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The Royal Navy built 7
Trafalgar Class submarines between 1978 and 1990.
HMS Trafalgar
HMS Turbulent
HMS Tireless
HMS Torbay
HMS Trenchant
HMS Talent
HMS Triumph
Although similar in
looks to its predecessor, the Swiftsure Class, the Trafalgar Class is
both faster and quieter.
These nuclear
submarines have 5 tubes capable of firing both spearfish and tigerfish
torpedoes and RN submarine harpoon missiles.
Both HMS Trafalgar and HMS Triumph are also capable of launching
Tomahawk missiles (the others should be given this facility by 2006).
Originally intended
for Cold War operations these hunter killers are designed to attack enemy
ships and submarines. Indeed those with Tomahawk facilities are also capable of
mounting a land attack. However, armed also with cameras and thermal imaging periscopes, they are equally
capable of surveillance activities.
Despite some serious technical problems in recent years, all 7 Trafalgar
Class submarines are still in commission today (2002).
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