Sea Trials For BAE Systems' Made UK Nuclear Submarine

BAE systems’ advanced Nuclear submarine has set sail for Sea trials yesterday from its facility at Barrow-in-Furness town and seaport of England.

The design and build of the Astute class is a complex engineering feat. The 7,400-tonne attack submarines measure 97 metres and are powered by nuclear reactors. Each submarine is armed with Spearfish torpedoes and Tomahawk land attack missiles, the company announced Thursday.

The Artful is the third Astute class submarine to have been built by BAE Systems. Seven of the class have been commissioned in total and the remaining four boats are currently under construction.

Commander Bower said, “The crew, alongside the workers at BAE Systems has done a sterling job in generating more than a million parts into a submarine.

Moreover, the submarine will be home to more than 100 men, and can spend months at a time submerged. She is able to generate her own air and water; food will be her only limiting factor.

“Having left Barrow, a period of trials begins to put the submarine through her paces, proving all of her systems before she officially becomes part of the Royal Navy’s fleet.” Bower added.

Artful will follow her sister submarines to Her Majesty’s Naval Base Clyde in Scotland.