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

“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 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.
 
penfold said:
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.
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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?
 
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.....?
 
capnsensible said:
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.

:rolleyes:
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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as often as not been compromised either because of political ( treasury ) intervention or simply not good enough and out of date at the time of delivery.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.
 
jamie N said:
“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?
Click to expand...
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.
 
Bouba said:
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?
Click to expand...

Does the propeller have bolt on blades? I doubt will be variable pitch with that shaft coupling layout.
 
Fr J Hackett said:
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.
Click to expand...
See what I mean? :rolleyes:
 
Fr J Hackett said:
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.
Click to expand...
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.

:D :D
 
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