Nuts and bolts of a super-sub
The Royal Navy's newest super-submarine, Astute, was being launched today – after being built with the help of a Wolverhampton firm. The Royal Navy's newest super-submarine, Astute, was being launched today – after being built with the help of a Wolverhampton firm. Nuts and bolts company BST Supplies produced the fixings that will keep the world-leading nuclear submarine together. Yesterday The Duchess of Cornwall unveiled the new submarine, which was created with the help of the Bushbury-based firm's specialised hi-tech fasteners. The fasteners, accurate down to one thousandth of an inch, are approved for use in every component of the new attack subs. Astute, built at BAE Systems shipyard in Barrow, Cumbria, is the first nuclear submarine to be launched in the UK for almost a decade. Read the full story in the Express & Star.
Nuts and bolts company BST Supplies produced the fixings that will keep the world-leading nuclear submarine together.
Yesterday The Duchess of Cornwall unveiled the new submarine, which was created with the help of the Bushbury-based firm's specialised hi-tech fasteners. The fasteners, accurate down to one thousandth of an inch, are approved for use in every component of the new attack subs.
Astute, built at BAE Systems shipyard in Barrow, Cumbria, is the first nuclear submarine to be launched in the UK for almost a decade.
She has been built in the UK using the most advanced naval engineering techniques. Construction has been described as more complex than that of the space shuttle.
Lord Drayson, Minister for Defence Equipment and Support, said the Astute was the first of a class vessels which allow the Royal Navy to protect the UK and her interests in the 21st century.
"Astute is a truly remarkable vessel, and her importance cannot be underestimated. I am pleased that through the Maritime Industrial Strategy we are working closely with British industry to ensure that we have affordable, viable, and vibrant submarine design and manufacture skills, both now and in the future," he added.
The First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Jonathon Band, said: "The Astute class submarines are immensely powerful vessels. They will form a key part of our future programme."
Astute, which will have more firepower than any previous British attack submarine, will enter service in 2009.
