'Upholder' Class

[Unicorn] [Unseen] [Upholder] [Ursula]

'Hunter/Killer Submarine' (SSK).

4 Built

Submarine	Builder	Built
Unicorn Unseen Upholder Ursula	Cammell Laird, Birkenhead. Cammell Laird, Birkenhead. Vickers (VSEL), Barrow-in-Furness. Cammell Laird, Birkenhead.	1992 1989-1991 1986-1990 1991

This Class was designed to replace the Oberon class SSK's, during the 1980's, up to 18 were planned.   A scaled down version of the Trafalgar SSN's, later batches were planned with increased hull size and new sonars.   However in 1993 defense cuts led to the class being decommissioned before they had even been in full service for a year.

There are two decks forward and a single deck machinery space aft.   The hull is coated with tiles to cut down the sonar and acoustic signature.

Increased automation of the systems allows the crew numbers to be reduced to half that of similar sized post war submarines.

There were only four boats built and put into service.

These have now been sold to Canada.  Lets hope they turn out to be as successful as was thought.

Technical Information