Future Attack Submarine (FASM)
(Project cancelled)

Type Designation: ?

(Above) Two early artists impression of FASM,

Displacement: ?
Dimensions: ?
Speed: ?
Engines: ?
Missiles: ?
Torpedoes: ?
Complement: ?

Notes:

Project designation: Formerly URD FASM (number NYK)
Status: FASM reached the Concept Phase, with Initial Gate and entry in to the Assessment Phase  scheduled for December 2001 (this date is now unachievable for MUFC and being reviewed)
In Service Date:  For FASM, middle of the second decade of this century (being reviewed for MUFC)

The future attack submarine (FASM) was originally to have been a new generation attack submarine intended to replace the last four or five of the seven Trafalgar Class nuclear powered submarines in order to maintain a the 10 strong SSN force authorised by SDR in 1998.  Its intended role was to provide a versatile and affordable, sustained forward power projection and battlespace dominance capability that delivers a disproportionate effect and preserves mission security, by virtue of stealth, through life across a wide spectrum of defence missions.

The main requirements for FASM were:

• Affordability at Whole life cost level
• Joint and Combined Operations, in particular Force Projection into the land environment
• Expeditionary Warfare, deployability and sustainability in long range operations
• Littoral Ops
• Multi Capability Versatility

By late-2000 there were also the first reports that as an economy measure the MoD was seriously considering cancelling or effectively suspending the whole project, instead additional Astute's would be ordered to complete the replacement of the Trafalgar class.

In May 2001 the Future Attack Submarine project was renamed the "Maritime Underwater Future Capability" (MUFC) and effectively cancelled in terms of meeting the original requirement for a new generation attack submarine.  A MoD official said the name change was designed to allow a new approach to naval forces.  He said: "Changing the name of our studies from submarine to capability allows us to think more laterally." 

FASM Development

During the late 1990's  the UK Ministry of Defence awarded a series of contracts as part of the FASM concept design studies phase.

Ten different design concepts were originally considered for FASM, seven nuclear powered and three conventionally powered.  The nuclear-power designs ranged from 5000 to 8000 tonnes submerged displacement, and used the existing PWR2 reactor design with the new core "H" which will last the entire duration of the design life.  The three non-nuclear designs explored potential non-nuclear technologies and capabilities.  During 1999 it was reported that all the non-nuclear designs were eliminated as offering inferior capabilities when compared with the nuclear powered designs.

New technologies that were expected to be incorporated in FASM included:

• a nuclear powered Integrated Full Electric Propulsion (IFEP) plant using steam-driven generators to power electric motors

• vertical-launch cruise missile systems

• the ability to carry and operate unmanned under water vehicles

• a pentaform or X-form control surface design

As well as traditional torpedo tubes, they were expected to be fitted with a Vertical Launch System for missiles and have an ability to carry and operate unmanned underwater vehicles.
 

Last revised: 20 June, 2001

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