HMS Agamemnon: details of the dive and what the Astute-class signifies for the UK Royal Navy
HMS Agamemnon completed its first dive at BAE Systems in Barrow-in-Furness last month. (Photo: Crown Copyright)
As HMS Agamemnon moves closer towards joining the UK’s in-service submarine fleet, how does the sixth Astute-class fit into the Royal Navy’s defence strategy?
In an encouraging development for the UK Navy, HMS Agamemnon came through the trim dive stage last month, which is a key part of its testing before it embarks into active service.
The trim dive comprises two segments: the basin dive and the trim and inclining experiment.
The basin dive is where many of the on-board systems are fully examined, including testing the ballast tanks which ensures the boat can surface, while the trim and inclining experiment is to validate the centre of gravity of the submarine. This is measured by naval architects in both surfaced and submerged conditions.
Measuring the
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
![US Coast Guard prepares acquisition process of up to seven light icebreakers]()
US Coast Guard prepares acquisition process of up to seven light icebreakers
The USCG plans to award a contract this year for the construction of Homeland Security Cutters. The new vessels will replace the 60-plus-year-old fleet of Light Icebreaking Tugs.
-
![RTX Raytheon enhances SM-3 and SM-6 production capacity]()
RTX Raytheon enhances SM-3 and SM-6 production capacity
The expansion of the Redstone facility in Alabama will enable Raytheon to increase production of Standard Missiles in the location by 50% and support Washington in refilling stockpiles after recent operations have depleted the Pentagon’s reserves.
-
![What the rise of interoperability between Western allies means for defence procurement]()
What the rise of interoperability between Western allies means for defence procurement
Major naval initiatives including the European Patrol Corvette programmes and Norway’s UK partnership-focused purchase of Type 26 frigates point to the growing interest in the advantages of commonality across allied navies.
