Non-Subscriber Extract
Refitted and refuelled Victorious prepares for sea trials
By Tim Fish
30 May 2008
The UK Royal Navy's (RN's) Vanguard-class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine HMS Victorious will begin sea trials in June following an extensive three-and-a-half year refit by Babcock Marine at Devonport Royal Dockyard, UK.
Sea trials are scheduled to last about four months, with Victorious due to return to active service with the RN in October 2008. Pre-sea trials inspection was completed on 16 May and a re-dedication ceremony is due to take place on 31 May.
As part of a Long Overhaul Period (Refuel) [LOP(R)], the boat's PWR-2 reactor has been refuelled with the long-life Core H, meaning Victorious will not require further refuelling for the remainder of its service life.