During the early 1960's, the Royal Navy decided to build the country's first nuclear powered submarine, a vessel known as HMS Dreadnought. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II launched the submarine on Trafalgar Day 1960.
Dreadnought was built as a nuclear powered attack submarine. It has an original hull design. This is unlike conventional submarines that have sharp bows. The shape of the hull allows for more space under the casing. This extra space can be used to accommodate future sensors and countermeasures. Active sonar can be deflected from the hull.
The nuclear machinery that powers the submarine is supplied from the United States. This reduced the time required for development. In the same way, the Electric Boat Division provided training facilities as well as equipment. The crew and officers were trained in United States techniques. The ship also has air conditioning and purification equipment, allowing the crew to work in a comfortable environment.
Dreadnought features an inertial navigator system that can provide accurate navigation below water. It could determine the submarine's precise position without ground-based assistance. It was also immune to jamming, and completely automatic. It was also Britain's first submarine to surface at North Pole.
Dreadnought's service life is long. Its hull design means that it can be operated by 130 crew members. It will have a separate sick bay as well as female crew quarters. A classroom and a gym will be available on the vessel. Exercise bikes, rowers, as well as other modern equipment, will be available.
Dreadnought is going to have a novel lighting system. This will allow for night and day simulations. The new Turbo-Electric drive will increase quietness. A Pump Jet propulsor will be used to increase the power of the Dreadnought Class submarine. The bow dome of the new design allows for modification to make it more organic.
The Dreadnought class's new sick bay will be equipped with a classroom and other facilities. Additionally, there will be separate quarters for female crew and equipment. A modern gym will be available with running machines. The new submarine will be equipped with air conditioning and purification equipment.
It is anticipated that the first Dreadnought-class submarine will be operational by the end of the 2030's. The vessel should last 35 years. The unique shape of the new boat will make it more resistant to electromagnetic tracking and active sound. The chine will be running along the length of the hull. This will allow for sloping sides which extend down the vessel's hull.
Dreadnought is a crucial element of the United Kingdom’s defense. It will act as a deterrent for potential attacks. It will also provide valuable experience to the Royal Navy. The vessel will play an important role in the Royal Navy’s ballistic missile subclass.