THE first of the new Astute class attack submarines is to start its sea trials within a matter of days. The vessel could leave BAE's shipyard at Barrow in Cumbria as early as this week, travelling to Her Majesty's Naval Base Clyde at Faslane in Scotland where it will be put through its paces. The sea trials could last anywhere up to 18 months. The Royal Navy had expected Astute to enter service by the end of the year. But the multibillion pound programme has suffered construction and integration problems.
展开▼
