The UK Royal Navy’s Trafalgar-class nuclear-powered attack submarine HMS Torbay (S90) has successfully completed the revalidation and assisted maintenance period (RAMP) undertaken by Babcock at Devonport Dockyard in the UK.
The two-year programme involved a massive 513,000 man hours planned scope of work. HMS Torbay received 27 upgrades and improvements, in addition to undergoing a substantial maintenance programme.
The submarine underwent non-destructive examination of the hull and ship systems, including the reactor primary circuit. The weapons and communications programme included sonar system improvements, a full overhaul of the torpedo tubes, and improved communications for the vessel when in port.
Babcock boat manager Christopher Freeman said that the company completed the RAMP to deliver an improved platform and support UK submarine operations.
"The RAMP has been successfully delivered thanks to the commitment and close working between Babcock, the ship’s staff and Fleet, and the MoD, comprising the Joint Project Team," Freeman added.
The RAMP aims to ensure that the submarine is operationally safe and is fit to fight for the rest of its extended commission for the Royal Navy.
UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) PCM RAMP commander Neil Moffatt said: "Getting the submarine to this stage has been extremely demanding and has required the full focus of the Joint Project Team to ensure success."
Following commissioning of all systems during the latter half of 2013, the defect rectification period and final platform regeneration were completed at the end of February.
Image: HMS Torbay at Devonport. Photo: courtesy of Babcock.
