My Review and Build of Bronco 1/350 scale Kit #NB5015,
Vanguard Class SSN, HMS Vengeance, S31</font>
Last updated: Control surfaces, dive planes, sail, hull and propulsor - September 25, 2015
<u>Introduction - The Vanguard Class Nuclear Attack Submarines</u>:
In 1980, the British government determined that they needed to replace their ballistic missile submarine fleet of four Resolution class SSBNs that they had operated since the 1960s which had used the Polaris sub-launched ballistic missiles. With the advent of the new Trident missiles in the US, Great Britain wanted to move to using those missiles because of their greater range, their greater accuracy, and their ability to MIRV into more independently targeted weapons.
Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher at the time wrote to US President Carter to request a supply of Trident I (C4) missiles on a similar basis to the arrangement the UK had with the Polaris missiles for the United Kingdom's next generation ballistic missile submarines. This deal had not been made by the time Carter left office, and in 1982 Thatcher wrote to US President Ronald Reagan to request the UK be allowed to procure the improved Trident II (D5) missiles, which had been accelerated by the US Navy. An agreement was signed in March 1982 to do this, and under the a new agreement, the United Kingdom made a 5% research and development contribution to the Trident D5 program.
The keel of the first boat, HMS Vanguard, S28, was laid on September 3, 1986. She was launched in 1992 and commissioned into the Royal Navy in 1993. Three more vessels, the HMS Victorious, S29, HMS Vigilant, S30, and HMS Vengeance, S31, followed and were commissioned in 1995, 1996, and 1999 respectively.
These are the largest submarines ever built by the United Kingdom. Each displaces 15,900 tons and is 492 feet long and has a beam of 42 feet. Each submarine has sixteen launch tubes for Trident D5 SLBMs, each of which has a range of over 6,100 miles and can carry up to eight independently targeted warheads.
These vessels also have four 21-inch torpedo tubes for heavy-weight Spearfish torpedoes for self defense against enemy submarines or surface vessels if needed.
But these boats are not meant to engage enemy vessels or be found by them. They are extremely quiet and they lurk in the deepest, furthest places in the ocean in case they are ever needed.
These vessels now provide the only nuclear deterrence capability available for the UK, and have been doing so since 1993. Next to the US Navy Ohio class SSBNs, they are considered the most quiet and most effective SSBN vessels on earth.
In 2006, the process for determining how to replace these vessels was initiated. Each vessel is expected to serve between 25 and 30 years, meaning that in 2028-2032 the first replacement vessel would need to be available. At the time (2006) England's Prime Minister told the government that it would be "unwise and dangerous" for the UK to give up its nuclear weapons on ballistic missile submarines. A plan was outlined at the time to spend up to £20 billion on the next generation of submarines for Trident missiles. The plan called for the number of nuclear warheads to be cut by 20% from 200 to 160 weapons. The plan stipulated that although the Cold War with the Soviet Union had ended, the UK needed its weapons, because current and other nuclear threats would emerge in the future.
In September 2009, the new Prime Minister confirmed that a reduction to three submarines was under consideration. But in February 2011, the Defense Secretary stated that four submarines would be needed for the UK was to retain its current capabilities. In May 2011 the British government approved the initial assessment phase for the construction of SSBN submarines, paving the way for the ordering of the first long-lead items and preparations for the main builds. The new submarine class will retain Trident II D5 missiles, will incorporate a new 'PWR3' nuclear reactor, and will also incorporate new technologies developed for the Astute-class nuclear attack submarines (SSN).
The cost for four new boats ia estimated to be £15–20 billion at 2007 prices, and they too will have a projected life span of 25-30 years
Specifications/Characteristics for Vanguard Submarines:
Displacement: 15,9000 tons submerged
Length: 492 feet
Beam: 42 Feet
Draft: 39 feet
Propulsion: 1 x PWR2 Reactor
- 2 x GEC Turbines
- 1 x Shaft w/Pump Jet propuslor
- 2 x retractable aux propulsion motors
Speed: 25 knots submerged
Crew: 135 personnel
Armament:
- 16 x Trident II D5 nuclear missiles (up to 8 warheads each)
- 04 x 21inch torpedo tubes for Swordfish heavy torpedoes