In September King Charles III visited BAE Systems in Barrow-in-Furness to commission HMS Agamemnon into the Royal Navy’s fleet of Astute Class sumbarines. Before leaving Barrow for sea trial the nuclear-powered vessel has to complete her test and commissioning programme, the most critical part of which is the two day ‘trim dive’. This test is the first full submersion, carried out in the safety of the BAE Systems Devonshire Dock, and gives to opportunity to fully test the on-board systems and sensors, set the boat’s internal weight when submerged and not least check it for water tightness.
It marks a huge milestone as the test is carried out under the control of the boat’s Commanding Officer, Commander David ‘Bing’ Crosby, and its Royal Navy crew. Once testing is complete it will leave Barrow for His Majesty’s Naval Base, Clyde and join her sister boats in the fleet.
Steve Timms, Managing Director, BAE Systems’ Submarines business, said at the vessel’s commissioning:
“…the sixth Astute class boat, HMS Agamemnon, joins the long and distinguished list of Barrow-built vessels to be commissioned into the Royal Navy. The enduring partnership between our Barrow shipyard and the Navy dates back to the Victorian age and our role as the UK’s home of submarine design and build is something we’re incredibly proud of.”
Centre of Gravity
A trim and incline experiment is also conducted that confirms the centre of gravity whioch is measured on and beneath the surface. One of the most intriguing tests is a method used by naval architects since the 1700s – 16 tonnes of lead weights are moved side-to-side on board the craft, the movement is also measured by hand using pendulums hung between decks. These tests also calculate the weight and stability, which go on to inform the vessel’s performance in service.
Henry Musgrave, Head of Astute Delivery Team, Submarine Delivery Agency
“The successful completion of HMS Agamemnon’s trim dive marks a pivotal milestone in our mission to safely deliver available and capable submarines to the Royal Navy in defence of our nation.”
“This achievement reflects the exceptional collaboration between the SDA and our partners across the Defence Nuclear Enterprise, demonstrating our unwavering commitment to supporting the UK’s nuclear deterrent as a national endeavour.”
Delivery of HMS Agamemnon is testament to the skills and industrial expertise in the BAE docks in Barrow that supports a company workforce of around 15,000 jobs. Pete Tumelty, Astute Programme Director, BAE Systems’ Submarines business said:
“We’re incredibly proud of the contribution we’re making to the nation’s security and Barrow’s long and distinguished heritage as the home of UK submarine design and build.”
BAE Systems are also building the new Dreadnought-class subs, to replace the Vanguard-class submarines that provide the UK’s Continuous At Sea Deterrent.
Read our quick guide to the Astute Class Submarines here
