Brand New Nuclear Submarine Completes Vital Landmark Test

The fourth Astute class submarine, the HMS Audacious, has completed her first ever dive.

The trim and basin dive took place over two days in Devonshire Dock, Barrow-in-Furness - the site of BAE systems who are developing the new submarine.

The operation saw Audacious submerge fully underwater for the first time, testing many of her onboard systems.

The all-important test is meant to prove the safety of the 7,400-tonne, 97-metre-long attack submarine.

Audacious' crew, including its Commanding Officer Captain Scott Bower worked alongside BAE systems employees to complete the test.  

Officially named in December 2016 and launched in April last year, Audacious is scheduled to leave Barrow for sea trials later this year.

Other Royal Navy nuclear-powered submarines - HMS Astute, HMS Artful and HMS Ambush, are already in service.  

Whilst Boats 5 and 6, Anson and Agamemnon, along with a seventh unnamed Astute-class submarine, are currently in different stages of construction at the Barrow site.