£200m deal for submarine research
£200m deal for submarine research
2008-09-04Newsfeed
A £200m deal to support submarine research and operations, and develop future aircraft carrier technology, has been made by the MoD with research establishment QinetiQ.
A £200m deal to support submarine research and operations, and develop future aircraft carrier technology, has been made by the MoD with research establishment QinetiQ.
The 15-year Maritime Strategic Capabilities Agreement (MSCA) will secure access to a range of scientific expertise and maritime research facilities.
These include the Ocean Basin at Haslar, the largest in Europe with a wave machine used to assess the design and manoeuvrability of scale models of submarines and ships in different sea conditions.
Other facilities include a ship towing tank, shock laboratory machines and expertise in submarine hydrodynamics, structure and survivability and maritime life support.
Defence minister Baroness Taylor said at QinetiQ's Haslar site in Portsmouth: "As part of the Defence Industrial Strategy, the MoD is committed to investing in high-level technical expertise to sustain a dynamic engineering industry. Hydromechanics, submarine structures and life support are three key areas.
"MSCA through QinetiQ will provide access to advanced modelling for the future submarine programme, sophisticated chemical analysis and hydrodynamic facilities for the detailed testing of the innovative hull to be used by the Royal Navy's new aircraft carriers.
"It will also ensure emergency advice is immediately available when required to keep our fleets operating safely."
Copyright © The Press Association 2008
