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British Nuclear Fleet Submarines

Dreadnought Class

Data History & Modifications Pictures

Dreadnought was the first British nuclear submarine. Originally to be fitted with a British reactor, construction was speeded up by an agreement to use a Westinghouse reactor built in association with Rolls Royce. To accomodate the reactor, the aft part of the boat is based on the Skipjack design, while the rest of the hull is British.

Valiant Class

Data History & Modifications Pictures

The Valiants were the first entirely British nuclear submarines. The reactors were built by Rolls Royce due to their cooperation with Westinghouse on Dreadnought. The design is little more than an enlarged Dreadnought.

Churchill Class

Data History & Modifications Pictures

The Churchills were based on the Valiant design, but featured many internal improvements.

Swiftsure Class

Data History & Modifications Pictures

The Swiftsures were based on the previous designs, but with a new hull shape and improved electronics and silencing. Machinery problems were only partially solved by new reactors. They are to be replaced by the Astutes.

Trafalgar Class

Data History & Modifications Pictures

The Trafalgars used the same basic layout as the Swiftsures, but with an enlarged hull and considerably better electronics and even better silencing. They are the first British submarines to be fitted with pump jet propulsion.

Astute Class

Data History & Modifications Pictures

The Astutes will be the Royal Navys most advanced attack submarines yet. Improved silencing and machinery are the main additions. Three have been ordered, with two more planned.