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A new Royal Navy submarine, HMS Ambush, is getting ready to make stealthy waves with a test-launch scheduled for tomorrow, 16 December 2010.
HMS Ambush is an Astute-class submarine and its launch follows that of the lead class vessel, HMS Astute, three years ago. Constructed by BAE Systems Submarine Solutions, the submarine will provide the Royal Navy with unprecedented endurance and operational capabilities.
It features a nuclear reactor that, in theory, could propel it for two-and-a-half decades without refuelling: only crew requirements will preclude this being drawn on to its full extent. However, if required, the submarine has the ability to convert seawater into drinking water and oxygen, meaning that its crew can survive in emergency circumstances.
HMS Ambush Submarine Launch
Following the HMS Ambush submarine launch, the vessel will enter service and, on deployment, will carry up to 109 crew members. Its weapons arsenal will include Spearfish torpedoes and Tomahawk Cruise Missiles. These Tomahawks can strike targets well in excess of 1,000 miles away and the Astute-Class submarine's radar system can pick up on other ships within a 3,000 mile radius. To put this into context, this will cover a stretch of ocean from the English Channel to New York harbour.
At the start of an operational deployment, HMS Ambush will slip quietly under the surface to reach maximum speeds of 29 knots, allowing a daily range of around 500 miles. While HMS Astute is considerably larger than the present generation of Royal Navy submarines, its noise profile is substantially reduced. According to comments made by officials, baby dolphins make more noise and this gives it extreme stealth characteristics, making it extremely hard to be spotted by enemy ships.
HMS Ambush: Astute-Class Submarine
Ultimately, seven Astute-class submarines, including HMS Ambush, will equip the future Royal Navy. The MoD's commitment to the project was highlighted in October, when it was confirmed that – amidst a raft of defence cuts, these vessels – along with the Future Navy Carriers – would enter service as scheduled. The Astute submarines will stream "vital strategic intelligence back to the UK", Prime Minister David Cameron stressed, two months ago.
HMS Astute itself entered service in August 2010, following extensive sea trials. Since then, it has experienced several unfortunate and high-profile events, including an incident where it ran aground.
HMS Ambush image copyright BAE Systems and reproduced with grateful thanks
http://www.armedforces-int.com/news/launch-for-second-astute-submarine-hms-ambush.html
HMS Ambush is an Astute-class submarine and its launch follows that of the lead class vessel, HMS Astute, three years ago. Constructed by BAE Systems Submarine Solutions, the submarine will provide the Royal Navy with unprecedented endurance and operational capabilities.
It features a nuclear reactor that, in theory, could propel it for two-and-a-half decades without refuelling: only crew requirements will preclude this being drawn on to its full extent. However, if required, the submarine has the ability to convert seawater into drinking water and oxygen, meaning that its crew can survive in emergency circumstances.
HMS Ambush Submarine Launch
Following the HMS Ambush submarine launch, the vessel will enter service and, on deployment, will carry up to 109 crew members. Its weapons arsenal will include Spearfish torpedoes and Tomahawk Cruise Missiles. These Tomahawks can strike targets well in excess of 1,000 miles away and the Astute-Class submarine's radar system can pick up on other ships within a 3,000 mile radius. To put this into context, this will cover a stretch of ocean from the English Channel to New York harbour.
At the start of an operational deployment, HMS Ambush will slip quietly under the surface to reach maximum speeds of 29 knots, allowing a daily range of around 500 miles. While HMS Astute is considerably larger than the present generation of Royal Navy submarines, its noise profile is substantially reduced. According to comments made by officials, baby dolphins make more noise and this gives it extreme stealth characteristics, making it extremely hard to be spotted by enemy ships.
HMS Ambush: Astute-Class Submarine
Ultimately, seven Astute-class submarines, including HMS Ambush, will equip the future Royal Navy. The MoD's commitment to the project was highlighted in October, when it was confirmed that – amidst a raft of defence cuts, these vessels – along with the Future Navy Carriers – would enter service as scheduled. The Astute submarines will stream "vital strategic intelligence back to the UK", Prime Minister David Cameron stressed, two months ago.
HMS Astute itself entered service in August 2010, following extensive sea trials. Since then, it has experienced several unfortunate and high-profile events, including an incident where it ran aground.
HMS Ambush image copyright BAE Systems and reproduced with grateful thanks
http://www.armedforces-int.com/news/launch-for-second-astute-submarine-hms-ambush.html
