BAE Systems has launched Artful, the latest state-of-the-art submarine
into the dock at its site in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria. The 97m long,
7,400 tonne nuclear-powered attack submarine - officially named at a
ceremony in September last year - began edging out of BAE Systems’
giant construction hall on Friday 16 May and was carefully lowered into
the water on Saturday 17 May.
Artful, the third of seven highly complex Astute class submarines being
designed and built for the UK Royal Navy, will now begin the next phase
of its test and commissioning process ahead of sea trials next year.
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Stuart
Godden, Astute Programme Director for BAE Systems, said: “The
launch of Artful is another significant step forward in the Astute programme.
“Building on past experiences we’ve been able to launch
her in the most advanced state of construction of any submarine to be
built in Barrow. This allows us to now fully concentrate on the test
and commissioning activities required to get her to sea.
“Moving a submarine of this size from its build hall to the water
is very challenging. It’s testament to the experience and careful
planning of the team involved that Artful is now ready for the next
phase in her programme.
“Witnessing a submarine move out of the hall and be readied for
launch is truly inspiring and a source of great pride to the thousands
who have played a part in getting Artful to this stage.”
Artful will now undergo a series of complex tests to prove the safety
and operability of its systems before it departs BAE Systems’
site for sea trials.
The Ministry of Defence’s Director Submarines, Rear Admiral Mike
Wareham, said:
“The Astute programme is making real progress and the sight of
the third submarine afloat in the water is a reflection of the hard
work of both the MOD and industry.
“The launch of this submarine brings it a step closer to entering
into service where it will provide a key capability for the Royal Navy
and an essential component of the Submarine Service into the future.”
BAE Systems, the prime contractor in the Astute programme, is the UK's
only designer and builder of nuclear powered submarines - one of the
most complex engineering programmes in the world today.
The first two submarines in the Astute class – HMS Astute and
HMS Ambush – have now been handed over to the UK Royal Navy, while
the remaining five are in various stages of construction.
BAE Systems is also leading on the design of a replacement to the Vanguard
class of submarine, working alongside the UK's Ministry of Defence,
Rolls Royce and Babcock on a programme that now employs more than 2,000
people – of which approximately 1,400 are from BAE Systems. This
number is expected to grow significantly throughout 2014 as the programme
continues to gather momentum. |
