A promotional video for Swan Hunter Shipyards based around the recently commissioned Ark Royal linking Swan Hunter as a technology company to the sophistication of the warship. The focus is on the company's use of computer technology to help improve efficiency. The film opens with an aerial view of an aircraft carrier in calm water, a rocky outcrop in the distance. The aircraft carrier is Ark Royal, described by the commentary as an anti-submarine warfare carrier and command ship and...

A promotional video for Swan Hunter Shipyards based around the recently commissioned Ark Royal linking Swan Hunter as a technology company to the sophistication of the warship. The focus is on the company's use of computer technology to help improve efficiency. The film opens with an aerial view of an aircraft carrier in calm water, a rocky outcrop in the distance. The aircraft carrier is Ark Royal, described by the commentary as an anti-submarine warfare carrier and command ship and the new flagship of the British fleet. More aerial views follow of the ship from a number of angles. One of the aircraft hangars on the ship will accommodate helicopters and jump jets. A closer view of the deck follows with the commentary describing some features, including the superstructure that houses advanced systems of defence. The interior houses a platform mounted on huge supports, which dwarves the engineer standing next to it. On the bank of the Tyne, people wave off Ark Royal’s sister ship HMS Illustrious as it moves down the river. The next sequence shows the launch of the Ark Royal from Swan Hunters shipyard on Tyneside. Travelling shot from behind the prow of the ship as it makes its way through the waves, followed by a view of the churned up sea behind, then the wash surrounding it. An aerial view at sea follows next, followed by a side on view. Title: The Hunter Title: A Profile of Swan Hunter Shipbuilders Limited A close-up follows of a man working at his computer, the view widens to show others at work at their terminals. The commentary outlines how new technology is a major investment for the firm’s future. One of the displays on screen is of a computer aided design (CAD) representation of a ship’s engine room. The commentary explains how the computer aided design section works in co-operation with technical departments. Further screen shots show other aspects of the planning and drawing process. The drawings produced by computers are handed to specialised departments. On film, a view follows of the machinery in the pipe factory where an engineer checks a section of pipe against a drawing. Another view of a computer screen shows materials control information tracking production of pipes and components and their delivery and storage. A view follows of a huge hangar like shed with fittings and components waiting to be assembled. A worker in a component storeroom follows a list on his clipboard and retrieves an item from a rack of shelving. In another large workshop components arrive on a small lorry and men work on an assembly involving pipework. A stylised plan of the location of the assembly in the ship is shown on a computer screen. More views of screens show detailed plans of ship architecture. In another part of Swan Hunters a model shop constructs models of new ships, which are to be tested in a wind tunnel. An engineer takes notes as the model emits smoke as part of aerodynamic testing. More views follow of the model under test and the engineer adjusting the position of the model in the wind tunnel. An aerial view shows the river Tyne and the position of the Swan Hunter shipyard on the river. Cranes surround the shipyard. Views follow of a metal frame being rotated on a machine and robotic arms approaching the frame to weld parts of it together. A computer screen display shows the robot’s progress. Outside on the dockside, an overhead crane moves a large metal column. An overhead view shows the hull of a ship being constructed. More views follow and a computer display shows sections of steelwork which will make up parts of the new ship. These computer drawings will also help control the machines which will cut the steel plate The film cuts to two reels carrying tape on a machine. The information on the tape will control one of the machines involved in the manufacture of steel plate. This is followed by a view of steel plate being immersed in water. A monitor screen gives a status readout for one of the automatic machines. A workman sets one of the computer controlled machines in motion. This is a fully automated plasma burning machine, which can cut steel and aluminium to very high tolerances. Views follow of the workshop where plates will be used to form the hull of the ship, and other parts. Workmen use welding equipment to assemble various parts of the structure. Most of the work here involves different groups working to computer generated designs. Two engineers use special equipment to check quality, as part of Swan Hunters quality control measures. One of the pieces of equipment they use is a laser surveying tool. Two others look at part of the ships structure, they are part of the accuracy control department. In an office a computer is used to enter some gathered information. A workman plays a hot flame on a section of steel he is working on. It’s a new technique called heat line bending which is used in constructing difficult curved sections. Outside a crane hoists a large conical metal structure into position. General views show scaffolding surrounding the growing hull of the ship, cranes around the yard then viewed against a setting sun. Another view of the yard shows a ship being constructed under movable covers. Resembling large white coloured ‘tents’ they cover the ship under construction. Aerial views show units being assembled with pipework, ducting and cabling before being finally assembled together on the berth. The film moves inside to a heavy engineering machine shop where large machines form pipework. Specialist machines on hand include computer controlled pipe bending machines and an automatic flange maker. An aerial view shows the new module shop, where pipe banks and modules are assembled, the craftsmen here work in a clean environment. A group of men construct a complex section of pipework. Other aspects of computers being utilised is the use of a microcomputer to engrave signs, as illustrated by a machine printing information onto plastic or steel. Another specialist department is the joinery department. Two joiners put together the fixtures for a cabin, using a modular design. Some static slides follow illustrating other furnished and decorated areas showing the quality of design and workmanship. At a launch, a champagne bottle is broken on the prow of a ship. The ship moves down the slipway into the river. The angle of view changes to a view from the opposite bank of the river, showing the stern of the ship entering the river. The view changes to an aerial view of the Swan Hunter shipyard. The commentary outlines that Swan Hunter offers extensive fitting out facilities. The view shows a ship at one of the fitting out quays. A number of still pictures show the installation of heavy equipment into the hull of the ship The film shows the construction of deck fittings and a still picture shows cranes surrounding the hull of a ship as they complete the fitting out. Another aerial view shows the dry dock facility at Swan Hunter, available for refits and conversions A telephonist/receptionist takes a call. Next, a man wearing protective goggles. Another worker wearing ear defenders presses a button on a control pane. A worker wearing protective goggles does some welding. The commentary outlines the opportunities employees have for training. At an award ceremony, an apprentice receives a certificate from one of the managers. On the shop floor workers meet to look over printed plans. An aerial view shows the shipyard again, a ship moored at one of its quays. The video returns to the Ark Royal moored at Swan Hunters Walker quayside with various shots illustrating the finished vessel. The film cuts to another naval vessel out at sea, HMS Newcastle a guided missile destroyer. A view of the stern of the ship follows. Shots of badges of two other ships built at Swan Hunter, the type 22 frigates Coventry and Sheffield. HMS Newcastle sails past as the commentary lists other ships which have been built for the navy at Swan Hunter. Another type of vessel is shown as a still, the Hoegh Duke is  a multi-purpose cargo carrier. Another set of stills show Pacific Teal a nuclear waste carrier, and Thorseggen, a ship designed for carrying newsprint. General view of the ship Pacific Guardian a cable laying and maintenance vessel, and out on the open sea a much larger ship, the Atlantic Conveyor, a roll on and roll of container ship. This ship can be converted for military purposes, and the deck is seen converted to a helicopter landing pad. The film ends as it cuts to a view of the ship’s prow. Title: Produced by Godfrey Davis Productions Title: for Swan Hunter Shipbuilders Limited. [The Ark Royal (sister ship of Illustrious) was launched on 2nd June 1981 by H.M. The Queen Mother. The ship was completed at Walker Naval yard in 1984.]