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UKs New Killer Sub Carries Out First Trim Dive At Cumbrian Dock

This is the moment the UK’s new Astute-class submarine HMS Anson carries out is first trim dive at a Cumbrian dock.

BAE Systems, the largest defence contractor in Europe, said in a statement that the “fifth Barrow-built Astute-class submarine, Anson, has completed its first trim dive”.

A Royal Navy crew tested the “safety and stability of the 7,400-tonne, 97 metre-long attack submarine” at Devonshire Dock in Barrow-in-Furness in the north-western English county of Cumbria.

The trim dive of the Astute-class submarine in Devonshire Dock in England. (BAE Systems/Newsflash)

The operation saw HMS Anson submerge beneath the water surface while crew members tested the onboard systems.

The defence company said: “A trim dive is a key step in the commissioning of an Astute submarine, it enables us to set the boat’s internal weight, prove her water-tight integrity, test sensors and put some of our systems through their tests ahead of sailing for the first time.”

BAE Systems added: “We have a highly-skilled team of around 10,000 people working to support our Royal Navy in defending our nation through the delivery of Submarines from Barrow, accounting for approximately a quarter of the local working population.

The trim dive of the Astute-class submarine in Devonshire Dock in England. (BAE Systems/Newsflash)

HMS Anson commanding officer David Crosby said: “The trim and basin dive is a key step in the commissioning of HMS Anson. This period will enable us to set the boat’s internal weight, prove her water-tight integrity, test sensors and put some of our systems through their tests ahead of sailing for the first time.”

John Moorby, BAE Systems Submarines Astute Programme Director, said: “The successful trim dive of Anson is a significant milestone in the submarine’s test and commissioning phase.

“It demonstrates the continued successful collaboration between BAE Systems, the Submarines Enterprise, and our suppliers on delivering this national endeavour for the UK Royal Navy.”

The trim dive of the Astute-class submarine in Devonshire Dock in England. (BAE Systems/Newsflash)

Over 60 crew members were onboard during the exercise, which saw tonnes of ballast used to test the vessel’s stability.

BAE Systems said: “Anson was officially named in December 2020 and launched in April 2021. HMS Astute, HMS Artful, HMS Ambush and HMS Audacious are already in service with the Royal Navy.

“The sixth and seventh Astute submarines, Agamemnon and Agincourt, are at different stages of construction at the Barrow shipyard.

The trim dive of the Astute-class submarine in Devonshire Dock in England. (BAE Systems/Newsflash)

“As well as the Astute Class, BAE Systems is delivering the Dreadnought submarines for the Royal Navy and undertaking early phase concept design work on the replacement for the Astute class.

“The Company employs around 10,000 people in its Submarines business, with the majority based at its shipyard in Barrow-in-Furness, accounting for approximately a quarter of the local working population.”

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