OVERVIEW: The S 40 Upholder is a submarine of the Upholder class, operated by the United Kingdom. Commissioned in 1991, it represents a significant advancement in diesel-electric submarine technology for its time.

DETAILS:
The Upholder class was conceived in the 1980s as a replacement for the aging Oberon-class submarines of the Royal Navy. The design emphasized advanced sonar capabilities, long endurance, and quiet operation, all crucial for anti-submarine warfare (ASW) in the challenging North Atlantic environment. Construction was undertaken by Vickers Shipbuilding and Engineering Ltd (VSEL) at Barrow-in-Furness. The Upholder-class was originally intended to form a larger class size, but post-Cold War budget cuts resulted in a smaller build, which ultimately resulted in the submarines being sold to Canada later in their service lives. The Upholder class was originally designated the Type 2400.

The primary role of the Upholder-class submarines was anti-submarine warfare (ASW), designed to detect and engage Soviet submarines in the North Atlantic. The Upholder could also be used in anti-surface warfare (ASuW), using its torpedoes against surface combatants and merchant shipping. Though not designed specifically for anti-air warfare (AAW), the ability to evade detection was paramount. The Upholder class boats were also capable of conducting covert surveillance and special operations missions, landing special forces teams using its diver lockout capabilities. The integration of the Type 2046 towed array sonar provided extended range detection of quiet submarines, while the Type 2041 passive ranging sonar (PRS) enhanced target localization.

The Upholder’s effectiveness as an ASW platform was significantly enhanced by its advanced sensor suite. The Type 2041 passive ranging sonar (PRS) allowed for accurate determination of target range. The Type 2040 sonar suite, incorporating the DSUV 2H and DUUA 2D elements, provided both active and passive detection capabilities across a wide frequency range. The Type 2019 sonar provided intercept information. The Type 2007AA intercept radar alerted the crew to potential threats from surface vessels or aircraft. The UAP-2 radar intercept system provided for the passive detection of radar emissions. The Type 1007 navigation radar provided surface search and navigational support. Two periscopes, one optical and one equipped with a low-light television (LLTV) camera, enabled visual reconnaissance in both day and night conditions. Armament consisted of 533mm torpedo tubes, capable of launching a variety of torpedoes, including the Tigerfish. A signal ejector provided the capability to deploy countermeasures or communication buoys.

SPECIFICATION: Length: 70.3 m || Beam: 7.6 m || Draft: 5.5 m || Disp: 2168 t

SENSORS: Type 2041 [PRS] || Type 2040 [DSUV 2H + DUUA 2D] || Type 2019 [DUUG 2] || Type 2007AA || UAP-2 || Type 1007 || Type 2046 || Generic Submarine Periscope, Optical || Generic Submarine Periscope, LLTV

ARMAMENT: 533mm TT || Signal Ejector