5 July 2006

DML IN DII(F) DELIVERY

DML Group, the defence support specialist, is undertaking work to upgrade HMS Manchester to render her fit to receive the Defence Information Infrastructure (Future), or DII(F), during her current docking period in Devonport.

DML has been working closely with the ATLAS Consortium to develop and execute the initial first-of-class maritime platform 'fit-to-receive' (FTR) preparations for DII(F), and successfully prepared and delivered a mature design solution (MDS) package for the Type 42 first-of-class maritime application of the system architecture in HMS Liverpool in January this year. It is now preparing the guidance packages for HMS Cumberland and other vessels to become 'fit to receive' DII(F).

The upgrade of HMS Manchester to receive DII(F) will complete within her current docking period. With the MDS in place, DML has carried out feasibility studies and is tracking the programme closely to ensure that installation can be completed within the originally allocated period, despite the additional modification work to the platform that this will entail. HMS Manchester will be 'ready for sea' in mid-September but all DII(F) work must be finished by late July, ready for the ship's company to move onboard.

In conjunction with the provision of mature design solutions to prepare naval platforms for DII(F), DML is also providing installation design support to Fujitsu, including maritime design engineering to address inherent warship environment issues such as space constraints. The company expects to be fully involved with the roll out to a significant proportion of the 100+ platforms to be fitted.

Commenting on DML's role in the DII(F) maritime fits, DML project manager Tony Chiswell said: "This utilizes our deep experience in the area of COTS-based equipment insertion and we look forward to a continued successful and full involvement in the delivery of this capability which is a fundamental enabler for our maritime forces of the future."

Fujitsu's marine programme manager, Alan Habgood commented: "We selected DML for this initial set of work packages as a result of our experience in working closely with the company during the very successful Naval Sector Strategic Architecture (NSSA) roll-out programme over the past six years. During this period all vessels undertaken were fitted on time and to budget with modern IT equipment and supporting infrastructure. The joining together of a major IT service