UK Navy’s Latest Submarine Test Fires Torpedo Using BAE System’s Control System

The UK Royal Navy’s advanced submarine, Artful has test fired a torpedo using a £50 million BAE Systems designed Common Combat System (CCS).

The CCS is a command and control system which functions as the digital ‘brain’ of the boat controlling its ‘eyes’, ‘ears’ and ‘nervous system’. Using the torpedo test, the system was able to interpret sonar readings, and then attack a moving target with a practice weapon, the UK MoD said in a report Monday.

The CCS uses the technology to collect and process data from sensors such as sonar, providing key information to help inform important Command decisions.

Developed through the Astute Build Programme, the CCS is a collaborative industry effort. Managed through a £50 million contract with BAE Systems, the CCS hosts sonar processing capability developed by Thales UK, and was also worked on Dell; Poole-based systems designers Aish Technologies; and cloud computing company VMWare, which employs UK workers in Staines-upon-Thames and Milton Keynes.

The next generation command and control system will be integrated onto every Astute and Vanguard-class submarine currently in service, and fitted to every new Astute class submarine coming into service in the future, ensuring consistency right across the fleet. The system will also be used on board the Royal Navy’s next generation of nuclear submarines.

“This command and control system will allow British submarines to adapt more quickly to changing mission requirements, making operations even safer and more efficient,” said Minister for Defence Procurement Philip Dunne.

“It is a next generation system, both highly capable and cost-effective, which can be installed right across the Royal Navy’s submarine fleets, thereby guaranteeing the best capability for the Royal Navy,” he said.