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Trafalgar and Swiftsure Class Submarines

Fleet Submarines (SSN)

The Royal Navy has two classes of Fleet Submarines (SSN) on the inventory, the Trafalgar and Swiftsure Classes.

Trafalgar Class SSN

The Royal Navy has 7 Trafalgar Class Submarines all of which are designated Ship Submersible Nuclear (SSN). The submarines were built at Vickers Shipbuilding and Engineering Limited (VSEL), Barrow-in-Furness and launched between July 1981 and February 1991. They have been described as the Royal Navy’s most advanced Nuclear Fleet Submarine.

Fitted with the Spearfish torpedo the primary role of the SSN ‘hunter/killer’ submarine is to engage and destroy ships and submarines of opposing forces but with the fitting of the Tomahawk Land Attack Cruise Missile (TLAM) System they are now capable of attacking land targets as witnessed during the Kosovo Conflict in 1999 and the Iraq War and it is because of the nature of their operational role that little is known about the deployment of SSN’s until they have returned to their home port.

With a dived displacement of over 5,000 tons the SSN is powered by a Rolls Royce Pressurised Water Reactor (PWR1) which with its Pump Jet Propulsion System gives this class of submarine an underwater speed of 32 knots (approximately 59 kmph). Other propulsion systems available for use include two GEC turbines and a shaft pump jet providing emergency power to the retractable propeller.

SSN’s are fitted with an impressive list of sensor and processing systems that allow them to operate independently against any aggressor, whether it is a sea or land based target. These systems also allow the boats to undertake surveillance and reconnaissance taskings.

The Royal Navy has the following Trafalgar Class SSN’s serving within the fleet:

HMS Turbulent – Trafalgar Class
HMS Trenchant – Trafalgar Class
HMS Tireless: Trafalgar Class
HMS Triumph: Trafalgar Class
HMS Talent: Trafalgar Class
HMS Torbay: Trafalgar Class

See our Short History of the Royal Navy and Aircraft Carriers of the Royal Navy

Aircraft Carriers
HMS Illustrious
HMS Ark Royal

Assault Ships
HMS Ocean
HMS Albion
HMS Bulwark

Frigates
Type 22 Frigates
Type 23 Frigates
Type 26 (FSC) Frigates

Destroyers
Type 42 Destroyers
Type 45 Destroyers

HM Submarines
Vanguard Class SSBN

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