AEI Cables clinches contract for three warships

AEI Cables has been selected as one of three companies to supply cables for three of Britain’s new Type 26 warships for the Royal Navy.

Working with prime contractor BAE Systems, AEI Cables will supply cable and wiring for the power, lighting and data communications circuits to the vessels, with 400km of cable being supplied for the first order.

The Type 26 combat ships will replace the Type 23 frigates as a versatile multi-mission warship designed to support anti-submarine warfare, air defence, humanitarian assistance and general operations anywhere in the world.

Stuart Dover, Commercial Manager for AEI Cables, said: “Supplying cables of this kind for such complex requirements means there can be no compromise in their quality and functionality. We’re proud to be supplying our products to BAE Systems for such an important programme.”

The project specified cables to Defence Standard 02-526 (NES526) and 02-527 (NES527) in various core and screen configurations, as well as cables to Defence Standard 61-12 Part 25 and Part 27; and wires to Defence Standard 61-12 Part 18.

First installation of the state-of-the-art range of naval power, instrumentation and communications wires and cables is scheduled, with the first warship expected to be in service in the mid-2020s.

AEI Cables is already a supplier of defence cables and wiring product for the Royal Navy including the Queen Elizabeth Class Aircraft Carrier (QEC) through prime contractor BAE Systems, including control cables, weapons cables and medium voltage propulsion cables.

All AEI Cables’ products are supplied with approvals from independent bodies including BASEC and LPCB covering design, manufacture and supply.

It also holds approvals from organisations including Lloyds, the MoD, Network Rail and LUL and works to international standards around the world.