Publication:The Trade December 2003/Collins class submarines - shocking
Once dubbed as Australia's "dud subs", the Collins Class proved their technical capability and superiority in June this year with a series of shock trials held north-east of Thistle Island in the Spencer Gulf.
Successfully undertaken on HMAS Rankin, the shock trials brought to a thunderous end ASC's contract to build six conventional submarines for the Royal Australian Navy, and the start of ASC's transition from submarine-builder to submarine-designer. In a collaborative effort with personnel from Defence Maritime Services, South Australian Water Police, Platform System Laboratories, DSME, the RAN diving team and Inspection Tests and Trials, and the Commanding Officer and crew of HMAS Rankin, ASC fired numerous torpedos to test the submarine's ability to withstand stresses caused by these explosions.
The trials also enabled submarine crews, positioned within the hull of the submarine, to be realistically exposed to the effects of such explosions not unlike what would be experienced during active deployment.
Unfortunately, the decision to perform various shock trials on a Collins Class submarine is not as simple as one would expect. Years of preparation, including consultation with Federal, State and local governments, and conservation groups was carried out prior to ascertaining the availability of a Collins Class submarine to perform the trials. According to Bill Hollas, ASC's Senior Trials Officer, the timing of the trials was also critical due to various environment issues.
" The migration patterns of the Great Southern Right whales was of particular concern to us as they're known to transit near the area at certain times of the year," said Bill. " This reduced our window of opportunity to a mid-winter period, which created its own problems with regard to weather conditions for the trial."
Indeed, the weather did close in on 11 June resulting in a four-day delay. However, as soon as conditions were stable, the submarine was returned back to its moorings and all equipment was checked to enable HMAS Rankin to submerge so RAN divers could position the explosive charge.
Following an initial misfire as a result of insufficient strength within the explosive to detonate the mine, the shock trials continued trouble-free on 16 June with triumphant results.
" The detonation of the first charge was awaited with anticipation as no one knew exactly what to expect," said Bill." All personnel inside the submarine were dressed in full protective clothing, including hard hats, and were posed in the 'brace for shock' position.
" The BANG, well actually one large bang followed by three shorter bangs, was over before we knew it. The first charge was positioned at a considerable distance from the submarine; however the shock was felt within all of the compartments." Over two intensive days of shock trials, a total of 10 mines were detonated resulting in a series of violent shock waves with no major damage to the submarine. Divers carried out hull inspections after each detonation, followed by a series of final checks once HMAS Rankin had returned and docked at ASC's Outer Harbor site. The success of the shock trials on HMAS Rankin fuels the Nation's increasing recognition that the Collins Class submarines are lethal and forceful components of Australia's Defence Force.
It is well-known the world over that no conventional submarine matches the design and sophistication of HMAS Collins, HMAS Farncomb, HMAS Waller, HMAS Dechaineux, HMAS Sheean and HMAS Rankin. The shock trials just proved it!
