The Astute Class submarines are built at the BAE Systems Marine Barrow shipyard under the prime contract management of BAE Systems Astute Class Limited.

The nuclear-powered attack submarine replaces the Royal Navy's Swiftsure class submarines. The Astute Class boats named Astute, Ambush and Artful will enter service in 2009, 2010 and 2011 respectively.

The combat system is a next generation development of the Submarine Command System (BAE Systems Insyte) that is in service with all classes of Royal Navy submarines. This system processes and displays the combat assisting sensor data on the command consoles.

Torpedo tube launched Raytheon Tomahawk Block IV cruise missiles provide the Astute Class with a 1000-mile range tactical strike capability. Up to 36 Spearfish torpedos with a range of 41 miles provide the marine attack capability.

The countermeasures include decoys and two multi-function antenna arrays (Thales Sensors) mounted on the two non-penetrating optronics masts. The masts provide thermal, low light and colour images (Thales Optronics). The Eddystone system (DML & Argon ST) provides communications, intercept, recognition, direction finding, and monitoring capabilities.

An I-band radar provides above surface detection and the passive/active sonar arrays (Thales Underwater Systems) provide the sub-surface detection capability.

A Rolls-Royce PWR 2 reactor provides the power. The propulsion system combines two Alsthom turbines with a single shaft pump jet propulsor. In addition, there are two diesel alternators, one emergency drive motor and one auxiliary retractable propeller.

CAE Electronics provide the control and instrumentation associated with the steering, diving, depth control and submarine management.
ASTUTE CLASS SUBMARINE