Awesome Aggie: Newest nuclear-powered sub completes first dive ahead of joining Navy Fleet
The Royal Navy's newest Astute-class submarine has completed her first underwater trial at BAE Systems in Barrow-in-Furness, under the control of her Royal Navy crew.
HMS Agamemnon – nicknamed Awesome Aggie – the sixth of the Astute-class submarines, submerged for a three-day trim dive to test her stability, watertight integrity and buoyancy.
It forms a critical stage in testing the 7,400-tonne, 97-metre vessel, which was recently commissioned into the Royal Navy by His Majesty King Charles III, before she enters full operational service.
Ready for action
The basin dive is where many on-board systems are tested, including the ballast tanks, which ensure the boat can surface.
In addition, a trim and inclining experiment confirms the centre of gravity of the submarine and is measured by naval architects in both surfaced and submerged conditions.
To measure the centre of gravity of the submarine, 16 tonnes of lead weights are brought on board and moved from side to side. This movement is also measured by hand using pendulums hung between decks, a method that has been used by naval architects since the 1700s.
The results from this also calculate the precise weight and stability, showing how she will perform in service.
The trials were carried out by BAE Systems and the ship's staff, and activity was monitored by Submarine Delivery Agency and Ministry of Defence naval architects and overseers.
These are all key factors in her performance when she formally joins HMS Astute, HMS Ambush, HMS Artful, HMS Audacious and HMS Anson, the first five Astute-class subs, in service.
Pete Tumelty, Astute programme director at BAE Systems' Submarines business, said: "This trim dive is the culmination of months of hard work.
"I'd like to thank all teams involved for their commitment and professionalism.
"We're incredibly proud of the contribution we're making to the nation's security and Barrow's long and distinguished heritage as the home of UK submarine design and build."
Commander David Crosby, Commanding Officer of HMS Agamemnon added: "It takes a great deal of planning and preparation to achieve this key step and all involved should be very proud of the part they have played."
Namesake of legendary Greek king
HMS Agamemnon is part of a broader programme at BAE Systems, which includes the build of seven Astute-class and four Dreadnought-class submarines.
As a nuclear-powered attack submarine, she will carry out a number of important roles, from covert surveillance to tactical strike, and will serve as the leading edge of submarine operations into the second half of the 21st century.
Her weaponry will include the Spearfish heavyweight torpedo for maritime threats and the fearsome Tomahawk Block IV land-attack missile, which has a range of some 1,000 miles.
Together with her sister vessels, she will be one of the most advanced submarines ever constructed, helping to protect the UK's nuclear deterrent and supporting other naval assets, such as carrier strike groups (CSG).
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