Navy submarine sails after major upgrade
11 Mar 10
The nuclear-powered Royal Navy submarine HMS Triumph has set sail for sea trials following a major refit which has significantly improved her capabilities.
HMS Triumph, post-refit, sails past Devil's Point, Plymouth
[Picture: Crown Copyright/MOD 2010]
Built by VSEL at Barrow-in-Furness, Triumph was commissioned in October 1991 and is the seventh and last of the Trafalgar Class.
Since commissioning, Triumph has completed a number of notable patrols from the North Atlantic to the Far East.
The next few months will see her conduct extensive tests at sea, ensuring that the modifications made to her propulsion and command systems withstand the demanding environment at sea both when surfaced and dived.
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."
Following her planned acceptance back into the Royal Navy fleet later this year, her crew will then also be tested by 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, Babcock.
HMS Triumph sails past the Cenotaph on Plymouth Hoe
[Picture: LA(Phot) Victoria Benwell, Crown Copyright/MOD 2010]
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 Support agency project contract manager, Babcock project manager, and the submarine's commanding officer."
The refit has taken six years to complete and cost nearly £300m. Over 1,000 personnel have worked on the submarine in this time, totalling 2.75 million man-hours, including Babcock employees, ship's staff and various other external contractors.
Capability improvements have included installation of the latest sonar systems, and an upgrade for the Tomahawk land attack cruise missile system.
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 installed to aid rapid deballasting, and a number of safety improvements added to fire-fighting and escape capabilities.
HMS Triumph will now undergo a three-month sea trials programme before returning to the Royal Navy's operational fleet for ongoing duties.