The Astute-class is the largest, most advanced and most powerful attack
submarine ever operated by the Royal Navy, combining world-leading
sensors, design and weaponry in a versatile vessel. The submarines are
nuclear-propelled and fuelled by a nuclear reactor powerful enough to
supply a city the size of Southampton. Its advanced technology means the
submarines will never need to be refuelled. They employ the latest
technology such as the Sonar 2076 that detects the sound of enemy
submarines using the largest number of hydrophones ever fitted to a
submarine. Linked with powerful onboard electronics these provide the
submarines with outstanding sensitivity. The Astute submarines are armed
with the latest versions of Spearfish heavy-weight torpedoes and
Tomahawk land-attack cruise missiles.
