The
SSN (Ship Submersible Nuclear), or Fleet Submarines
contribute to peace and security by providing conventional
deterrence, as opposed to the SSBN submarines that
carry the UK's Strategic Nuclear Deterrent, to world
stability. They combine the qualities of stealth, endurance
and flexibility. These characteristics afford the SSN
unparalleled freedom to operate world-wide, either
independently or in support of surface ship task group and
land operations.
SSN
OPERATIONS
The
SSNs of the Swiftsure and Trafalgar Class are extremely
sophisticated, deep diving, high-speed submarines, capable
of fulfilling a range of maritime military tasks undreamed
of by the strategists of previous generations.
Swiftsure
Class
Trafalgar
Class
Dreadnought
Class
Churchill
Class
Valiant
Class
Historical
Covers
Astute
Class Submarine
The
laying of the keel for the HMS Astute in January of 2001
takes the Royal Navy into its second century of submarine
operations. HMS Astute is the biggest and most powerful
attack submarine to be built for the Royal Navy and, under
the Smart Acquisition programme, is being built at roughly
one fifth more quickly than earlier boats, with lower
running costs and will have a much smaller ship’s company.
Although the Astute will be about 30 per cent larger than
the Trafalgar Class this larger hull means that she is much
easier and cheaper to build and maintain.
HMS
Astute will displace 7,200 tonnes dived and is 97 metres
long, she will have six weapons tubes a massively increased
firepower compared to predecessors and will be equipped from
day one to operate cruise missiles. Construction on the
second submarine of the class, HMS Ambush, is due to start
later in 2001 with the third, HMS Artful, following later.
The MoD is considering plans for a second batch of up to
three more of these potent boats, though the final decision
will not be taken until the end of 2002.
