities, automotive test tracks and climatic testing laboratories.

DERA's pioneering research and development this century includes the invention of liquid crystal displays (LCDs), carbon fibre, the technology for flat panel speakers, infra-red sensors and microwave radar, as well as Chobham armour, and shaped charges.

DERA has combined and inherited the technology and expertise from Government defence research sites throughout England.

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