History & Modifications
All boats:
All the class were fitted with Mk23 torpedoes from the early 1970s. In the late 1970s the Type 2001
array was replaced by a Type 2020 array, and a Type 2026 towed array was added. In the early 1980s
they were equipped to fire SubHarpoon.
Churchill:
Churchill evaluated the American Mk48 torpedo and the Sub-Harpoon missile for the Royal Navy,
although the former was rejected in favour of Spearfish. She was decommissioned in 1990 and
is laid up at Rosyth awaiting disposal.
Conqueror:
In 1982, Conqueror became the first nuclear submarine to sink an enemy ship by using 2 Mk8 torpedoes
to sink the Argentinian cruiser General Belgrano. She was decommissioned in 1990 and
is laid up at Devonport awaiting disposal.
Courageus:
In 1981 Courageous was the first British submarine to carry the Sub-Harpoon missile. She was
decommissioned in 1992 and is laid up at Devonport awaiting disposal.