Astute class submarine programme
Barrow-in-Furness, England · 1986 (feasibility studies began) - 2026 (expected completion of all 7 boats) · Over £1.65 billion per boat (2015 est.)
The judgement call
Account-gated at launchProgramme experienced significant cost overruns and delays in its early stages. - Use of PWR2 reactor with a 25-year lifespan without refuelling. - Bridge fin reinforced for surfacing through ice caps. - Initial safety concerns regarding the PWR2 reactor led to amended operational procedures.
Key engineering challenges
Replacing the Trafalgar-class fleet submarines with a new generation of nuclear-powered attack submarines. - Integrating advanced sonar systems (Sonar 2076) and combat management systems (Astute Combat Management System). - Designing for stealth with over 39,000 acoustic tiles. - Ensuring safety of the PWR2 reactor, addressing concerns regarding loss-of-coolant accidents and control of submarine depth.
Project facts
- Client / owner
- Royal Navy
- Lead contractor
- BAE Systems Submarines
- Lead designers
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- Project type
- new build
- Scale
- Displacement: 7,400 tonnes (submerged); Length: 97 m; Weapons stowage: 38 (Spearfish torpedoes and Tomahawk cruise missiles)
- Disciplines
- Naval architecture; nuclear engineering; marine engineering; stealth technology; sonar systems; combat management systems
- Standards & frameworks
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Sources: Wikipedia: Astute-class submarine (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astute-class_submarine) - BAE Systems: Astute class submarines (https://www.baesystems.com/en/product/astute-class-submarines)