Astute 2010
| Name | No | Yard No | Builder | Laid down | Launched | Comp | Fate |
| Astute | S119 | BAE, Barrow-in-Furness | 31.1.2001 | 16.6.2007 | 27.8.2010 | in service (2019) | |
| Ambush | S120 | BAE, Barrow-in-Furness | 22.10.2003 | 6.1.2011 | 1.3.2013 | in service (2019) | |
| Artful | S121 | BAE, Barrow-in-Furness | 11.3.2005 | 17.5.2014 | 18.3.2016 | in service (2019) | |
| Audacious | S122 | BAE, Barrow-in-Furness | 24.3.2009 | 28.4.2017 | 2019 | building (2019) | |
| Anson | S123 | BAE, Barrow-in-Furness | 13.10.2011 | 2019 | 2020 | building (2019) | |
| Agamemnon | S124 | BAE, Barrow-in-Furness | 18.7.2013 | 2020 | 2022 | building (2019) | |
| Ajax | S125 | BAE, Barrow-in-Furness | 5/2018 | 2022 | 2024 | building (2019) |
|
Displacement standard, t |
|
|
Displacement normal, t |
7000 / 7400 |
|
Length, m |
97.0 |
|
Breadth, m |
11.3 |
|
Draught, m |
10.0 |
|
No of shafts |
1 pump-jet |
|
Machinery |
S119-124: 2 sets GEC-Alstom geared steam turbines, Rolls-Royce PWR2 nuclear reactor S125: 2 sets GEC-Alstom geared steam turbines, Rolls-Royce PWR3 nuclear reactor |
|
Power, h. p. |
27500 |
|
Max speed, kts |
/ 29 |
|
Fuel, t |
nuclear |
|
Endurance, nm(kts) |
practically unlimited |
|
Armament |
6 - 533 TT (bow, 38, inc. UGM-109 Tomahawk Block IV CruM, mines) |
| Military load | 1 DDS (dry deck shelter), 11 commandos |
|
Electronic equipment |
S119-121: type 1007 radar, type 2076 Block IV sonar suite, type 2077, type 2081, type 2082, type 2015 sonars, UAP-4, RESM, CESM/7415 ECM suites, SCAD 101/102 decoy launchers, SCAD 200 sonar jammers, ACMS CCS S122-125: type 1007 radar, type 2076 Block V sonar suite, type 2077, type 2081, type 2082, type 2015 sonars, UAP-4, RESM, CESM/7415 ECM suites, SCAD 101/102 decoy launchers, SCAD 200 sonar jammers, ACMS CCS |
|
Complement |
98 |
|
Diving depth operational, m |
300 |
Project history: Originally known as the Trafalgar Batch 2 (B2TC) class. Requests for bids to build the class were issued to VSEL and to Marconi Electronic Systems Naval Systems on 14.7.1994 for an initial three with an option for one or two more. Marconi (which formed a special subsidiary for the project and is now part of BAE Systems, as is VSEL) was the winner, and the final contract was let in 1997. Pressure-hull components for Astute began fabrication during October 1999. In 2000 it was announced that a sixth would be sought as a replacement for Trafalgar (S107); a seventh unit is planned.
The reactor, with Type H core, is designed to operate for the full life of each submarine, 25-30 years, without requiring refueling. The hull form forward resembles that of the Vanguard class, with nonretracting bowplanes; the stern is fuller than in previous RN submarines, in part because the pressure hull is of constant diameter throughout, and all control services are externally actuated, reducing the number of pressure hull penetrations. Have improved accommodations over the Trafalgar class, although some bunks still have to be shared. Low-speed operating capabilities have also been improved, and the submarines are capable of operating under ice and in tropical waters. A six-man lockout chamber is fitted for 12 special operations troops.
Have many of the same systems as the Trafalgar class, although the towed array is deployed from an onboard reel rather than clip-on, and provision for Tomahawk missiles has been built in. The BAE Systems Submarine Command System (SMCS) combat system and Thales (ex-Ferranti Thomson) tactical weapons system data highway are installed. Have provision to carry US-style dry deck shelters for Special Forces equipment.
Modernizations: none.
Naval service: Astute was damaged by running aground off Scotland 21.10.2010.
Astute 2007
© Ivan Gogin, 2017-19