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term in its planning and well in advance of future imple- mentation. In order to keep pace with demand we work closely with our customers to understand their technology and business needs to engage at an early stage of the prod- uct design cycle. Cooperation in the design of solutions al- lows us to gain invaluable insight into the functional objec- tives and to address any speciÞ c technology opportunities. This minimizes product realization timescales.Replacing the current Astute submarine ß eet will be Suc- cessor, which will carry the U.K.Õs strategic nuclear de- terrent. According to Naval Forces, Successor will be the largest and most advanced submerged platforms operated by the Royal Navy and the design and construction will be the most technologically complex in the history of the U.K. Successor will be built and equipped by BAE Systems. Hydro Group has been selected to design, develop and qualify a range of connectorized through-hull penetra-tors on the submarine ß eet, which has been acknowledged by BAE as offering a highly innovative and cost effective penetrator solution to take the Successor ß eet into the next decade. The project will engage a dedicated team of Hydro GroupÕs engineers and the new technology require- ments dove-tail with the GroupÕs current extensive R & D program. The design and development of the new range of through-hull penetrators will be subjected to a process vigorously controlled by extremely onerous standards and testing procedures with a demanding set of electrical power and signal, radio frequency and optical requirements. The design must guarantee a cast iron capability for the system to perform its mechanical function in harsh or hazardous environments and to ensure that this can be achieved with- out limiting the electrical or optical performance. A core aspect of the innovation for the new through-hull penetrators is the migration of inserts from Hydro GroupÕs existing range of submarine dry mate connectors (SDMs), originally developed for the Astute Program. The complimentary requirements of the subsea energy, defense, scientiÞ c and offshore renewables markets pro- vide scope for Hydro Group to adopt and adapt appropriate processes that enhance the solutions and service provided to all subsea markets. Technological solutions for the Suc- cessor ß eet will undoubtedly advance innovative research and development in other industries. Continuous investment in our equipment, processes and facilities, together with our commitment to training and staff development all contribute to ß exible and adaptable support to our customers and to providing active participa- tion in a number of collaborative programs with them and other consortiums. Technological advancement of submarines will continue to provide a business opportunity for Hydro Group, strate- gically focussed on the U.K.Õs defense capability, and long term, around the globe. www.marinetechnologynews.com Marine Technology Reporter 29MTR #8 (18-33).indd 29MTR #8 (18-33).indd 2910/10/2014 2:06:10 PM10/10/2014 2:06:10 PM
