Astute Class

2010 - Present

The Astute class is the Royal Navy's largest and most powerful attack submarine. With 38 weapons and a nuclear reactor that never needs refueling, it provides unmatched capability for decades of service.

Primary Specifications

Displacement

7400 ton

Compact for nuclear attack submarine

Length

97 m

Efficient hull design for stealth

Max Depth

300 m

Classified operational depth

Armament (Primary)

38 Spearfish Torpedoes/Tomahawks

Land attack and torpedo mix

Crew

Modern crew size for SSN

Quick Summary

What it is?

A nuclear-powered fleet submarine for attack and intelligence operations

Who uses it?

Royal Navy Submarine Service

Role

Fleet submarine for anti-ship, anti-submarine, and land-attack operations

What's different?

PWR2 reactor never needs refueling for its entire 25-year lifespan - carries 38 weapons including Tomahawk missiles with 1,000+ mile range

Why it matters?

Provides the UK with globally deployable strike capability and protects the Vanguard SSBN deterrent force.

Real-World Impact

Carrier Protection

Screens ahead of Queen Elizabeth carriers to eliminate submarine threats

Precision Strike

Tomahawk Block V missiles can hit targets over 1,000 miles inland

Intelligence Collection

Sonar 2076 can track targets at unprecedented ranges

Deterrent Guardian

Protects Vanguard-class nuclear missile submarines

Additional Features

Propulsion Type

Nuclear (PWR2)

Stealth Features

Pump-jet, 39,000 Tiles

Special Capabilities

World's Quietest

FAQs

1. Why doesn't it need refueling?
The PWR2 reactor core contains enough enriched uranium fuel to power the submarine for its entire 25+ year service life - a major operational advantage.
2. What is Sonar 2076?
3. How many are being built?
4. What weapons does it carry?
5. How quiet is it?