THE Atomic Weapons Establishment at Aldermaston has taken delivery of three new supercomputers.

The high-tech machines will allow AWE to advance its technological capabilities, according to Ken Atkinson, strategy and procurement manager at the site.

He said: “We’re constantly looking for ways to enhance and develop programmes to support the UK Government’s nuclear weapons programme.”

The three top-of-the-range machines, known as ICE X M-Cell systems, are produced by Ameri-can manufacturer SGI, which has supplied supercomputers to the nuclear weapons site in the past.

Mr Atkinson said: “We turned to SGI again and chose their ICE X M-Cell systems to deliver a flexible and scalable infrastructure, which enables us to continue to underwrite the safety and effectiveness of the Trident warhead.

“It’s critical that advanced high-performance computing systems underpin our science programme, and SGI’s supercomputing systems should enable us to quickly advance research and development.

“SGI met our thorough review process and was able to accommodate our tight schedule for manufacture, factory testing, delivery and commissioning.”

Jorge Titinger, president and chief executive officer of SGI, said: “Our continued commitment to AWE ensures they can address the future of nuclear weapons, and safely, strategically advance a range of scientific imperatives.”

He added: “Our SGI ICE X systems are scalable and flexible, enabling AWE to run a wide range of applications and improve scientific modelling.”