BAE Systems has launched the second of seven Astute-class nuclear-powered attack submarines

BY ADMIN-
BAE Systems has launched the second of seven Astute-class nuclear-powered attack submarines destined for the British Royal Navy.
The 7,400-ton boat, officially named HMS Ambush on Dec. 16, is scheduled to be lowered into the water for fitting out at the company's Barrow-in-Furniss yard early next year, with initial sea trials planned for early 2012.

Ambush was meant to have been rolled out of the production hall yesterday 24 hours ahead of being lowered in the water, but a technical issue with the moving gear has delayed the submarine's removal to the dock.
The first of its class HMS Astute was commissioned into the Royal Navy in August, but the 1 billion-pound boat ran aground off the coast of Scotland in October during trials. The incident caused minor damage.
The government here confirmed in the recently published strategic defense and security review that it would purchase a seventh submarine to complete its fleet of attack submarines. No order has been placed yet, however.
Two vessels, Artful and Audacious, are currently under construction at the BAE yard in northeastern England, and early work is underway on a further two vessels.