The latest technologically advanced attack submarine built by BAE Systems
set sail from its facility in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, for sea trials
today. Commander Bower said: “I am immensely proud and honoured
to be leading the crew of Artful. Her capabilities are extraordinary
and represent the next step in our country’s century-long history
of operating submarines.” |
Tony
Johns, Managing Director, BAE Systems Submarines said: “Seeing
Artful exit from Barrow today is the culmination of a huge amount of
hard work from everyone at BAE Systems, our partners and the hundreds
of businesses in our supply chain network.
“BAE Systems in Barrow is a world class facility, designing and
building submarines that are some of the most sophisticated engineering
projects in the world. Everyone involved in the Astute programme should
feel immensely proud of their achievements as the third in class Astute
submarine reaches this significant milestone.”
The design and build of the Astute class is a highly complex engineering
feat. The 7,400-tonne attack submarines measure 97 metres and are powered
by nuclear reactors. Each submarine is armed with Spearfish torpedoes
and Tomahawk land attack missiles.
Artful is the third Astute class submarine to have been built by BAE
Systems. Seven of the class have been commissioned in total and the
remaining four boats are currently under construction.
Commander Bower said: “The crew, alongside the workers at BAE
Systems have done a sterling job in generating more than a million parts
into a submarine. Artful will be home to more than 100 men, and can
spend months at a time submerged. She is able to generate her own air
and water; food will be her only limiting factor.
“Having left Barrow, a period of trials begins to put the submarine
through her paces, proving all of her systems before she officially
becomes part of the Royal Navy’s fleet.”
Artful will follow her sister submarines to Her Majesty’s Naval
Base Clyde in Scotland. |
