Type 45 Destroyer Power Improvement Project (PIP)
UK (HMNB Portsmouth, various shipyards) · 2017–2028 · £160 million (design and manufacture contract)
The judgement call
Account action unavailableThe necessity of the PIP arose from significant reliability problems with the original propulsion system, highlighting the importance of robust system design and testing. - The decision to retrofit new diesel generators rather than a complete propulsion system overhaul was a pragmatic solution to address critical failures. - The phased nature of the project allows for continuous naval operations, but extends the overall timeline for fleet-wide upgrades.
Key engineering challenges
Rectifying fundamental design flaws in the original propulsion system (WR-21 gas turbines and diesel generators) that led to power reliability issues. - Integrating new, more robust diesel generators into existing ship structures. - Managing the upgrade process across the entire fleet while ensuring continuous operational availability.
Project facts
- Client / owner
- Royal Navy / UK Ministry of Defence
- Lead contractor
- BAE Systems (involved in original build and PIP), potentially other contractors for specific components.
- Lead designers
- —
- Project type
- upgrade
- Scale
- 6 ships in the class
- Disciplines
- Marine engineering; electrical engineering; power systems; systems integration
- Standards & frameworks
- —
Sources: Navy Lookout: In focus: The Power Improvement Project for the Royal Navy's Type 45 destroyers (https://www.navylookout.com/in-focus-the-power-improvement-project-for-the-royal-navys-type-45-destroyers/) - Mane.co.uk: Type 45 PiP Project: A Comprehensive Guide to the Royal Navy's Power Improvement Programme (https://www.mane.co.uk/resources/blog/type-45-pip-project--a-comprehensive-guide-to-the-royal-navy-s-power-improvement-programme/) - Wikipedia: Type 45 destroyer (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Type_45_destroyer)