Astute class
Overview
Astute class
Astute class submarine HMS Ambush is pictured during sea trials near Scotland.
Source: UK MOD -
© Open Government License
Origin
United Kingdom
Type
Nuclear powered attack submarine
Entered service
2010
Status
In service
Development
1994 - late 2000's
Developer
United Kingdom
Production
2001 - present
Producer
United Kingdom
Unit cost
GBP 1.65 billion
Number produced
7 planned, 4 completed by 2019
Designations
S119 class (lead ship pennant number)
Notable users
United Kingdom
Details
Facts
Astute class
General
Origin
United Kingdom
Type
Nuclear powered attack submarine
Complement
98 in regular use
Accommodations for 109
Dimensions
Displacement (surface)
7.000 to 7.400 t
Displacement (submerged)
7.400 to 7.800 t
Length
97 m
Beam
11.3 m
Draft
10 m
Propulsion
Arrangement
Single nuclear reactor
Power source
Rolls-Royce PWR 2 reactor
Propulsion
1 shaft
Mobility
Speed (submerged)
32 kt
Range
Unlimited
Depth
About 400 m
Endurance
90 days
Sensors
Sonar
Thales 2076
Periscope
2x CM010 combined non hull penetrating optronics mast
Combat management
Submarine Command System
Torpedoes
Tube arrangement
6x 533 mm
Weapon types
Spearfish torpedo
Tomahawk Block IV
UGM-84 Sub-Harpoon (optional, but not carried?)
Weapon load
38 weapons
Media
Astute class
Oblique view of HMS Astute entering port.
Source: UK MOD
Copyright: Open Government License
Astute class
Astute class submarine on a shiplift.
Source: PoorTom
Copyright: Public domain
Astute class
Frontal view of HMS Astute entering port.
Source: UK MOD
Copyright: Open Government License
Astute class
Rear view of HMS Astute entering port.
Source: UK MOD
Copyright: Open Government License
Astute class
Top view of HMS Astute being escorted by tugs.
Source: UK MOD
Copyright: Open Government License
Astute class
Top view of HMS Astute in 2009.
Source: UK MOD
Copyright: Open Government License
Related articles
Spearfish
The Royal Navy Astute class nuclear powered attack submarines are the primary launch platform of the Spearfish torpedo. These modern torpedoes are known for having a high speed compared to other modern torpedoes.