Dreadnoughts receive electronic controls

Modern aeroplanes would be unthinkable without it: fly-by-wire technology. This means that the control surfaces are no longer controlled mechanically, but electronically. The pilots have a joystick in the cockpit, whose electronics convert the movements into signals and transmit them to the corresponding flaps. Motors provide the control there. In the British submarines currently under construction in the Dreadnought-A similar system is to be installed on the new Airbus Class. Key functions such as the rudder, but also the depth rudder and the tanks responsible for buoyancy will then be controllable by computer. An Active Vehicle Control Management System will monitor all aspects of control and thus ensure additional safety.

The new submarines are built in sections

BAE Systems has been awarded the contract to build the four strategic submarines. Two of these are currently under construction. In addition to the type ship, the DreadnoughtThe first to start construction was Valiant in 2016. Work on it began in 2019. All four units are to replace the Faslane-based boats of the Vanguard-class. Their type ship was put into service in 1993. With the Venegeance the last ship of the class joined the fleet in 1999.
The Dreadnought-The programme is worth £31 billion. The boats, which are almost 153 metres long, will displace 17,200 tonnes and have around 130 crew members. They have a nuclear propulsion system, which enables a high level of endurance at sea. To reduce costs, the Dreadnoughts the same silo section as the American submarines of the Columbia-class. In contrast to the US boats, however, only 12 instead of 16 missiles will be available here.

Artist`s impression of the new submarine class

Text: mb; Illustrations: Royal Navy/Crown Copyright