Collins-class submarine

== Collins Class submarines ==

The characteristics and range of Collins Class submarines have been tailored specifically for its defence and two-ocean surveillance role in the Royal Australian Navy. Designed to be as quiet as advanced technology can achieve, Collins Class submarines have been developed from five generations of submarines designed and built by the Swedish Navy.

One of the first submarines to be totally designed by computers, these submarines boast a vast range of features. They include a high performance hull form, highly automated controls, low indiscretion rates, high shock resistance, efficient weapons handling, and an optional air-independent propulsion system.

The submarine will move silently on electric power supplied by banks of new-technology lead-free batteries. The batteries are charged by three on-board diesel generator sets.

The sophisticated combat system, which gathers its intelligence from its sensors, computes the input and then launches and directs weapons, is an advance on any system currently available.

Each ship has been named after a distinguished former member of the RAN, some of whom have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

Based at HMAS Stirling in Western Australia, they are a formidable element in Australia's defence capability. Statistics Displacement 3350 tonnes (submerged) Length 77.8 metres Diameter 7.8 metres Draught 6.8 metres Diving Depth 180+ metres Ships Company 45 Propulsion One Jeumont Schneider 5.4 megawatt main motor, three Hedemora 18 cylinder four stroke turbo charged diesels and three Jeaumont Schneider generators Speed 20+ knots (submerged) 10+ knots (surfaced) Weapon Systems Six forward tubes capable of launching MK 48 wire-guided torpedoes or Sub Harpoon missiles

For a virtual tour of this and other Australian Navy Ships, click on the link [1]