HMS Astute (S119) is the lead ship of her class of nuclear-powered Fleet submarines. Astute was ordered from GEC's Marconi Marine (now BAE Systems Submarine Solutions) on 17 March 1997. She was laid down on 31 January 2001, 100 years to the day since the keel was laid down for Holland 1, the first Royal Navy submarine. The vessel was built at BAE's submarine facility in Barrow-in-Furness and was launched on 8 June 2007 by The Duchess of Cornwall.
Astute is the second submarine of the Royal Navy to be named for the characteristic of shrewdness and discernment. The first was HMS Astute (P447), an Amphion class submarine launched during World War II. When commissioned, Astute will be one of the most 'advanced submarines in the world'.

Technology

The 7,400-tonne Astute’s nuclear reactor will not need to be refuelled during the boat's 25 year service. Since the submarine can purify water and air, she will be able to circumnavigate the planet without resurfacing. The main limit is that the submarine will only be able to carry three months supply of food for 98 officers and ratings. Astute will carry Tomahawk cruise missiles. BBC News. (7 May 2007).

Ship's Launch

HMS Astute was launched at BAE's submarine facility in Barrow-in-Furness on 8 June 2007 by The Duchess of Cornwall. The launch attracted more than 10,000 spectators. She is the first submarine built in the UK since HMS Vengeance, which was launched in 1998.
Astute left Barrow on 15 November 2009.

On the 20th November 2009, Astute arrived at her home port at Faslane.
Astute is scheduled to be delivered to the Royal Navy at the end of 2010.

Project management

The launching of Astute was 43 months behind schedule, and the Astute class were £900 million over budget. This was due in part to outdated construction practices. Many of these were corrected when Murray Easton became construction boss. Among the changes to accelerate the project, psychologists were consulted to improve communication and management effectiveness. He also reduced manpower requirements by using US construction methods, specifically those of the Electric Boat company. For example, submarine sections were built vertically so that gravity could assist assembly.