British Royal Navy nuclear submarine rolled out of dockyard for tests
A new British Royal Navy nuclear submarine capable of firing Tomahawk missiles 1,000km has been rolled out of its dockyard to undergo preliminary tests.
The 97-metre long attack sub HMS Audacious was edged from Devonshire Dock Hall in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, ahead of sea trials expected to take place next year.
The 7,400-tonne BAE Systems-built vessel is the fourth of seven Astute class submarines and is armed with Spearfish torpedoes and Tomahawk land attack missiles.
They were designed to be able to strike at targets up to 1,000km from the coast and are equipped with the latest sonar capability and powered by a nuclear reactor.
Three more Astute class submarines are at different stages in the building process in Barrow.
Assistant Chief of Naval Staff Submarines Rear Admiral John Weale said: "It's an exciting moment to see Audacious enter the water for the first time ahead of trials.
"Such a feat of engineering is testament to the skills of the BAE Systems workforce in Barrow.
"As part of an increasingly capable Royal Navy, Audacious will go on to serve on operations right around the world, helping keep Britain safe."
BAE's submarines business employs approximately 8,500 people.
