Menu
08/06/2007
Attack super-submarine launched
The Royal Navy's new 7,400 tonne super-submarine has been 'launched' by the Duchess of Cornwall at the BAE Systems shipyard in Barrow, Cumbria.
Astute is the first nuclear submarine to be launched in the UK for almost a decade. Built in the UK using the latest advanced naval engineering techniques, her construction has been described as more complex than that of the space shuttle.
Yet her progress towards the water is at a snails pace. A construction cradle will take her to the water's edge in the next six hours, where she will then be winched into the water by a lifting barge.
Minister for Defence Equipment and Support, Lord Drayson, said: "I am delighted to be here to see the launch of Astute. She is the first of a class of hugely impressive vessels which will give the Royal Navy the world class capability it needs to protect the UK and her interests across the globe in the 21st century.
"Astute is a truly remarkable vessel, and her importance cannot be underestimated. I am pleased that through the Maritime Industrial Strategy we are working closely with British industry to ensure that we have affordable, viable, and vibrant submarine design and manufacture skills, both now and in the future."
The £1.2bn super-sub that will be virtually undetectable has no periscope instead a small camera about the size of a pen will scan the horizon.
The First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Jonathon Band, said: "The Astute class submarines are immensely powerful vessels. They will form a key part of our future programme, giving the Royal Navy the versatility and technical excellence needed to operate successfully across the globe in decades to come."
Astute, the first of four submarines in class, will be equipped with advanced cruise missiles and torpedoes which will provide her with more firepower than any previous British attack submarine.
Astute, which will enter service with the Royal Navy in 2009 after sea trials, will be based in Scotland.
She will be expected to form a key part of the UK's naval defence forces for the next 25 years.
(SP/JM)
Astute is the first nuclear submarine to be launched in the UK for almost a decade. Built in the UK using the latest advanced naval engineering techniques, her construction has been described as more complex than that of the space shuttle.
Yet her progress towards the water is at a snails pace. A construction cradle will take her to the water's edge in the next six hours, where she will then be winched into the water by a lifting barge.
Minister for Defence Equipment and Support, Lord Drayson, said: "I am delighted to be here to see the launch of Astute. She is the first of a class of hugely impressive vessels which will give the Royal Navy the world class capability it needs to protect the UK and her interests across the globe in the 21st century.
"Astute is a truly remarkable vessel, and her importance cannot be underestimated. I am pleased that through the Maritime Industrial Strategy we are working closely with British industry to ensure that we have affordable, viable, and vibrant submarine design and manufacture skills, both now and in the future."
The £1.2bn super-sub that will be virtually undetectable has no periscope instead a small camera about the size of a pen will scan the horizon.
The First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Jonathon Band, said: "The Astute class submarines are immensely powerful vessels. They will form a key part of our future programme, giving the Royal Navy the versatility and technical excellence needed to operate successfully across the globe in decades to come."
Astute, the first of four submarines in class, will be equipped with advanced cruise missiles and torpedoes which will provide her with more firepower than any previous British attack submarine.
Astute, which will enter service with the Royal Navy in 2009 after sea trials, will be based in Scotland.
She will be expected to form a key part of the UK's naval defence forces for the next 25 years.
(SP/JM)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
22 October 2003
Second keel laid in £3.6bn submarine build
The keel has been laid for a second Royal Navy submarine as part of a £3.6 billion programme which will ensure jobs for around 5,000 people.
Second keel laid in £3.6bn submarine build
The keel has been laid for a second Royal Navy submarine as part of a £3.6 billion programme which will ensure jobs for around 5,000 people.
10 December 2012
BAE Wins Royal Navy Sub Contract
BAE Systems has been awarded a £1.2bn contract to build the Royal Navy’s new attack submarine. The deal to build the new ship Audacious is expected to secure 3,000 jobs at Barrow-in-Furness in Cumbria. It will replace the Trafalgar Class currently in service. The MoD says a further £1.
BAE Wins Royal Navy Sub Contract
BAE Systems has been awarded a £1.2bn contract to build the Royal Navy’s new attack submarine. The deal to build the new ship Audacious is expected to secure 3,000 jobs at Barrow-in-Furness in Cumbria. It will replace the Trafalgar Class currently in service. The MoD says a further £1.
22 October 2010
Grounded Submarine 'Not A Nuclear Incident'
Nuclear submarine HMS Astute has run aground on rocks off the western coast of Scotland. The Ministry of Defence has played down fears ensuring no injuries were caused and that it was "not a nuclear incident.
Grounded Submarine 'Not A Nuclear Incident'
Nuclear submarine HMS Astute has run aground on rocks off the western coast of Scotland. The Ministry of Defence has played down fears ensuring no injuries were caused and that it was "not a nuclear incident.
21 April 2004
MoD buys 64 cruise missiles for Royal Navy
In a move to replenish stocks after the hostilities in Iraq, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has bought 64 Tomahawk cruise missiles from the US government in a deal worth £70 million, it has been announced today.
MoD buys 64 cruise missiles for Royal Navy
In a move to replenish stocks after the hostilities in Iraq, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has bought 64 Tomahawk cruise missiles from the US government in a deal worth £70 million, it has been announced today.
08 April 2011
One Killed In Submarine Shooting
One person has been killed after a shooting on board the HMS Astute nuclear submarine. A second person is confirmed as being in a life-threatening condition. A man has been arrested following a shooting on board. It has been reported that a crew member shot two of his crew mates before being overpowered.
One Killed In Submarine Shooting
One person has been killed after a shooting on board the HMS Astute nuclear submarine. A second person is confirmed as being in a life-threatening condition. A man has been arrested following a shooting on board. It has been reported that a crew member shot two of his crew mates before being overpowered.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
