Prototype of the submarine accommodation capsules. Credit: Royal Australian Navy.

A team of submariners from the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) has developed a new solution that is designed to provide temporary accommodation for submarine personnel.

The new submarine accommodation capsule has been developed by sailors from Fleet Support Unit – West at the Australian Navy base HMAS Stirling.

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It is expected to help replace the traditional, outdated wooden accommodation beds that are currently used on-board Collins-class submarines.

The accommodation capsule has been specifically designed to be durable, practical and interface with existing infrastructure.

"The newly designed capsule concept features a locking band that holds together the two halves of the unit during transportation."

Additionally, the units are deployable without additional support equipment and do not require any upgrades to be installed within the submarine.

Australian Navy Commander Submarine Force captain Geoff Wadley said: “The team identified a need, took the initiative in proposing a solution and got on with the job; they produced a simple-yet-effective way of making life a bit easier for our submariners.”

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The newly designed capsule concept features a locking band that holds together the two halves of the unit during transportation.

It is also equipped with detachable wings, which are intended to provide sailors with a wider sleeping area than previous accommodation units.

Maritime Technician petty officer Adam Crich and Marine Technician leading seaman Adrian Vorwerk helped improve the initial Submarine Force prototype design, which was primarily developed by Marine Technician able seaman Joshua Perham.

The RAN submariners are expected to conduct sea trials of the new submarine accommodation capsule during the next stage of development.

The test programme will ensure that the design meets the latest requirements for use on-board the navy’s submarines.

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