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06/03/2014
Nuclear Submarine Gets New Core After Reactor Problems
The HMS Vanguard submarine is to be refuelled with a new nuclear core, according to Defence secretary Philip Hammond.
Fixing the core will cost £120m.
Mr Hammond said the problem was discovered in 2012 but it is just being public now, although that the Ministry of Defence said the Scottish Environment Protection Agency and the defence nuclear inspectorate were kept informed.
According to the defence secretary "the issue is classed Level 0, described as 'below scale- not safety significance'."
The refuelling will take place during its next scheduled "deep maintenance period", due to last three and a half years from 2015.
Mr Hammond said: "This is the responsible option: replacing the core on a precautionary basis at the next opportunity, rather than waiting to see if the core needs to be replaced at a later date which, would mean returning Vanguard for a period of unscheduled deep maintenance, potentially putting at risk the resilience of our ballistic missile submarine operations."
(CVS/CD)
Fixing the core will cost £120m.
Mr Hammond said the problem was discovered in 2012 but it is just being public now, although that the Ministry of Defence said the Scottish Environment Protection Agency and the defence nuclear inspectorate were kept informed.
According to the defence secretary "the issue is classed Level 0, described as 'below scale- not safety significance'."
The refuelling will take place during its next scheduled "deep maintenance period", due to last three and a half years from 2015.
Mr Hammond said: "This is the responsible option: replacing the core on a precautionary basis at the next opportunity, rather than waiting to see if the core needs to be replaced at a later date which, would mean returning Vanguard for a period of unscheduled deep maintenance, potentially putting at risk the resilience of our ballistic missile submarine operations."
(CVS/CD)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
