17.11.2009
First British Astute-class submarine put out for sea trials, informs Your Shipping News. The sub left slipway at Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria County and after cruise will arrive at HMNB Clyde, Faslane, Scotland. The submarine will be commissioned in Royal Navy upon arrival.
The sub is expected to sail for several months and pass a number of tests. It will be navigated by British mariners and observed by experts of
BAE Systems which is developer of
Astute. According to expectations,
BAE experts will stay at HMNB Clyde permanently and be engaged in maintenance activity.
Royal Navy will get
Astute with a 4-year delay, says
The Daily Telegraph. SSN was laid down in 2001. According to initial schedule, it was supposed to be commissioned in 2005. Nowadays three more subs of this class are being constructed –
Ambush,
Artful and
Audacious. The latter was laid down early 2009.
Displacement of
Astute-class subs is 7,800 tonnes; length is 97 meters. It is capable to accelerate up to 29 knots and dive down to 300 meters. The crew of such subs will consist of 98 men.
Astute submarines will shift
Trafalgar-class subs. Royal Navy plans to purchase 7-8 new project subs; they will be used for various tasks, including reconnaissance and support of land forces.
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