Leeds-based power solutions provider William G Search Ltd has fulfilled a significant order for diesel engines to power embarkation winches for Royal Navy submarines.
The company supplied 8 Lister Petter LPWS3 1.39 litre engines to Hagglunds Drives Ltd in Normanton near Wakefield who in turn manufactured 6 self-contained, portable torpedo loading hydraulic systems and 2 spare power units for the Ministry of Defence. The main contractor was Houlder Ltd.
When clamped to the submarine, the winches are designed to lower torpedos on a specially designed carriage in a controlled manner through the vessel¡¦s access hatch. The equipment significantly improves control over weapon movement, allows rationalisation of existing support equipment saving money and reduces reliance on jetty side crane which is important on foreign deployments.
The power unit and winch are designed as separate units connected by an umbilical to allow for easy transportation and quick deployment to bases around the world.
The need for portability was an important factor in the selection of the Lister Petter units as Eddie Whitham, Power Products Divisional Manager at Search, explained: ¡§The LPWS3 combines reliability and performance in a compact package, and its noise level allows personnel to work safely nearby. The engine also has excellent cold starting capabilities making it ideal for use in the sort of demanding environments in which the Royal Navy operates.¡¨
Search initially supplied one unit for Hagglunds to produce a prototype which led successfully to further orders for these first production models.
ENDS
For more information contact:
Sheena Renton, William G Search Ltd. Tel 0113 263 9081
Notes to editors:
William G Search, which was founded in Leeds in 1946, currently employs 165 people at its sites in Leeds, Sheffield, Manchester, Nottingham and Liverpool. Its operating divisions are:
„h Power Products ¡V specialising in the supply of power solutions in the field of industrial and marine engines, and power generation.
„h Compressed Air ¡V supplying and maintaining compressed air and process equipment from supply only through to total turnkey installations.
„h Fluid Sealing ¡V providing industrial fluid sealing, hydraulic/pneumatic seals and maintenance products. Search is an approved UK distributor for A W Chesterton, one of the world¡¦s leading manufacturers.
„h Hire ¡V one of the largest independent hire specialists in the north of England providing a full range of plant and equipment to construction and industry. It is also one of very few businesses with the facilities to modify electric personnel carriers to meet clients' individual specifications.
„h Leisure industry ¡V the largest supplier of hire equipment for outdoor events in the UK. It specialises in sporting and music events.
