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13 juillet 2011 3 13 /07 /juillet /2011 16:45

http://www.royal-navy.mod.uk/img/operations-and-support/submarine-service/future-submarines/ambush/photo-gallery/13.jpg

photo royal-navy.mod.uk

 

July 13, 2011 defpro.com

 

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.

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