QinetiQ is supporting the MOD in testing new composite materials for the UK submarine fleet using its recently re-commissioned and refitted Hyperbaric Trials Unit (HTU). The HTU forms part of an array of specialist equipment housed in QinetiQ’s Diving and Hyperbaric Test Center based in Haslar, Portsmouth. The use of composite materials in the construction of submarines has a number of advantages, including the need for less maintenance which delivers a reduction in operating costs. Composite materials also provide the opportunity to reduce the acoustic signature of a submarine. As part of an on-going program composite materials are tested by the MOD to develop new approaches and designs.