Babcock has successfully delivered the first work package of Project TAMPA to the UK Ministry of Defense (MOD). The programme aims to use additive manufacturing to increase material availability, avoid obsolescence, reduce costs and optimize the performance of critical defence systems.
Kate Robinson, Managing Director Through Life Equipment Support, said: “Delivering the first package of work for Project Tampa is a significant milestone for our customer, and by reaching this we can now move in the right direction to increase material availability across the sector.
The project, which has been running since April 2023 in collaboration with partners such as NP Aerospace, RBSL, Thales and AMFG, involves the production of complex components for various defense platforms. These include components for the L118 light cannon, the 4.5-inch gun of the Type 23-class frigates and the torpedo launch system of the Astute and Dreadnought-class nuclear submarines. Of particular note is the production of the Eye Shaft component of the L118 gun, which was recommended for inclusion in the inventory by the MOD’s Defense Equipment and Support (DE&S) team. The component is now available to order through the Material Availability Service.
“Working in a strategic and collaborative manner with key stakeholders has enabled us to explore the challenges and opportunities together to deliver the right solutions. We are now engaged in delivering the next work package, we realise now more than ever what we do matters and we are committed to supporting the UK MOD with the continued programme.”
Charlotte Robinson, UK Strategic Command Defence Support Innovation Team Leader said: “It’s been great to see the progress made by the Babcock team on Project TAMPA’s first spiral of work. Through collaboration with the other Project TAMPA suppliers and DE&S Delivery Teams, Babcock has demonstrated that Additive Manufacturing can play a key role in improving Defence part availability.”
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