Astute Class Nuclear Submarine – Owner’s Workshop Manual. By Professor Jonathon Gates. Haynes Publishing, Yeovil, Somerset, 2018.
Reviewed by Peter Briggs
Despite its casual title this is a detailed examination of the design, development, contracting and construction of the Astute Class of submarines.
Professor Gates has done an excellent job explaining the many complexities of a modern nuclear submarine in layman’s language. Yet the amount of detail will engage the submarine expert also. The book is extensively illustrated with over 300 colour photographs and diagrams, many specifically developed to support the text.
The simple explanation of nuclear fission, the reactor components and propulsion arrangements provide a good explanation of the nuclear plant at the unclassified level.
The extensive delays and cost overruns experienced in the Astute program, set out in the book, provides some useful lessons learnt for any future Australia nuclear submarine program.
Given the current interest in Australia to the acquisition of nuclear power submarines this book will be of interest to the professional and lay person alike, seeking to understand what is entailed in building and operating one of these complex vessels and its weapon systems.
