FSL Establishes CBRN Expertise with Frigate Fit

Naval support company Fleet Support Limited (FSL) has completed the first fit of an upgraded Chemical, Biological, Radiological Nuclear (CBRN) filter system to the Royal Navy Type 23 frigate HMS Iron Duke during a maintenance period in Portsmouth. Using the NATO Radial filter, the new system takes into account the latest developments in CBRN equipment and technology, enabling reduced through-life cost of ownership by requiring less frequent filter changes.

The new fit is set to be the forerunner for similar units to be installed in all ships in the Type 23 Class and underlines FSL’s growing technical capability in CBRN systems and collective protection. Providing technical consultancy and working closely with Integrated Project Teams, FSL now offers a turn-key service, from design to installation, test and trials, and longer term support. CBRN Design Section Manager Tony Swateridge says: “One of the major benefits of FSL’s expertise is that we are not aligned to a single OEM. We can therefore provide a totally objective service, tailored to customer needs to integrate best practice with optimum equipment.” He adds: “We have established our expertise in CBRN with a series of system installations, testing and trialling. This latest project has further enhanced our capability.” FSL’s specialist team of Ministry of Defence trained designers, technicians and trials experts provide a worldwide service to RN ships, either during maintenance periods in the UK or while on operations overseas. This has included travelling to the Gulf to change and test filter systems while ships are on a break from operations in the region.

Besides legacy systems, the FSL team has also been brought in to integrate systems in new builds, most notably the two new RN CVFs (aircraft carriers) that were given the go-ahead in July. In addition, FSL’s pre-eminent position in maritime collective protection (COLPRO) has meant it is now expanding its specialist expertise to the homeland security market, including system fits to protect key national infrastructure and Government buildings.