Feature 1 | SUBMARINES
Collaborative team advances Successor
submarine concept work
Initial outputs from concept phase activities exploring options for the UK’s
Successor nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine are being delivered
to the Ministry of Defence’s (MoD’s) Future Submarines Integrated Project
Team (FSM IPT).
I
ntended to replace the UK Royal Navy’s and renew its strategic nuclear deterrent collaborative agreement with its three key
four existing Vanguard class SSBNs capability by building a new class of SSBNs industrial participants, BAE Submarine
from 2024, the Successor submarine is and buying into the US Trident D5 missile Solutions, Rolls-Royce, and Babcock
currently the subject of a two-year concept life-extension programme. These plans were Marine, to deliver the concept design for
phase activity due to complete in September endorsed by parliament in March 2007. the new class of submarines optimised for
2009 for Initial Gate submission. The vote allowed the MoD to formally through-life delivery.
Work is being undertaken by a sanction concept design activities for a ‘This agreement will sit above the three
collaborative team from the MoD, BAE successor submarine to replace the four individual service contracts with each of the
Systems Submarine Solutions, Babcock Vanguard class SSBNs. A class of three or industrial participants,’ it says, adding: ‘The
Marine, and Rolls-Royce at the FSM IPT’s four Successor boats is planned. Current commercial structure links MoD and its
satellite project office at BAE Systems’ plans are for the concept phase to be followed three tier one industry providers together to
Barrow-in Furness shipyard in northwest by a seven-year design phase, a seven-year enable collaborative working practices.’
England. build phase, and a period of sea trials before At present the FSM IPT is working
The UK government outlined its plans in the first boat enters service in 2024. together with these companies to agree
a December 2006 White Paper to maintain According to the MoD, it is developing a the Service Contracts and collaborative
Intended to replace the UK Royal Navy’s Vanguard class SSBNs (shown here) from 2024, the Successor submarine is currently the subject
of a two-year concept phase.
12 Warship Technology May 2008
WT May 08 - p12+13.indd 12 23/04/2008 16:09:59
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