Attack super-submarine launched

The Royal Navy's new 7,400 tonne super-submarine has been 'launched' by the Duchess of Cornwall at the BAE Systems shipyard in Barrow, Cumbria.

Astute is the first nuclear submarine to be launched in the UK for almost a decade. Built in the UK using the latest advanced naval engineering techniques, her construction has been described as more complex than that of the space shuttle.

Yet her progress towards the water is at a snails pace. A construction cradle will take her to the water's edge in the next six hours, where she will then be winched into the water by a lifting barge.

Minister for Defence Equipment and Support, Lord Drayson, said: "I am delighted to be here to see the launch of Astute. She is the first of a class of hugely impressive vessels which will give the Royal Navy the world class capability it needs to protect the UK and her interests across the globe in the 21st century.

"Astute is a truly remarkable vessel, and her importance cannot be underestimated. I am pleased that through the Maritime Industrial Strategy we are working closely with British industry to ensure that we have affordable, viable, and vibrant submarine design and manufacture skills, both now and in the future."

The £1.2bn super-sub that will be virtually undetectable has no periscope instead a small camera about the size of a pen will scan the horizon.

The First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Jonathon Band, said: "The Astute class submarines are immensely powerful vessels. They will form a key part of our future programme, giving the Royal Navy the versatility and technical excellence needed to operate successfully across the globe in decades to come."

Astute, the first of four submarines in class, will be equipped with advanced cruise missiles and torpedoes which will provide her with more firepower than any previous British attack submarine.

Astute, which will enter service with the Royal Navy in 2009 after sea trials, will be based in Scotland.

She will be expected to form a key part of the UK's naval defence forces for the next 25 years.

(SP/JM)