Engineers get under the skin of Lord Nelson's flagship with 3D laser imaging

Digital image reveals how far British naval engineering has evolved over the past two centuries

Engineers at BAE Systems have been able to laser scan HMS Victory, the oldest commissioned warship in the world, allowing them to understand in detail the huge achievements in ship design and build techniques.

The digital model of the vessel is made up of approximately 80,000 components and contains the details of every piece of timber and iron in the ship's construction.

Each component has its position, dimensions, material, record of replacement and condition embedded to provide a database for the long term conservation of the vessel. This ‘intelligent model’ represents a major advance in the approach to the management of historic structures.

The model will be used to establish the priorities for the future repair and conservation of the vessel. Specialist structural analysis techniques will be applied to the model incorporating data from condition surveys and historic records.



Rory Fisher, managing director, BAE Systems Maritime Services said: “We are very excited to be using such innovative technology to explore such an incredible piece of our heritage. The laser mapping provides us with an unprecedented level of insight into the construction of HMS Victory and allows our specialist team to identify the best ways to restore this iconic vessel.”

Andrew Baines, curator and project director for HMS Victory, added: “At almost 250 years old, HMS Victory’s structure is incredibly complex, both in terms of design and the history of repair and conservation. This laser mapping and the structural analysis to follow will allow us to plan our programme of conservation and ensure that the ship benefits from the highest possible standards of curatorial care.”

About HMS Victory

HMS Victory is best known for her role in the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805, and as Admiral Lord Nelson’s flagship. The ship was laid down in 1759 and launched in 1765. In 1922 the vessel was moved to a dry dock at Portsmouth, and preserved as a museum ship.

• To find out more, see www.hms-victory.com