50 years in submarine propulsion

Rolls-Royce and Associates (a consortium of Rolls-Royce, Vickers Shipbuilding and Foster Wheeler, later joined by Babcock & Wilcox) was formed in 1959. This new company was commissioned to build up the expertise and capability to manufacture future plants without American support.

The plant procured from the US became the propulsion system fitted to the UK's first nuclear-powered submarine, HMS Dreadnought, launched in October 1960. Since then Rolls-Royce has designed two different pressurised water reactor (PWR) plants and five generations of reactor cores, each a step-change in power and lifespan, and has supported all Royal Navy submarines throughout their lives.

Today's new Astute class submarines are the largest and most powerful attack submarines ever built for the Royal Navy. The first, to be known as HMS Astute when commissioned, is due to commence sea trials later this year. They will all be powered by Rolls-Royce PWR2 plant and will give the Royal Navy new levels of underwater capability. All will be fitted with the long-life reactor core, designed for a full platform life, eliminating costly reactor refuelling and associated long overhaul periods, thereby increasing availability and helping reduce the cost of ownership.

With the UK Government making the decision to replace the country's current nuclear deterrent, maintained by the Vanguard class submarines from around 2020, work has now started on developing the design requirements for a new submarine, known as Successor. A new propulsion plant is integral to this plan. Developments will capitalise on the achievements of the UK naval nuclear programme to date. Two companies, Babcock Marine and BAE Submarine Solutions are working together with Rolls-Royce and the MoD in a collaborative environment to deliver the two-year concept phase. The latest nuclear engineering skills are being brought to bear to provide a plant design that will deliver a step change in safety, capability and availability while containing through-life costs.