Contracts totalling £28 million have been placed for the manufacture of diesel generators and other important equipment for two new aircraft carriers, Defence Minister Baroness Taylor announced today.

Contracts have been placed for: Eight diesel engines and electricity generators - four for each ship - at a cost of about £18.5 million; Detailed design of a new and innovative fully Integrated Navigation and Bridge System, initially worth in excess of £1 million; Flyco (Flying Control) rooms at a cost of circa £1 million; Advanced visual landing aids, to guide fighters and helicopters on to the deck, at a cost of about £7.5 million.

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Minister for Defence Equipment and Support, Baroness Taylor, said: "Construction of these two ships will provide a major boost to our UK maritime industries, and will transform our military capabilities when they enter service during the next decade.

"These contracts also illustrate the range of world class expertise British industry is contributing to this vital capability."

There will be the largest and most powerful surface warships ever operated by the Royal Navy and their construction is expected to employ around 10,000 in the UK.

Aircraft Carrier Alliance chief executive Peter McIntosh, said: "These contracts represent a significant milestone as we head towards the manufacture phase of the contract. The diesel generators are located deep in the hull and have to be fitted very early. The size of the ships means that the exhausts for some of these diesels are 130 metres long."

(JM)