Weapon shapes have been successfully fired by Ambush, the second
Astute class submarine, as part of its testing and commissioning
programme following its launch earlier this year, confirming
successful launch from all tubes in a test of the submarine's
weapons handling and launch system (WHLS) designed by Babcock. The
Astute class WHLS is smaller, quieter, and more flexible than
previous Royal Navy submarines, optimising firing profiles for the
range of weapon types that the system can carry.
The submarine is being built by BAE Systems, and a series of
tests was carried out at its site in Barrow-in-Furness in June,
involving firing of TLAM and Spearfish shapes to confirm successful
operation of the Weapons Stowage Compartment (WSC) and launch
system.
The Babcock-designed weapons handling system comprises equipment
to embark, store, reposition and load weapons into the torpedo
tubes. Configuration of the weapons within the WSC has been
developed to provide the highest packing density of weapons, with
the capability to carry more torpedoes and tube-launched missiles
than any other class of Royal Navy submarine. A unique method of
shock mounting protects the weapons in the WSC, providing adaptable
protection according to the number of weapons stored on each
stowage tier, which improves crew safety and maximises potential
for the system to continue to function following a shock event.
During the weapons trials a large crane lifted the weapon shapes
onto special embarkation rails, from where they were manoeuvred
into the WSC before being fired.
The launch system uses an air turbine pump (ATP) which displaces
a volume of water to launch a weapon from a torpedo tube (so that
the weapon is pushed rather than pulled out of the tube). Uniquely,
Babcock uses a programmable firing valve (PFV) to control the ATP
firing air profile, allowing the system to match the launch
requirements precisely to a range of variables including weapon
type, boat speed and depth. In addition to being smaller (with
valuable space saving benefits), the ATP and PVF system is more
efficient (using substantially less firing air) and has a lower
noise signature, and an extended operational lifecycle.
The weapons trials were witnessed by DE&S Chief of Materiel
(Fleet) Vice Admiral Andrew Matthews.
Commenting on the successful trials Babcock Project Director
Gavin Borland said: "These trials have successfully demonstrated
the integrity and operation of the Weapon Handling and Launch
System as we work towards the future launch of fuelled weapons
during sea trials."
BAE Systems Commissioning Manager for Ambush, Jeff Nesbitt,
said: "The trials were a success and all weapons were discharged to
plan. This was the culmination of a very busy period for the
production and testing teams, where the weapons discharge programme
and weapon embarkation had to be carefully integrated with other
complex elements of the build programme."
Babcock has recently received the full contract to deliver its
WHLS for the fifth Astute class submarine, and for the long-lead
items for boat six.