In a world where political tensions are worsening, London has decided to modernize its nuclear strike force. In addition to having increased stealth, the future Warspite submersible will be able to carry 12 atomic missiles.
The United Kingdom is strengthening its nuclear deterrent. London has launched the construction of the third Dreadnought-class nuclear missile submarine. The submersible, dubbed Warspite, is manufactured by defense giant BAE Systems at a cost of around 35 million euros. UK Defense Procurement Minister Alex Chalk said in a statement that the development of this submarine fleet was “crucial to maintaining our national security”. Additionally, the politician argued that the program was one of the most complex engineering projects undertaken in the UK.
When completed, the Warspite will be 153 meters long. 130 crew members will be on board to operate the vessel. A separate study area will be constructed and gym facilities including exercise bikes, rowing machines and weight benches will also be available. The ship will be able to produce its own oxygen and its own fresh water. It will be equipped with innovative lighting, simulating day and night.
This warship will use an “X-Form” rudder system for better control and a quieter propeller to reduce its acoustic signature. The craft will be powered by a new PWR3 pressurized water nuclear reactor, which is a big improvement over previous designs used by other British submarines. This is because this system has a simpler and safer design, with longer life and lower maintenance requirements, at about the same life cycle cost. Also, this simpler design requires fewer cooling pumps, again making the future British submersible quieter.
The real strength of the Warspite is, of course, its armament. The submersible will carry twelve tubes for the launch of Trident II D5 missiles that can carry nuclear warheads. Each of these missiles carries eight MIRV (Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicles) thermonuclear warheads. Each warhead has an estimated power of 475 kilotons of TNT, enough firepower to potentially destroy a large city and most of its surroundings within a radius of 11.2 kilometers, or the whole of Paris for example. To defend against other submersibles or surface ships, the Warspite can also fire Spearfish torpedoes with a range of 54 kilometers.
source: capital
