Inverclyde Now Logo CLYDE Base Welcomes Fourth Astute-Class Submarine

8 April, 2020 | Clyde Shipping

THE fourth of the Royal Navy’s Astute-class submarines — HMS Audacious — has arrived at her new home at HM Naval Base Clyde.

The new submarine and her 98-strong crew came up the Clyde to the base at Faslane on Tuesday, flying the White Ensign, after sailing from BAE Systems in Barrow-in-Furness.

“It is with great excitement that we welcome HMS Audacious to the Clyde, joining her three sister submarines,” said Commodore Jim Perks, head of the Submarine Service.

“HMS Audacious represents an ever-improving example of the world-leading Astute class submarine. She is right at the cutting-edge of technology, built here in the UK by our own people. She will provide the country with remarkable security at sea to protect our nation’s interests.”

HMS Audacious joins sister submarines HMS Astute, HMS Ambush and HMS Artful which are already in service and operating from Faslane. A further three boats –– Anson, Agamemnon and Agincourt — are currently under construction at BAE in Barrow.

The Astute-class vessels are among the most sophisticated submarines ever constructed for the Royal Navy.

Equipped with world-leading sensors, they carry both Tomahawk Land Attack Cruise Missiles (TLAM) and Spearfish heavyweight torpedoes.

The 7,400-tonne boats can circumnavigate the globe submerged, producing their own oxygen and drinking water.

Officially named in December 2016, HMS Audacious was launched in April 2017 and conducted her first dive in January 2018.

Commodore Perks continued: “I am extremely grateful to all of the teams and companies that have contributed to the grand task of building this exceptional submarine. I am especially proud of our submariners who have worked tirelessly to inject their heart and soul into HMS Audacious to ensure she delivers the very best for our nation.”

The crew will now embark on shore training before eventually undertaking the next period of sea trials.

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