BAE launches latest nuclear-powered attack submarine

HMS Artful will begin the next phase of its test and commissioning process ahead of sea trials next year.BAE Systems has launched Artful, the third of seven Astute-class submarines being built for the Royal Navy, into the dock at its site in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria.

The 97m long, 7,400 tonne nuclear-powered attack submarine began edging out of BAE Systems' construction hall last week and was lowered into the water over the weekend.

Stuart Godden, Astute programme director for BAE Systems, said: "Building on past experiences we've been able to launch her in the most advanced state of construction of any submarine to be built in Barrow. This allows us to now fully concentrate on the test and commissioning activities required to get her to sea.

"Moving a submarine of this size from its build hall to the water is very challenging. It's testament to the experience and careful planning of the team involved that Artful is now ready for the next phase in her programme.”Read more HERE 

For the record I would just like to say how proud I am of my home town for building these amazing submarines from World War One to the present day and keeping our Nation safe, God Bless HMS Artful and all who sail in her.

Tony McNally.

Falklands War Sub HMS 'Onyx'

Oberon class submarine HMS 'Onyx' in Buccleuch Dock, Barrow-in-Furness waiting to be prepared as an exhibit in the town's Dock Museum. HMS Onyx was an Oberon class submarine of the Royal Navy. Originally ordered for the Royal Canadian Navy, Onyx was transferred to the Royal Navy whilst under construction at Cammell Laird shipbuilders in Birkenhead, England. She was launched on August 1966 and commissioned into the Royal Navy in September 1967. The first commission of the Onyx saw her visit Swansea in South Wales for the investiture of His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales. She also attended the bicentennial celebrations of the United States of America in 1976. Falklands War: HMS Onyx was the only non-nuclear submarine of the Royal Navy to take part in the Falklands War. The smaller displacement of Onyx compared to the nuclear submarines made her ideal for landing SAS and SBS troops close to the islands in shallow waters. During one of these missions, Onyx ran aground and suffered minor damage to its bow. After British officers scrapped Operation Mikado, the replacement plan consisted of Onyx dropping SAS operatives several miles offshore at night for them to make their way to the coast aboard rubber inflatables in order to destroy Argentina's remaining stockpile of Exocet missiles. HMS Onyx sank the hulk of the landing ship Sir Galahad after she was badly damaged at Bluff Cove. Striking Off: HMS Onyx and other ships at Birkenhead in 2005 Defence cuts in the UK saw the Royal Navy dispense with its diesel-powered submarines to concentrate on nuclear attack submarines. In 1991, the Onyx was decommissioned from the navy. She was then cared for by the Warship Preservation Trust and was on public display alongside several other ships in Birkenhead, UK. In May 2006 HMS Onyx was sold to the Barrow-in-Furness businessman Joe Mullen, for a reported £100,000 as a 'gift to the people of Barrow'. She left Birkenhead on 13 June 2006[4] to form the centrepiece of The Submarine Heritage Centre, a new heritage museum in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, as a celebration to the town's illustrious Submarine-building history.

Its nice to see the old girl has been saved thanks to Joe Mullen, keeping a valuable reminder of the 1982 Falklands War in the home of submarine building Barrow-in-Furness.

Shiny Sheff

WE WILL REMEMBER THEM

HMS SHEFFIELD NEVER FORGOTTEN

HT/ and more fabulous art work here at Spud Jock Milne