QINETIQ SECURES NAVAL DEAL

A multi-million pound deal between the Ministry of Defence and UK research establishment QinetiQ has secured the support and expertise needed to ensure the continued operation of the current submarine fleet and the development of technology for future generations it was confirmed today, Wednesday 3 September 2008.

In the 15-year contract, worth £200million, the Maritime Strategic Capabilities Agreement (MSCA) will secure the MOD's access to maritime research facilities, including the Ocean Basin at Haslar, a Ship Towing Tank and Shock Laboratory Machines, and to a range of experts in submarine hydrodynamics, structure and survivability, and maritime life

The Ocean Basin, a 120 x 60 by 5.5 metre deep fresh water testing tank, including a rotating arm and wavemakers, is used to test autonomous models of ships and underwater vehicles [Picture: MOD]