History & Modifications
All boats:
All were given refits involving the addition of the Type 2026 towed array. By the late 1980s, one
SubHarpoon SLCM per torpedo space or two Sea Urchin mines per torpedo space could be carried.
Those boats which were not fitted with the Type 2019 PARIS sonar during construction were given it
during refits.
Sceptre:
Sceptre was refitted in 1987. She suffered a radiation leak in August 1995 and was forced to return
from patrol. In March 2000 she arrived at Rosyth for refit. During this month she apparantly broke
free from her moorings and moved forward some 30'. She was expected to be recommissioned in July 2000,
but reactor problems have delayed this. She is in service with the British Navy.
Sovereign:
Sovereign recommissioned on January 1997 from a refit. In June 1998 she was at Rosyth for emergency
repairs after a cracks were discovered in the propeller shaft. In June 199 she was involved in a
'Perisher' training course.
While at Faslane in March 2000 a fire broke out, but apparantly caused only minor damage. In May 2000
she was again used for 'Perisher'. She is in service with the British Navy.
Spartan:
Spartan was refitted in 1989. Between January and July 1996 she was on patrol in the Indian Ocean.
Unfortunately a sailor was involved in an unspecified incident with a mast and died of his injuries
on 7th November 1997. She is in service with the British Navy.
Splendid:
Splendid was refitted in 1993. In 1999 she carried out firing trials of the Tomahawk SLCM. She is
expected to be given a refit in early 2003. She is in service with the British Navy.
Superb:
Superb was refitted in 1997. In April 1999 she suffered unspecified, but apparantly non-nuclear
problems while off the west coast of Scotland. In July 2000 she was at Faslane, and by September
it was being reported she has a 'potential reactor fault' and is being repaired. Superb is in
service with the British Navy.
Swiftsure:
Swiftsure started refitting in 1992, but serious cracks were found in the reactor. The refit was
cancelled and she was decommissioned in the same year. She is laid up at Rosyth awaiting disposal.