HMS
Anson is the fifth in her class, and is being named after Admiral of
the Fleet George Anson (1697-1762) who is noted for his circumnavigation
of the globe and his role overseeing the Royal Navy during the Seven
Years' War.
The Secretary of State for Defence, Dr Liam Fox, said:
"I am
pleased to announce that Astute Class Submarine Hull 5 is to be named
HMS Anson. She will join HMS Astute, HMS Ambush, HMS Artful and HMS
Audacious."
The Astute
Class submarines, which will progressively replace the Swiftsure and
Trafalgar Classes from this year, are extremely sophisticated, deep-diving,
high-speed submarines.
Displacing
7,400 tonnes and measuring 97 metres from bow to propulsor, they are
significantly larger than their predecessors but need fewer crew to
operate them. |
They are capable of fulfilling a range of maritime
military tasks undreamed of by the strategists of previous generations
and combine qualities of stealth, endurance and flexibility which
afford the submarines unparalleled freedom to operate worldwide.
Technically
they are capable of circumnavigating the globe without surfacing and
with the advance of nuclear technology they never need refuelling.
Regarding their
capabilities, Dr Fox said:
"The seven
Astute Class boats planned for the Royal Navy are the most advanced
attack submarines ordered by the Ministry of Defence, with improved
firepower and communications, and the ability to operate stealthily
for extended periods.
"The crew
also benefit from greatly improved accommodation and facilities. The
boats will undertake a wide range of tasks in support of military
operations worldwide, including deploying Tomahawk cruise missiles
and intelligence-gathering."
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