Royal Australian Navy submariners have developed a new solution for the temporary accommodation on board Collins-class submarines as an alternative to wooden beds currently in use.
The sailors from Fleet Support Unit – West at HMAS Stirling designed and built the “Submarine Accommodation Capsule”, durable and practical solution which requires no additional support equipment or modifications to be installed within the submarine.
The team utilised specialist manufacturing and welding skills of Petty Officer Maritime Technician Adam Crich and Leading Seaman Marine Technician Adrian Vorwerk to improve the initial Submarine Force prototype design, which was developed by Able Seaman Marine Technician Joshua Perham.
The accommodation module is composed of two halves which can be folded together and fastened with a locking band for transportation.
Another practical addition was the inclusion of detachable “wings” for the capsule, providing a wider, more generous sleeping area.
“The inclusion of personal equipment storage and ease of transport of the final product has displayed the amount of rigour and thought that has gone into the design,” Warrant Officer Paul Ross who was in charge of project oversight said.
According to the navy, the next stage in the project will be to conduct sea trials of the Submarine Accommodation Capsule, ensuring the design meets the stringent requirements for use on board submarines.