*British, 1970s, Unidentified Trafalgar Class Submarine – Original Photograph*
Original Photograph of 1970s Submarine – likely Trafalgar Class. This photograph originally formed part of the Lou Britton British Submarine Collection, which was acquired by the Royal Navy Submarine Museum, Gosport in 2007.
Approximate Dimensions: 25.3cm x 20.5cm
The Trafalgar class was a series of nuclear-powered fleet submarines (SSNs) in service with the Royal Navy, succeeding the Swiftsure class. Built at Barrow-in-Furness, all seven boats formed part of the Royal Navy's nuclear "hunter-killer" submarine fleet and were later replaced by the more advanced Astute class. HMS Trafalgar (S107)(1983-2009); HMS Turbulent (S87)(1984-2012); HMS Tireless (S88)(1985-2014); HMS Torbay (S90)(1987-2017); HMS Trenchant (S91)(1989-2022); HMS Talent (S92)(1990-2022); HMS Triumph (S93)(1991-). In 1987, Canada considered purchasing up to 12 Trafalgar-class submarines, but the plan was abandoned in 1989 due to budget issues.
Trafalgar-class submarines played crucial roles in conflicts, launching Tomahawk missiles in operations in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Libya. They also undertook long deployments, such as Triumph's 41,000-mile solo trip to Australia in 1993. However, the class faced technical challenges, including reactor faults and increasing age-related problems, which required significant management.
The Trafalgar class featured a reduced acoustic signature due to anechoic tiles and a pump-jet propulsion system from the second boat onward. Each submarine had five 21-inch torpedo tubes and could carry up to 30 weapons, including Tomahawk missiles and Spearfish torpedoes.
The class was eventually replaced by the Astute class as part of the Royal Navy's ongoing modernization efforts.
*Condition*
Excellent used condition. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
