Service - Royal Navy
Role of the Astute Class
Nuclear-powered attack submarines are the heart of the Royal Navy force structure. They have a wide variety of roles and are capable of deployment either as an integrated layer of defence within a Task Force or independently in advance of such a force.
The Astute Class will provide the Royal Navy with the means to support this policy well into the 21st century. They are planned to have improved communications facilities to support joint operations and enhanced capability to operate in the littoral compared with previous classes.
They will undertake a range of tasks including:
- Support to Vanguard Class submarine & the Successor Deterrent
- Anti-Submarine Warfare
- Anti-Surface Ship Warfare
- Surveillance and Intelligence gathering
- Land attack using Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles (TLAM)
The Requirement
The contract requirement for both the Astute Class submarines and their support is specified in function and performance terms, giving the prime contractor, BAE SYSTEMS, the responsibility (and freedom) to achieve the specified performance.
The performance specified builds on that of the Trafalgar Class, updated with a new submarine combat system and a much greater weapon load. It includes the PWR2 reactor plant used in the more recent Vanguard class, and a range of detailed improvements to achieve the required through life capability.
Design and Construction Techniques
Computer-aided design methods are being employed. These allow concurrent engineering and enable the work of designers in several companies and sites to be integrated, minimising the need for rework during the build phase.
Commercial Aspects
The prime contract for Boats 1-3 was placed in March 1997. During 2002, MoD and BAE SYSTEMS recognised the full impact on the programme of the long production gap between the Vanguard & Astute Classes, and significant difficulties with the introduction of Computer Aided Design. In February 2003, MoD and BAE SYSTEMS concluded an Agreement to provide greater certainty about the delivery of the submarines by restructuring the project.
The contract was amended in December 2003 to reflect the Agreement. Although still under a single prime contract, the price for the design, development and production of the First Of Class was separated from the pricing of the 2nd and 3rd submarines.
The First Of Class element of the contract is incentivised through a 'shareline' arrangement which allows the company and the MoD to share cost under/over-runs.
The Prime Contractor (BAE SYSTEMS) is responsible for the design and build of the vessels and provision of all equipment, including the combat system and demonstrating functional performance. Under the Smart Procurement Initiative, a fully Integrated Project Team formed in early 2000 for Astute and other elements of new capability for existing Swiftsure and Trafalgar classes.
Operator and maintainer training specific to the new Astute Class submarines will be provided through the Astute Class Training Service (ACTS) PFI arrangement. The PFI contract was let to FAST-training services ltd in September 2001. A contract amendment to realign ACTS with the delayed submarine build programme was signed in July 2004.
ACTS comprises of Command Team Training, Ship Control Training and Manoeuvring Room Training simulators, Weapon Handling & Loading Rig along with various classrooms and office space. The training facilities are housed in a purpose built Astute Training Facility (ATF) located at Faslane which was completed in 2004. ACTS is undergoing progressive acceptance of the eight training elements which will complete by mid 2008.
Progress
Steady progress has been made and the First of Class, ASTUTE, was launched on 8th June 2007. Boats 2 (AMBUSH) and 3 (ARTFUL) are under construction at Barrow.
A further order for Boat 4 (AUDACIOUS) was placed on 21st May 2007 which covers initial build work prior to agreement of a whole boat contract and price.
MOD and BAE Systems remain committed to delivering the first of three ASTUTE boats by 2009.
The Design
The design that is developing from this requirement will include the following significant improvements over current submarines.
- The latest, fully integrated submarine combat system
- Increased weapons load including Spearfish and Tomahawk Land Attack Missile
- An "optronics" periscope in place of hull penetrating masts
- External actuation for all control surfaces to reduce hull penetrations and simplify aft end construction
- A digital control and information system for the submarine, to minimise costly cabling
- Several detailed improvements to avoid outdated equipments, improve operability and save cost.