UK’s nuclear submarine HMS Torbay ready after refit
The Royal Navy’s nuclear-powered attack submarine, HMS Torbay, is preparing to return to the Fleet following a year-long £8M refit at HM Naval Base Clyde, Faslane. HMS Torbay is the first submarine to be operationally equipped with Tomahawk Block IV.
In addition to routine maintenance work, the Trafalgar class submarine has been upgraded to carry the latest longer-range Block IV version of the Tomahawk cruise missile and an improved version of the world-leading Sonar 2076 system. The latest improvements make Torbay the most powerful boat in the Fleet.
The refit comprised routine maintenance activity as well as upgrades. The advanced Sonar 2076 is a fully integrated system comprising bow, flank, fin and towed arrays that can track an object the size of a bus at a distance of more than 50 miles (80km). New communications equipment will allow internet access even when the submarine is deep underwater, and a new charting system is due to be trialled on board.
Following sea trials and sea training over the next few months, HMS Torbay is expected to be fully operational by the summer. Torbay is one of seven 5,200 tonne Trafalgar class nuclear-powered submarines, entering service in 1987. All of the class are based at HM Naval Base Devonport, in Plymouth.
Under the Swiftsure and Trafalgar class Final Phase Update programme, the newest four Trafalgar boats are being upgraded to bring their equipment up to the standard of the successor Astute class.