N-sub takes the plunge after refit
A NUCLEAR-powered submarine is back at sea following a major £300million refit at Devonport Dockyard.
HMS Triumph has sailed from her home port of Plymouth for trials to test improvements made during the six-year refit.
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BACK IN HER ELEMENT: HMS Triumph sails past the Hoe following a six-year upgrade
More than 1,000 specialists from Babcock, which operates the dockyard, and other contractors worked on the submarine totalling 2.75 million man-hours.
The refit work has seen her reactor refuelled and her weapons systems updated.
Captain Mike Robinson, the Superintendent Submarines for Devonport, said: "HMS Triumph sails for sea trials with significant safety and capability improvements, equipping her to provide a substantial contribution to defence during her second commission.
"The next few months will see HMS Triumph conduct extensive tests at sea ensuring that the modifications made to her propulsion and command systems withstand the demanding environment at sea both surfaced and dived.
"Following her planned acceptance back into the Royal Navy fleet later this year, her crew will then also be tested with the rigours of operational sea training."
The work – the last Trafalgar class submarine refit and refuel to be undertaken – was carried out in partnership with the Royal Navy's major contractor, and naval base neighbour, Babcock.
The company's Submarine Operations Director (Devonport), Gavin Leckie, said: "The quality of HMS Triumph as she leaves for sea trials, and timely completion of this extensive refit, is testament to the skill, dedication, and close teamwork by all involved, and the clear leadership from the Defence Equipment and Supplies agency project contract manager, Babcock project manager and the submarine's commanding officer."
Capability improvements on HMS Triumph have also included installation of the latest sonar systems, and an upgrade for Tomahawk land attack cruise missile systems.
A new command and control system has been installed, as well as a new internal fibre optic computer systems network and enhanced satellite communications system.
An additional ballast pump has been fitted to aid rapid de-ballasting and a number of safety improvements added to fire-fighting and escape capabilities.
HMS Triumph will now undergo a three-month programme of sea trials before returning to the Royal Navy's operational fleet for on-going duties.
6 Comments
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by Jock McTavish, Faslane
Friday, March 12 2010, 6:17AM
“Make the most of it Jan boys. You won't be seeing many more of those.
Och aye the noo!”
by Nuc1, HMS TRUMPET
Thursday, March 11 2010, 8:35PM
“Andy, Peverell.
The reactor is supposed to go critical. But only when you want it to. You would never get any power out of it if it didn't. The term "Critical" means that the amount of neutrons being released by nuclear fission in the reactor in one generation, is equal to the number released in the next generation. It is supposed to happen.”
by Mick, Barbican
Thursday, March 11 2010, 6:18PM
“I wish subs would make that exciting pinging sound as they sail in and out of the dockyard, the tourists would love it”
by Andy, Peverell
Thursday, March 11 2010, 1:08PM
“It's a nuclear sub, chaps. It's not like decorating your house or repairing the clutch on a car, it's full of lovely yet complicated technology designed to stop the reactor from potentially going critical and ruining everyone's day.
While I'm sure there's some chaotic people who'd see no reason not to take a sledgehammer to the weapons systems while in dock, I'd think it's better that they take their time instead.
Or, y'know, blame the students.”
by Anon, local
Thursday, March 11 2010, 10:36AM
“I know we in Devon take our time over things but surely it would have been quicker and cheaper to build a new one.”