Anonymous commentedon February 9, 2022:
“It appears that the RAN is looking at Astute but with the S9G reactor from Virginia. The PWR3 reactor will not physically fit in Astute (too wide) & the PWR2 is no longer manufactured (also has potential safety problems & only lasts for 25 years without refuelling).
The Virginia is narrower, so it will physically fit in the hull, but is longer (the reactor system), so will require a reshuffle. Hence the 18 month study of options.
If Astute can be made work (with a US reactor), then it should be the front runner. Otherwise it would be a AUS deal (no need for UK with a Virginia deal). The big advantages of Astute is lower crewing, similar operating methodology to RAN & available jigs etc that are no longer useful to UK & more to come available as the last Astutes move through the system.”
Pete Comment
I’m undecided about the above. We will probably keep on guessing years after the Australian Nuclear-Powered Submarine Taskforce https://www.defence.gov.au/about/taskforces/nuclear-powered-submarine-task-force presents its 18 month tentative findings around April 2023.
My tentative views are the future Australian nuclear sub (Aus SSN) will already be one third US intellectual Property (IP) due to the US Lockheed Martin Integrated Combat System (sensors, databases and weapons).
There may be an additional US third, the US manufactured S9G reactor.
This, is to date, specifically built for the final US third, ie. the US Virginia submarine hull with many attendant contents.
All this suggests, maybe, Australia will choose a US designed submarine.
Crystal ball gazing:
Maybe the UK may use a heavily S9G based “PWR4” for post 2026 late model Astutes or for earlier than intended UK planned SSN(R) new class.
Maybe the US Virginia, "Improved Virginia" or "SSN(X)" would have added sufficient labour-saving devices for a smaller crew by the 2030s
OR Australia accepts the current US 135 submariner crew requirement
OR Australia may have its own smaller crew practices.
OR
Maybe, though less likely, the US, UK and Australia will manufacture a common (US, UK, Aus) agreed AUKUS SSN design to be used by all three navies?