UK’s biggest warship suffers propeller shaft damage off south coast after setting sail for US

[Greemble]

Last seen in Harwich

Currently moored on the Town Pier, Gravesend.

 

[Bouba]

Another delay….
Royal Navy carrier’s departure for major repairs delayed

 

[jamie N]

“Our initial assessment has shown that coupling that joins the final two sections of the shaft has failed.
“Now, this is an extremely unusual fault and we continue to pursue all repair options.”
A Royal Navy spokesman said: “HMS Prince of Wales is preparing to sail to Rosyth to undergo repairs to her right propeller shaft.
Umhh? Prudence would suggest that the port shaft might also be getting a coat of 'looking at' also?

 

[penfold]

More than likely, once docked she won't be leaving for a while as the prop, shaft and rudder damage will be at least weeks to repair.

 

[Bouba]

More than likely, once docked she won't be leaving for a while as the prop, shaft and rudder damage will be at least weeks to repair.

If they keep spare parts in stock

 

[penfold]

There likely are spares of prop and shaft, but the time needed to repair the rudder damage and investigate the failed coupling may mean repair/refurbishment of the damaged items makes sense.

 

[Bouba]

There likely are spares of prop and shaft, but the time needed to repair the rudder damage and investigate the failed coupling may mean repair/refurbishment of the damaged items makes sense.

Since the prop is made of replaceable blades, I think it’s likely that they will have spare blades on the shelf (big shelf) but will they have a whole propeller’s worth?
The rudder, if very damaged might have to come off to be rebalanced. And the last part of the shaft may need replacing…do they have them in stock?

 

[jamie N]

Wouldn't they have to investigate the 'why' of the failure, not just the 'what failed', then modify the item so that it doesn't fail again, and repeat on the other side, then (perhaps) repeat on the other carrier.
Possibly years, given the track record.....?

 

[SaltIre]

Wouldn't they have to investigate the 'why' of the failure, not just the 'what failed', then modify the item so that it doesn't fail again, and repeat on the other side, then (perhaps) repeat on the other carrier.
Possibly years, given the track record.....?

That makes sense - so I think most unlikely to happen.

 

[dunedin]

That makes sense - so I think most unlikely to happen.

Which will sail from harbour first - the carrier or the two illusionary Calmac ferries?

 

[SaltIre]

Which will sail from harbour first - the carrier or the two illusionary Calmac ferries?

Depends if you believe in ferries at the bottom of your garden.

 

[capnsensible]

If only the MOD, especially Defence Equipment and Support, divers, engineers, manufacturers, ships company, Admirals, ships cat etc had read this thread they would have known exactly what to do before it even happened.

Duh.

 

[Chiara’s slave]

Depends if you believe in ferries at the bottom of your garden.

Living on the Isle of Wight, that belief is essential. If you think you’ve got ferry problems, try the medina chain ferry.

 

[Fr J Hackett]

If only the MOD, especially Defence Equipment and Support, divers, engineers, manufacturers, ships company, Admirals, ships cat etc had read this thread they would have known exactly what to do before it even happened.

Duh.

It's no use blathering on with your ex matelot blinkers on, the MOD procurement for all forces has been woeful for many years costing billions, not to mention the overruns. Design has as often as not been compromised either because of political ( treasury ) intervention or simply not good enough and out of date at the time of delivery.
The Navy hasn't exactly covered itself in glory when they have finally taken delivery of their toys either.

 

[Chiara’s slave]

It’s been awful since well before Sam Pepys tried to sort it. I’ll really worry when people say it’s going well.

 

[Bilgediver]

“Our initial assessment has shown that coupling that joins the final two sections of the shaft has failed.
“Now, this is an extremely unusual fault and we continue to pursue all repair options.”
A Royal Navy spokesman said: “HMS Prince of Wales is preparing to sail to Rosyth to undergo repairs to her right propeller shaft.
Umhh? Prudence would suggest that the port shaft might also be getting a coat of 'looking at' also?

There is more than one coupling in each shaft so a lot of checking and a good supply of grease required

I wonder how the propeller coped with plunging out pushing the rudder clear and bouncing off the sea bed.

 

[Bilgediver]

Since the prop is made of replaceable blades, I think it’s likely that they will have spare blades on the shelf (big shelf) but will they have a whole propeller’s worth?
The rudder, if very damaged might have to come off to be rebalanced. And the last part of the shaft may need replacing…do they have them in stock?

Does the propeller have bolt on blades? I doubt will be variable pitch with that shaft coupling layout.

 

[Bouba]

Does the propeller have bolt on blades? I doubt will be variable pitch with that shaft coupling layout.

I think it does…and the blades can be changed at sea..not sure if it’s variable pitched

 

[capnsensible]

It's no use blathering on with your ex matelot blinkers on, the MOD procurement for all forces has been woeful for many years costing billions, not to mention the overruns. Design has as often as not been compromised either because of political ( treasury ) intervention or simply not good enough and out of date at the time of delivery.
The Navy hasn't exactly covered itself in glory when they have finally taken delivery of their toys either.

See what I mean?

 

[capnsensible]

It's no use blathering on with your ex matelot blinkers on, the MOD procurement for all forces has been woeful for many years costing billions, not to mention the overruns. Design has as often as not been compromised either because of political ( treasury ) intervention or simply not good enough and out of date at the time of delivery.
The Navy hasn't exactly covered itself in glory when they have finally taken delivery of their toys either.

Guy 1: What do you call a deer with no eyes?


Guy 2: What?


Guy 1: No ideer.


Guy 2: ....


Guy 1: What do you call a deer with no eyes and no legs?


Guy 2: ....what?


Guy 1: Still no ideer.