Audacious sets out for home base
HMS Audacious, the fourth of seven Astute-class nuclear-powered attack submarines (SSNs) for the Royal Navy, departed the BAE Systems facility at Barrow-in-Furness on 6 April, en route to Naval Base Clyde.
Restrictions related to the COVID-19 coronavirus meant that only a few BAE Systems employees supported the departure.
The first three boats in the Astute class (HMS Astute, HMS Ambush and HMS Artful) are already in service.
Due to replace the ageing Trafalgar-class SSNs, each Astute boat is 97m long and displaces 7,400t, with a maximum speed of more than 30kt.
Audacious will undergo sea trials before an expected handover in January 2021. All seven submarines are due to be delivered by the end of 2026.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
![UK and US marines train to guard nuclear deterrent submarines]()
UK and US marines train to guard nuclear deterrent submarines
The Autumn round of Tartan Eagle training just concluded in Scotland.
-
![Saab and Singapore DSTA expand their understanding on undersea defence]()
Saab and Singapore DSTA expand their understanding on undersea defence
The organisations have broadened the remit of an existing MoU to help boost underwater defence innovation.
-
![Norway invites four nations to talk partnerships over new frigates]()
Norway invites four nations to talk partnerships over new frigates
The US, the UK, France and Germany each have existing frigate programmes.
