TRAFALGAR CLASS FLEET NUCLEAR SUBMARINES -1983 ONWARDS
The first of a new class of seven fleet submarines was ordered from VSEL Barrow in September 1977. Conceived as the 'Modified Swiftsure Class' and subsequently termed the 'Improved Swiftsure Class' they were designed to be considerably quieter than previous submarines and their pressure hull and outer surfaces were clad with conformal anechoic noise reducing tiles. In a departure from traditional practice, a 1/5th scale perspex model was built for proving and perfecting the design rather than full size wooden mock-ups of critical parts.
The Trafalgar Class submarines feature improved speed and endurance and are fitted with retractable forward hydroplanes and a strengthened fin for under ice operations. Diving depth is designed to be in excess of 300m.
The first of class, SSN13 HMS Trafalgar has a propeller and can readily be distinguished by her taller rudder. Laid down in 1979 and launched on July 1st 1981, she commissioned in 1983. Trafalgar became the trials submarine for Spearfish heavyweight torpedoes now fitted to all boats of the class in addition to their Tigerfish Mk 24 Mod 2 torpedoes and Sub Harpoon Block 1C missiles. Submarine mines can also be carried in lieu of torpedoes.
SSN14 HMS Turbulent was ordered in 1978, laid down in 1980, launched on December 1st 1982 and commissioned in 1984. She has a pump jet propulsor in lieu of a propeller and a more compact rudder - features which became standard for the remainder of the class.
SSN 15 HMS Tireless was ordered in 1979, laid down in 1981, launched on March 17th 1984 and commissioned in 1985.
SSN16 HMS Torbay was ordered in 1981, laid down in 1982, launched on March 8th 1985 and commissioned in 1987.
SSN17 HMS Trenchant was ordered in 1983, laid down in 1984, and launched on November 3rd 1986. In 1988, prior to being commissioned in January 1989, she was used to trial the new shiplift and rail transfer arrangements being introduced at Barrow in readiness for the last boat of the class, Triumph, and the first three next generation Ballistic Nuclear submarines. All four of these boats were in various stages of construction in Devonshire Dock hall - a new £183M covered build hall.
