Navy News
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It’s HMS Rally – Naval engineers learn from one of world’s leading motorsports firms
17 March 2026
One minute you’re in Shoreham-by-Sea seeing how one of the world’s leading engineering firms contributes to some of the world’s finest sports and racing cars…
…the next you’re in Oxfordshire, seeing how one of the world’s leading engineering firms contributes to some of the world’s finest sports cars.
Fresh from a look around legendary motor engineering firm Ricardo, engineers from the Royal Navy’s Forward Support Units found themselves at the headquarters of Prodrive, a firm synonymous for with than four decades of success across rallying, endurance racing and advanced automotive innovation.
While the company’s heritage is firmly rooted in competition, its engineering expertise now spans multiple sectors including automotive, aerospace, marine and high‑value manufacturing.
This cross‑sector approach provided the FSU engineers with valuable insight into how Prodrive’s high‑performance engineering methods might translate to the maritime world.
Throughout, the sailors enjoyed a first-hand look at Prodrive’s integrated design, development and manufacturing capabilities.
Engineers explored how multidisciplinary teams transform concepts into fully engineered solutions under one roof, making use of advanced materials, precision machining, data-driven design and rapid prototyping to meet demanding client requirements.
“The parallels for Naval engineering were clear,” said Commander Will Jones, who oversees the FSUs.
“Prodrive’s ability to deliver complete engineering solutions, from intricate bespoke components to large scale fabrication, reflects the Royal Navy’s own modernisation trajectory, where agile, technology‑enabled support units increasingly underpin operational resilience.
“The visit offered engineers a chance to consider how similar approaches could enhance FSU capability, from component repair and fabrication to innovative design and system optimisation.”
The visit was the latest under the banner of Project Explore, which broadens the understanding of RN engineers by introducing them to equally high-pressure, high‑performance engineering environments – but in the civilian world.
The RN engineers gain practical insight thanks to fresh perspectives, encouraging them to consider wider approaches and to use the knowledge gained to drive continuous improvement, adapt to emerging technologies and inform innovative solutions to future engineering challenges within the Royal Navy.
And it also gives industry an insight into the depth of knowledge and skills the best and the brightest in the Navy possess to keep cutting-edge machinery in harmony.