Floating Laboratory Complex – MAYTIME
Parent Body: Defence Evaluation and Research Agency, Loch Goil and Loch Fyne, Clyde Estuary, Scotland

Principal Functions
Acoustic target strength measurement of large underwater bodies or structures.

General Details
The Floating Laboratory Complex comprises two platforms in Loch Goil, a permanently moored barge (MAYTIME) and its mobile satellite (the NEWT). The Loch is 60m deep and 700m wide (working depth) where MAYTIME is moored. Full scale submarine measurements are made at a point where the Loch is 86m deep and 760m wide, giving a maximum safe working radius of 300m around a tethered submarine. The winter minimum water temperature is approximately 3⁰C and the summer maximum 9⁰C. The area is noted for its persistent gentle rainfall and is protected from the prevailing winds by the surrounding mountains.

Specification
The MAYTIME barge has a 16m × 6m laboratory, is powered from the shore and offers a 4 tonne pull–down system for the depth setting of the buoyant structures. There are ten stations from which transducer arrays of up to 2 tonnes in weight can be deployed to a depth of 50m. The NEWT uses two removable standard ISO containers to provide its laboratory space and is powered by an on-board 25kVA generator. It offers a variety of complementary functions to the MAYTIME barge. The facility is equipped with a comprehensive set of arrays, measurement and analysis equipment.

Special Features
The facility is manned by scientists and engineers from DERA who currently provide a service to the RN and advise UK MoD on target strength characteristics of both present and proposed submarine system designs. This impartial service is also available to, and used by, non-UK navies.

Availability
The facility is available to other bodies in both the private and public sector. There are no restrictions on the type of body that can apply to use the facility. No advance notice is necessary for requesting time on the facility. Time is allocated by the hour.

Charging Basis
Charging rates are subject to negotiation, there is a possibility of negotiating an exchange agreement.

Site Access
The site has ready access for vehicles and local accommodation is available for the hirer’s staff.

Contact Information
Rod Waldron, Business Development Manager (Sea Ranges)
Building 264
DERA Fraser
Eastney
Hants
P04 9LJ
Telephone:  023 9233 4591 Fax:  023 9233 4545
E-mail:  rwaldron@dera.gov.uk