features derived from the extensive hydrodynamic testing undertaken in connection with the latest generation SSNs. From the outset, the objective was to achieve a product which would surpass the performance of the classic Oberon patrol submarines in every respect. It would feature a greater degree of automation resulting in a much reduced crew and, as if that was not enough, every effort was to be made to ensure that it became the quietest conventional submarine in the world.
The first boat, initially known as SSK01 was ordered in November 1983 from British Shipbuilders' Vickers Shipbuilding and Engineering shipyard at Barrow. It was planned to give SSK01-04 a first generation combat system and to fit boats SSK05-10 with a more sophisticated second generation combat system with new sonar suite, active search and mine detection
