OVERVIEW: The S 119 Astute is a nuclear-powered attack submarine (SSN) of the Astute class, serving with the Royal Navy of the United Kingdom. Commissioned in 2022, it represents the latest generation of British submarine technology.

DETAILS: The Astute class was conceived as a successor to the Trafalgar-class submarines, aiming to provide significantly enhanced capabilities in anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface warfare (ASuW), and land attack roles. Development focused on improved stealth, increased endurance, and the integration of advanced sensor and weapon systems. The design prioritizes acoustic quieting to a level surpassing even the U.S. Navy's Seawolf class, making the Astute class one of the quietest submarines in the world. Construction was undertaken by BAE Systems Submarines at Barrow-in-Furness. The Astute class incorporates a modern, streamlined hull design, enhancing hydrodynamic efficiency and reducing drag. The adoption of a Rolls-Royce PWR2 reactor provides the submarine with virtually unlimited range and extended submerged endurance, a critical advantage for long-duration deployments.

The primary role of the S 119 Astute is to conduct ASW operations, protecting vital sea lanes and projecting power against potential adversaries. Its advanced sonar suite provides exceptional detection and tracking capabilities against even the quietest submarines. Additionally, the Astute is capable of ASuW operations, effectively engaging surface combatants with its torpedo armament. The vessel is also equipped for intelligence gathering and covert operations, enabling it to support a wide range of strategic missions. The SSE Mk10 countermeasures system provides a robust defence against incoming torpedoes, enhancing survivability in contested environments.

The S 119 Astute's sensor suite is centred around the Thales Underwater Systems Type 2076 integrated sonar suite. This suite comprises a bow sonar array (Type 2072), intercept array (Type 2079), flank array (Type 2065) and towed array (Type 2082). The Type 2076 suite offers advanced signal processing and automatic target tracking, drastically improving situational awareness. The installation of the Type 1007 navigation radar allows for safe surface navigation and aids in identifying surface contacts. The UAP-4 electronic support measures (ESM) system provides signals intelligence (SIGINT) capabilities, enabling the detection and identification of enemy radar emissions. Furthermore, the CM010 optronic mast replaces the traditional periscope, offering enhanced visual and infrared imaging capabilities, crucial for covert surveillance operations. The 533mm torpedo tubes provide the platform's primary offensive capability, capable of launching a variety of modern torpedoes.

SPECIFICATION: Length: 97.0 m || Beam: 10.7 m || Draft: 10.0 m || Disp: 6500 t

SENSORS: Type 1007 || Type 2065 [Type 2076 Suite] || Type 2079 [Type 2076 Suite] || Type 2082 || Type 2072 [Type 2076 Suite] || UAP-4 || CM010 Photonics Mast

ARMAMENT: SSE Mk10 || 533mm TT