BAE Systems launched Anson, the fifth of seven Astutes being built for the Navy, from its site in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, earlier today (21 April). The Astute class boats are the largest and most advanced attack submarines ever built for the Navy. Measuring 97m long, the boats can circumnavigate the globe submerged and produce their own oxygen and drinking water.
Anson will now begin the next phase of its test and commissioning programme, before leaving Barrow for sea trials with the Navy next year.
The first four submarines in the class – HMS Astute, HMS Ambush, HMS Artful and HMS Audacious – have been handed over to the Navy, with a further two under construction in Barrow...MORE
