144000

The 13 Pounder is a ceremonial gun and carries out 18 musical drives and Royal Salutes annually. They are used as part of the enduring OP BRIDGE (a Royal death and funeral ceremony) and carry significant Royal and Government interest. The 13pdr is over 100 years old having entered service in 1904 as a horse drawn artillery piece and was first issued in 1946 as a saluting gun to the then Riding Troop, later renamed as The King’s Troop RHA (Royal Horse Artillery). Its principal function being to provide Royal Salutes and its secondary function is as a hearse for State Funerals. There are qty 9 of the 13pdr guns and a George gun. The George gun has received no modification as it does not get fired, its sole purpose is to carry the coffin at state funerals.

The breech block and carrier components, last refurbished in 1967, have worn and are no longer providing a secure fit, with significant “play” between the parts. Due to the age of the gun there is a lack of historical documentation, technical drawings and material specifications for the parts and the supply of parts have been found lacking, many of the parts being obsolete. The breeches are wearing out and starting to crack on the 13pdr which increases the chances of a misfire. If this occurred during a high-profile public show it would be damaging to defence reputation and require time consuming misfire drills to be conducted. This repair procedure would allow the breeches to be brought up to standard again, giving confidence that the equipment will function, safely, as intended.

This notice is not a request for expressions of interest so please do not apply to be invited to tender. This notice advises that the Authority has decided to negotiate a contract with the named supplier on a single source basis, and is published for reasons of transparency. If you are interested in becoming a sub-contractor for this requirement, you should apply directly to the supplier named above.