Cable and Array Handling Test Facility
Parent Body: Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA), Bincleaves, Newton Road, Weymouth, Dorset

Principal Functions
World class test facilities to support the development of technology associated with surface ship and submarine towed array systems.

General Details
The test facilities are located at DERA’s Bincleaves site, adjacent to the holiday resort of Weymouth, Dorset. The facilities available may be combined to provide a variety of different test configurations. They consist of four discrete units: a towed array handling rig, a tensile test rig, a multi-layering rig and a cable laboratory. Transport and crane facilities for heavy equipment is readily available from within the local area.

Specification
Towed Array Handling Rig – an 8kN winch connected by a guidance system of sheaves and pulleys to a 50kN winch. Either winch can supply a back-tension whilst the other generates a constant hauling speed.

Tensile Test Rig – a reaction frame of 300kN capacity.

Multi-Layering Rig – two winches (50kN and 10kN) facing one another 33m apart. Ample clear space is available to permit the inclusion of such devices as linear transfer units or pullet systems.

Cable Laboratory – an area set aside for tasks associated with the various rigs and winches of the facility.

Special Features
Expert staff to develop and conduct specialised testing are available, having wide experience in the testing of equipment used in such fields as towed array sonar, submarine communications and variable depth sonar systems. Specialist engineering support services are on hand supplying design, manufacturing, assembly and set to work capabilities.

Availability
The facility is available to other bodies in both the private and public sector. There are no restrictions on the type of body that can apply to use the facility. No advance notice is necessary for requesting time on the facility. Time is allocated by the day.

Charging Basis
Charging rates are subject to negotiation, there is a possibility of negotiating an exchange agreement.

Site Access
The site has ready access for vehicles and local accommodation is available for the hirer’s staff.

Contact Information
Jon Baker
DERA Winfrith
Technology Centre
Dorchester
Dorset
DT2 8XJ
Telephone:  01305 212400   Fax:  01305 212727
E-mail:  jsbaker@dera.gov.uk