Vanguard-class
Summary
| Origin country | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom |
| Category | Submarine |
| Subtype | Nuclear ballistic missile submarine |
| Manufacturer | Vickers Shipbuilding and Engineering, Barrow-in-Furness, England |
| Year commissioned | 1993 |
| Approx. unit cost | $4.8 billion |
| Units | S28 VANGUARD, S29 VICTORIOUS, S30 VIGILANT, S31 VENGEANCE |
| Current operators | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom |
Description
The Vanguard class submarines are a series of nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) operated by the Royal Navy. These submarines were first introduced in the early 1990s and have since served as a critical part of the United Kingdom's nuclear deterrence strategy.
The Vanguard class submarines are specifically designed to carry and launch Trident II D5 ballistic missiles, which are capable of delivering nuclear warheads. With their advanced technology and quiet propulsion systems, these submarines are able to patrol the seas undetected, ensuring the UK's ability to launch a retaliatory strike if necessary.
These submarines have a length of approximately 149 meters, a displacement of around 15,900 tons when submerged, and can accommodate a crew of around 135 personnel. Equipped with state-of-the-art navigation and communication systems, as well as advanced sonar and sensor technology, the Vanguard class submarines can operate autonomously for long durations while maintaining connectivity with command centers on land.
The Vanguard class submarines also feature advanced safety measures, such as a double hull design and extensive compartmentalization, to ensure the safety of the crew and the protection of the sensitive equipment on board. Additionally, these submarines are equipped with advanced countermeasures to defend against potential threats, further enhancing their survivability.
Technical specifications
| Vanguard | |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 15900 tons |
| Displacement submerged | 15850 tons |
| Range | Unlimited, except by food supplies |
| Crew | 135 members |
| Width | 12.8 m (42.0 ft) |
| Length | 149.9 m (491.8 ft) |
| Max. depth | 300 m (984.3 ft) |
| Propulsion | 1 Vickers-Rolls Royce PWR 2 reactor with a power of 27,500 hp - 1 pumpjet |
| Thrust | 3520 hp |
| Armament | 16 Trident 2D-5 (8 MIRV 100 kT) + 4 533mm TLTs (16 torpedoes / missiles) |
| Maximum speed | 25 knots |
| Max. speed submerged | 25 knots |
Photo of Vanguard class
Silhouette
