G3 Systems recently completed an essential upgrade to a Royal Navy NavyPODS (Persistent Operational Deployment System) for QinetiQ, working on behalf of the service’s Office of the Chief Technology Officer. The work aligns with previous work undertaken by G3 during the development of the NavyPODS concept, according to a 20 November release.
Focused on simplicity, adaptability and modularity, the concept represents a major departure from traditional logistics solutions for the Royal Navy. Essentially, it consists of using standardized containers to house a broad spectrum of capability, ranging from precision strike and unmanned air systems to directed energy and medical aid. G3 delivered the first successful Heavy Lift Drone NavyPODS capability in 2022 and leveraged that and subsequent experience to conduct the current upgrade programme.
The company was required to upgrade an existing system, for which G3 Systems were not the OEM, to deliver the intended capability. The work included fitting an internal lift structure, upgrading the roof opening system and repairing and upgrading the structure to meet operational requirements. At the same time, G3 Systems upgraded ancillary systems to ensure compliance with current regulations.
Nick Rose, Managing Director G3 Systems said the work “demonstrates our versatility and ability to take on equipment for which are not the OEM, understand it and improve it to meet the customer’s operational requirements.”
DA Comment
Maritime operations have become more complex and demanding in recent years, as well as stretching into different domains of government activity. This comes at a time that recruitment and social issues are making manning naval assets trickier, especially in short-notice expeditionary or humanitarian assistant/disaster relief operation. Alongside work being done in automating shipboard systems and using digital twins to reduce manpower requirements, initiatives such as this – that simplify and improve logistics – are to be welcomed. Re-engineering a standard container may not seem that ‘high tech’ an undertaking to the average observer. Doing so to meet extremely stringent operational, environmental and regulatory requirement, however, demands the kind of expertise and commitment G3 has demonstrated for almost a quarter century.
Image courtesy G3 Systems
