The HMS Anson, a nuclear-powered fast attack submarine, is on the verge of entering active service with the UK Royal Navy after successfully completing sea trials in the Atlantic. This fifth vessel of the Astute-class submarines, along with its operational counterparts – Astute, Ambush, Artful, and Audacious, possess the capability to travel around the world while submerged, providing its crew with their own oxygen and drinking water for extended periods.
Designed by BAE Systems to replace the aging Trafalgar-class, the Astute-class submarines feature advanced technologies, including the Astute Combat Management Systems, which integrates the boats’ systems to receive data from sonars and other sensors.
Following her departure from the manufacturer’s shipyard at Barrow-in-Furness, the HMS Anson conducted tests in the waters off the UK coast and northern Scotland. The submarine also successfully tested its weapons systems by firing Spearfish and Tomahawk test missiles.
Leveraging the resources of the US Navy, the HMS Anson demonstrated its performance at the Atlantic Undersea Test and Evaluation Center (AUTEC) in the Bahamas. Technical specialists took advantage of a natural phenomenon known as the Tongue of the Ocean, which is a large deep-water basin with sensors and hydrophones to gather data on the submarine’s performance, as well as torpedo and sonar systems.
The tests conducted at AUTEC are crucial in preparing the HMS Anson for its future operations, particularly in hunting adversary submarines without detection.
The successful completion of sea trials brings the Royal Navy one step closer to adding another powerful asset to its fleet, enhancing its capabilities to operate and protect the UK’s interests across the globe. The HMS Anson’s impending entry into active service is a testament to the commitment of the UK to maintain a formidable naval force in the international maritime domain.