Analysis: Comparison between Virginia class & Astute class subs for Australia

On March 13, 2023, the heads of state of the United Kingdom, Australia, and the United States met and agreed that Australia would acquire three American Virginia class submarines. But in the longer term, they would develop a new class of submarine called the Aukus class, inspired by the design of the Royal Navy's Astute class. Let's make a comparison between the Virginia class and the Astute class.
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Royal Navy's Astute class submarine and US Navy's Virginia class submarine. (Picture source: Graphic News)

Origin and Operators:

Virginia class: Developed by the United States Navy, these submarines are operated solely by the U.S. The Virginia class was designed to replace the Los Angeles class attack submarines.

Astute class: Developed and operated by the Royal Navy of the United Kingdom, the Astute class was designed to replace the Swiftsure and Trafalgar class submarines.

Size and Displacement:

Virginia class: With a length of around 377 feet (115 meters) and a displacement of approximately 7,800 tons when submerged, the Virginia class is slightly smaller and lighter than the Astute class.

Astute class: The Astute class is about 318 feet (97 meters) long, with a submerged displacement of around 8,600 tons.

Propulsion:

Virginia class: These submarines use a nuclear reactor (S9G reactor) for propulsion, generating around 40,000 shaft horsepower, which drives a pump-jet propulsor.

Astute class: The Astute class also relies on a nuclear reactor (Rolls-Royce PWR2) for propulsion, providing approximately 43,000 shaft horsepower to a pump-jet propulsor.

Speed and Endurance:

Virginia class: With a top speed of around 25 knots (46 km/h) submerged, the Virginia class has unlimited range, limited only by food supplies and maintenance requirements. It can remain submerged for up to 90 days.

Astute class: The Astute class has a similar top speed of around 30 knots (56 km/h) submerged, and also has unlimited range due to its nuclear propulsion. Like the Virginia class, its endurance is limited by food supplies and maintenance.

Armament:

Virginia class: Armed with four 21-inch (533 mm) torpedo tubes, the Virginia class can carry up to 38 weapons, including Tomahawk land-attack missiles, Mk-48 heavyweight torpedoes, and mines. Some of the later Virginia-class submarines also feature two payload tubes, which can accommodate additional Tomahawk missiles or other payloads.

Astute class: The Astute class is equipped with six 21-inch (533 mm) torpedo tubes and can carry a total of 38 weapons, including Tomahawk land-attack missiles, Spearfish heavyweight torpedoes, and mines.

Sensors and Technology:

Virginia class: The Virginia class utilizes the advanced AN/BQQ-10 sonar suite, including bow, flank, and towed array sonars. It also features photonics masts with high-resolution cameras instead of traditional periscopes.

Astute class: The Astute class is equipped with the Thales 2076 sonar suite, featuring bow, flank, and towed array sonars. It also has optronic masts with high-resolution cameras.

British Astute class submarine. (Picture source: UK MoD)