Torpedoes could be the UK’s newest variant of the reliable Spearfish heavyweight munition, or alternatively invest into a future US Navy design. Given the integrated VLS, the SSN-AUKUS could embark cruise missiles such as the Tomahawk for land or surface strike, with the latest Block IV iterations further upgraded in the years ahead. The SSN-AUKUS could also make use of sharply angled conning towers, well as the X-form tail configuration of the Dreadnought class. The UK and US are already collaborating on VLS technology, with the UK Dreadnought-class SSBNs to use the same system as being developed for the US Navy’s Columbia-class SSBNs and designed specifically to accommodate nuclear-tipped ballistic missiles. Given that UK SSNs do not use a VLS, instead firing all munitions (including cruise missiles) via forward-facing launch tubes, it is almost certain that the US would assist in the integration of such systems into the SSNR, now the rebranded SSN-AUKUS. Currently, a submerged Astute class displaces around 7,600t, compared to the approximate 10,000t of the latest Block V Virginia class.Īdditionally, the SSNR was thought to be being designed with the consideration to contain an internal vertical launch system (VLS) from which to fire cruise missiles and other munitions. With announcements that the SSN-AUKUS will become the largest attack submarines ever fielded by the UK Royal Navy, it is possible that the PW3 or a derivative could be used for the new joint UK-Australia SSN. The Astute class uses the PWR2, while the Dreadnought class will feature the under-development PWR3 power source. Rolls Royce meanwhile builds the pressurised water reactors (PWR) used by UK submarines, meaning that the boats once under way never need to resurface during operations, their only limiting factor being the stores required to sustain the crew. SSNR becomes the SSN-AUKUSĪnnounced in 2021 with the beginning of work to replace the Royal Navy’s Astute class even before all seven planned boats were delivered into service, the UK committed £85m each to BAE Systems and Rolls Royce to “start thinking” about the kinds of capabilities that the new SSNR class could wield.īAE Systems’ Barrow-in-Furness site in Cumbria, England, is the home of UK submarine manufacturing, and currently responsible for the build and delivery of the remaining Astute-class SSNs and the new Dreadnought nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBN), with the latter type fielding the country’s nuclear deterrent. Never before has a nuclear-powered submarine been developed for simultaneous use by two navies and countries tens of thousands of miles apart and responsible for vastly different areas of operations. However, it is in the historic development of the SSN-AUKUS, effectively an evolution of the UK’s SSNR (Submersible Ship Nuclear Replacement) concept planned to replace the Astute-class SSNs currently being introduced into UK Royal Navy service, that the greatest shift can be seen. The Virginia class, currently in production, was meant to combine an affordable platform with a submarine that could operate closer to shore and support the land conflicts of the 9/11 era.The acquisition and use of the Virginia’s will enable Australia to develop competencies in the operation of nuclear-powered platforms, which in the expanses of the western Pacific Ocean are better suited than conventionally powered alternatives, such as the Barracuda class originally agreed to be developed with France. The Navy’s current attack submarine fleet consists of a mix of older Los Angeles-class submarines, Seawolf-class submarines (shown above), and the latest class of Virginia-class subs. The sub, which begins procurement in 10 years, will refocus the U.S.’s undersea fleet away from supporting land wars to fighting enemy fleets both above and below the waves. Navy’s Next-Generation Attack Submarine, or SSN(X). The Navy is also working on the new Co lumbia-class missile submarine.Ī Congressional Research Service report reveals new details about the U.S. SSN(X), or Next-Generation Attack Submarine, will focus on the traditional submarine mission of sinking ships.The Navy wants to start purchasing a new class of attack submarine, SSN(X), starting in 2031.
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