PAE Latest News
HMS Lancaster returns to sea after major refit
2012-02-03 13:10:11HMS Lancaster has returned to sea for the first time in 16 months following a major upgrade.
The Type 23 frigate, named after the Duke of Lancaster - an honorary title of Her Majesty The Queen, has benefited from a £22 million refit including superstructure changes, refurbishment of her engines and new weapon systems.
The upgrade was carried out in Portsmouth by BAE Systems and involved the fitting of four new diesel generators, all four turbine engines being overhauled, anti-fouling paint being applied to the keel, and the addition of a transom flap at the stern which makes the ship far more fuel-efficient.
Royal Welsh soldiers prepare for Afghanistan
2012-02-03 13:09:21More than 300 soldiers from 1st Battalion The Royal Welsh have recently been put through some final battlefield training scenarios in preparation for their upcoming deployment to Afghanistan.
In temperatures plunging below zero degrees Celsius, soldiers were faced with some of the most demanding and realistic scenarios available outside of theatre. One such scenario was the extraction of casualties while trying to avoid enemy improvised explosive devices.
The exercise had a whole host of supporting elements to make it even more realistic, with the soldiers able to call upon the support that they will get once they deploy, including the aid of an Apache helicopter overhead offering covering fire.
British Defence Secretary meets New Zealand counterpart
2012-02-03 12:58:23The British Defence Secretary Philip Hammond has welcomed the New Zealand Minister of Defence Dr Jonathan Coleman to the UK.
The meeting took place Wednesday 1 February 2012, and was the first between the two ministers. The event provided an opportunity to discuss topics of mutual interest, including operations in Afghanistan and potential areas of co-operation and collaboration between the two countries.
The meeting with Mr Hammond was part of a two-day visit by Dr Coleman, Chief of the New Zealand Defence Force Major General Rhys Jones and the New Zealand Secretary of Defence Mr John McKinnon.
Construction sector optimistic on 2012 - PMI
2012-02-03 12:49:53UK construction firms are more optimistic than they have been at any time in the last eight months, according to new data.
Output in the construction sector grew in January but at its slowest rate in the last four months, the purchasing managers index suggests.
The housing and civil engineering sectors actually declined but were offset by a 23rd consecutive month of expansion in commercial construction.
Wildlife on agenda at Wykeland scheme
2012-02-03 12:48:31Property developer Wykeland has teamed up with Yorkshire Wildlife Trust to increase biodiversity at its £100 million 'green' business park.
The Bridgehead scheme will create a total of 612,000sqft of offices, research and development space and high tech/clean manufacturing premises, along with up to 3,000 permanent jobs.
More than 40% of the development will be given over to creating a ‘living landscape' - a managed ecosystem dedicated to helping promote a large diversity of flora and fauna to flourish.
Deal pumps up AES's offer
2012-02-03 12:47:54AES Engineering has expanded its offer after buying a pump repairer and supplier.
Through its subsidiary AESPUMP, the Rotherham-headquartered business has acquired Absolute Vacuum for an undisclosed sum.