The nuclear-powered Royal Navy submarine HMS Triumph has sailed for trials to test improvements made to her during major refit to refuel her reactor and update her weapon systems.
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 her 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 on 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 in partnership with the Royal Navy’s major contractor 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.”
The refit has taken six years to complete and cost nearly £300 million. Over one thousand personnel have worked on the boat in this time totalling 2.75 million man-hour refit including Babcock employees, ship’s staff and various other external contractors.
Capability improvements have included installation of the latest sonar systems, and 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 installed 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 sea trials programme before returning to the Royal Navy’s operational fleet for on-going duties.
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