HMS ASTUTE - 2010

Description

HMS Astute is an operational nuclear-powered submarine in the Royal Navy, the lead ship of her class. Astute is the second submarine of the Royal Navy to be named after the characteristic of shrewdness and discernment—the first was the World War II-era Amphion-class Astute. She was the largest attack submarine in Royal Navy history when commissioned. Built as a successor to the Trafalgar class, Astute is 50% bigger than the T-boats but has a smaller crew. The 7,400-tonne Astute’s nuclear reactor will not need to be refuelled during the vessel’s 25-year service. Since the submarine can purify water and air, she is able to circumnavigate the planet without resurfacing. The main limit is that the submarine can only carry three months’ supply of food for 98 crew. Astute has stowage for 38 weapons and was expected to typically carry both Spearfish heavy torpedoes and Tomahawk Block IV cruise missiles, the latter costing £870,000 each. (Scale : 1/350e)