View source for Resolution-class submarine

{{Short description|Royal Navy ballistic missile submarine class}}
{{Use British English|date=January 2015}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2020}}
{{Infobox ship
|section1={{Infobox ship/image
 | image = HMS Repulse (S23) in the Firth of Clyde c1979.jpg
 | image_caption = {{HMS|Repulse|S23|2}} in 1979
 }}

|section2={{Infobox ship/class overview
 | name = ''Resolution'' class
 | builders = *[[Vickers|Vickers Shipbuilding Ltd]], [[Barrow-in-Furness]]
              *[[Cammell Laird|Cammell Laird and Co Ltd]], [[Birkenhead]]
 | operators = {{navy|United Kingdom}}
 | class_before = 
 | class_after = {{sclass|Vanguard|submarine|4}}
 | subclasses = 
 | cost = 
 | built_range = 1964–1968
 | in_service_range = 1967–1996
 | in_commission_range = 
 | total_ships_building = 
 | total_ships_planned = 5
 | total_ships_completed = 4
 | total_ships_canceled = 1
 | total_ships_active = 0
 | total_ships_laid_up = 
 | total_ships_lost = 
 | total_ships_retired = 4
 | total_ships_preserved = 
 }}

|section3={{Infobox ship/characteristics
 | hide_header = 
 | header_caption = 
 | type = [[Ballistic missile submarine]]
 | displacement = *surfaced: {{convert|7500|LT|t}};
                  *submerged: {{convert|8400|LT|t}}
 | length = {{convert|425|ft|m|abbr=on}}
 | beam = {{convert|33|ft|m|abbr=on}}
 | draught = {{convert|30|ft|1|in|abbr=on}}
 | depth = 
 | power = 
 | propulsion = 1 × Vickers/Rolls-Royce [[PWR1]] pressurised-water nuclear reactor, {{convert|27500|shp|MW|abbr=on|lk=in}}; Propeller.
 | speed = *surfaced: {{convert|20|kn|km/h|abbr=on}};
           *submerged: {{convert|25|kn|km/h|abbr=on}}
 | range = Unlimited except by food supplies
 | endurance = 
 | test_depth = 
 | complement = 143 (two crews)
 | time_to_activate = 
 | sensors = 
 | EW = 
 | armament = 
 | armour = 
 | armor = 
 | aircraft = 
 | aircraft_facilities = 
 | notes = 
 }}
}}

The '''''Resolution'' class''' was a [[Ship class|class]] of four nuclear [[ballistic missile submarine]]s ([[Hull classification symbol#Submarine type|SSBN]]) built for the [[Royal Navy]] as part of the [[UK Polaris programme]]. Each submarine was armed with up to 16 [[UGM-27 Polaris|UGM-27 Polaris A-3]] [[Submarine-launched ballistic missile|nuclear missiles]].

The class comprised {{HMS|Resolution|S22|2}}, {{HMS|Repulse|S23|2}}, {{HMS|Renown|S26|2}} and {{HMS|Revenge|S27|2}}. They were built by [[Vickers Shipbuilding and Engineering Ltd|Vickers Armstrong]] in [[Barrow-in-Furness]] and [[Cammell Laird]] in [[Birkenhead]] between 1964 and 1968. All four boats were based at [[HMNB Clyde|HM Naval Base Clyde (HMS ''Neptune'')]], {{convert|40|km|mi|abbr=on}} west of [[Glasgow]], Scotland.

The ''Resolution'' class was the launch platform for the [[United Kingdom]]'s strategic [[nuclear deterrent]] from the late 1960s until 1996, when it was replaced by the {{sclass|Vanguard|submarine|2}} carrying the [[Trident (missile)|Trident II]].

==Background==
{{Unreferenced section|date=December 2024}}
During the 1950s and early 1960s, the [[United Kingdom]]'s nuclear deterrent was based on the RAF's [[V-bombers]]. But in the early 1960s developments in [[radar]] and [[surface-to-air missiles]] made it clear that [[bombers]] were becoming vulnerable, and would be unlikely to penetrate Soviet airspace. Free-fall nuclear weapons would no longer be a credible deterrent.

To address this problem, in May 1960 the British Prime Minister, [[Harold Macmillan]] arranged a deal with US President [[Dwight D. Eisenhower|Eisenhower]] to equip the V bombers with the US-designed [[AGM-48 Skybolt]]. The Skybolt was a {{convert|1000|mi|km|adj=on}} range ballistic missile that allowed the launching bombers to remain well away from Soviet defences and launch attacks that would be basically invulnerable. With this range, the V bombers would have to fly only a few hundred miles from their bases before being in range for an attack on [[Moscow]].

Under the agreement the UK's contribution to the programme was limited to developing suitable mounting points on the [[Avro Vulcan]] bomber, installing the required guidance systems that fed the missiles updated positioning information, and development of a British version of the US [[W47]] warhead to arm it, the RE.179 [http://www.skomer.u-net.com/projects/alpha.htm] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120518080528/http://www.skomer.u-net.com/projects/alpha.htm |date=18 May 2012 }}.

===The Skybolt crisis===
The incoming [[John F. Kennedy|Kennedy]] administration expressed serious doubts of both Skybolt and the US deterrent force in general. [[Robert McNamara]] was highly critical of the US bomber fleet, which he saw as obsolete in an age of [[ICBM]]s. Skybolt was seen simply as a means of continuing the existence of a system he no longer considered credible, and given the rapidly improving capabilities of ICBM [[inertial guidance]] systems, a precision strike capability with free-fall bombs would no longer be needed. McNamara was equally concerned about the UK also having its own nuclear force, and worried that the US could be drawn into a war by the UK. He wanted to bring the UK into a [[dual key|dual-key]] arrangement.

McNamara first broached the idea of cancelling Skybolt with the British in November 1962. When this was reported in the House of Commons, a storm of protest broke out. A [[Nassau Agreement|meeting]] was arranged to settle the issue, and Macmillan stated in no uncertain terms that the UK would be retaining their independent deterrent capability, no matter what the cost. With development of their Polaris-derived warheads well along, a suitable launch platform would be developed, if need be.

Faced with a clear failure in policy terms, Kennedy gave up on the idea of strong-arming Britain into accepting a dual-key arrangement. By the end of the [[Nassau Agreement|series of meetings]], the UK had [[Polaris Sales Agreement|gained the much more impressive Polaris system]], and would start development of a new submarine to launch it. The [[SSBNs]] would then take over the nuclear deterrent role from the RAF's V bombers from 1968 onwards.

==Construction==
Two pairs of the boats were ordered in May 1963 from Vickers Shipbuilding Ltd, [[Barrow in Furness]] and from Cammell Laird and Co. Ltd, [[Birkenhead]]. The option of buying a fifth unit, planned as {{HMS|Ramillies||2}},{{ref label|reference name_A|a|}}  was cancelled in February 1965 as a cost-savings measure by the government of [[Prime Minister]] [[Harold Wilson]].{{sfn|Gardiner|1995|p=531}}{{sfn|Roberts|2009|p=104}} Traditional [[battleship]] names were used, signifying that they were the [[capital ship]]s of their time.

[[Vickers Shipbuilding and Engineering Ltd|Vickers Armstrong]] in [[Barrow-in-Furness]] constructed ''Resolution'' and ''Repulse'' and [[Cammell Laird]] in [[Birkenhead]] constructed ''Renown'' and ''Revenge''. The construction was unusual in that the bow and stern were constructed separately before being assembled together with the American-designed missile compartment.

The design was a modification of the {{sclass|Valiant|submarine|0}} fleet submarine, but greatly extended to incorporate the missile compartment between the fin and the nuclear reactor. The length was {{convert|130|m|ft}}, breadth {{convert|10.1|m|ft}}, height {{convert|9|m|ft}} and the displacement {{convert|8400|LT|t}} submerged and {{convert|7600|LT|t}} surfaced. A [[Rolls-Royce plc|Rolls-Royce]] pressurised water reactor ([[PWR1]]) and [[English Electric Company]] turbines gave them a speed of {{convert|25|kn|km/h}} and they could dive to depths of {{convert|275|m}}. Sixteen Polaris A3 missiles were carried, in two rows of eight. For emergencies there was a diesel generator and six {{convert|21|in|mm|order=flip|adj=on|0}} [[torpedo tube]]s located at the bow, firing the [[Tigerfish torpedo|Tigerfish wire-guided homing torpedoes]]. The submarines put to sea with a crew of 143.

According to former head of the [[Royal Corps of Naval Constructors]] R.J. Daniel, the ''Resolution''-class SSBNs possessed five features that were envied by the [[United States Navy]]: the machinery loading hatch, automated hovering system, welded hull valves, standardised valves, and raft-mounted propulsion machinery.{{sfn|Daniels|2004|p=192}}

==Boats in class==
{|class="wikitable" style="font-size:97%;"
|-valign=top
!  | [[Pennant number|Pennant]]
!  | Name
!  | (a) Hull builder<br>(b) Main machinery manufacturers
!  | Ordered
!  | Laid down
!  | Launched
!  | Accepted<br>into service
!  | Commissioned
!  | Decommissioned
!  | Estimated<br>building cost<ref>"Unit cost, i.e. excluding cost of certain items (e.g. aircraft, First Outfits)." Text from ''Defences Estimates''</ref>
|-valign=top
|  | S22
|  | {{HMS|Resolution|S22|2}}
|  | (a) Vickers Ltd, Shipbuilding Group, Barrow-in-Furness <br>(b) Vickers Ltd, Engineering Group, Barrow-in-Furness<br>(b) English Electric Co Ltd (turbines)<br>(b) Rolls-Royce and Associates Ltd.<ref name=DE1968>''Defence Estimates, 1968–69'', page 75, ''List and particulars of new ships which have been accepted or are expected to be accepted into HM service during the Financial Year ended 31st March 1968''</ref>
|  | 8 May 1963 {{sfn|Jones|2017|p=451}}
|  | 26 February 1964{{sfn|Gardiner|1995|p=531}}
|  | 15 September 1966{{sfn|Gardiner|1995|p=531}}
|  | October 1967<ref name=DE1968/>
|  | 2 October 1967{{sfn|Gardiner|1995|p=531}}
|  | 22 October 1994
|  | £40.24&nbsp;million<ref name=DE1968/> (equivalent to £{{Inflation|UK|40.2|1968|r=2}}&nbsp;million in {{Inflation/year|UK}}){{Inflation/fn|UK}}
|-valign=top
|  | S23
|  | {{HMS|Repulse|S23|2}}
|  | (a) Vickers Ltd, Shipbuilding Group, Barrow-in-Furness <br>(b) Vickers Ltd, Engineering Group, Barrow-in-Furness<br>(b) English Electric Co Ltd (turbines).<ref name=DE1969>''Defence Estimates, 1969–70'', page 75, ''List and particulars of new ships which have been accepted or are expected to be accepted into HM service during the Financial Year ended 31st March 1969''</ref>
|  | 8 May 1963 {{sfn|Jones|2017|p=451}}
|  | 12 March 1965{{sfn|Gardiner|1995|p=531}}
|  | 4 November 1967{{sfn|Gardiner|1995|p=531}}
|  | October 1968<ref name=DE1969/>
|  | 28 September 1968{{sfn|Gardiner|1995|p=531}}
|  | 28 August 1996
|  | £37.5&nbsp;million<ref name=DE1969/> (equivalent to £{{Inflation|UK|37.5|1969|r=2}}&nbsp;million in {{Inflation/year|UK}}){{Inflation/fn|UK}}
|-valign=top
|  | S26
|  | {{HMS|Renown|S26|2}}
|  | (a) Cammell Laird & Co (Shipbuilders and Engineers) Ltd, Birkenhead<br>(b) Vickers Ltd, Engineering Group, Barrow-in-Furness<br>(b) English Electric Co Ltd (turbines).<ref name=DE1969/>
|  | 8 May 1963 {{sfn|Jones|2017|p=451}}
|  | 25 June 1964{{sfn|Gardiner|1995|p=531}}
|  | 25 February 1967{{sfn|Gardiner|1995|p=531}}
|  | December 1968<ref name=DE1969/>
|  | 15 November 1968{{sfn|Gardiner|1995|p=531}}
|  | 24 February 1996
|  | £39.95&nbsp;million<ref name=DE1969/> (equivalent to £{{Inflation|UK|39.95|1969|r=2}}&nbsp;million in {{Inflation/year|UK}}){{Inflation/fn|UK}}
|-valign=top
|  | S27
|  | {{HMS|Revenge|S27|2}}
|  | (a) Cammell Laird & Co (Shipbuilders and Engineers) Ltd, Birkenhead<br>(b) Vickers Ltd, Engineering Group, Barrow-in-Furness<br>(b) English Electric Co Ltd (turbines).<ref name=DE1970>''Defence Estimates, 1970–71'', page XII-81, ''List and particulars of new ships which have been accepted or are expected to be accepted into HM service during the Financial Year ended 31st March 1970''</ref>
|  | 8 May 1963 {{sfn|Jones|2017|p=451}}
|  | 19 May 1965{{sfn|Gardiner|1995|p=531}}
|  | 15 March 1968{{sfn|Gardiner|1995|p=531}}
|  | December 1969<ref name=DE1970/>
|  | 4 December 1969{{sfn|Gardiner|1995|p=531}}
|  | May 1992
|  | £38.6&nbsp;million<ref name=DE1970/> (equivalent to £{{Inflation|UK|38.6|1970|r=2}}&nbsp;million in {{Inflation/year|UK}}){{Inflation/fn|UK}}
|-valign=top
|  |
|  | ''Ramillies''{{ref label|reference name_A|a|}} 
|  |
|  |
| colspan=6 | Cancelled 1965.{{sfn|Gardiner|1995|p=531}}
|-
|}

==Operational service==
[[File:British Polaris fireing trigger.jpg|thumb|right|A training trigger for the Polaris missile system]]
The first to be completed was ''Resolution'', laid down in February 1964 and launched in September 1966. After commissioning in 1967 she underwent a long period of sea trials, culminating in the test firing of a Polaris missile from the USAF Eastern Test Range off [[Cape Kennedy]] at 11:15 on 15 February 1968. ''Resolution'' commenced her first operational patrol on 15 June 1968, beginning 28 years of Polaris patrols. The class were part of the [[10th Submarine Squadron (United Kingdom)|10th Submarine Squadron]], all based at [[HMNB Clyde|Faslane Naval Base]], [[Scotland]].

All four of the class underwent conversion during the 1980s so that they could be fitted with the Polaris A3TK missile which was fitted with the British-developed [[Chevaline]] MRV system.

As the newer ''Vanguard''-class submarines entered service, the ''Resolution'' class was eventually retired and all boats laid up at [[Rosyth dockyard]] with their used nuclear fuel removed. All four will eventually be disposed of via MOD's Submarine Dismantling Project (SDP). This project will begin in 2016{{update-inline|date=February 2023}} with {{HMS|Swiftsure|S126|2}} as the first submarine to prove the technique. The selected method will first remove all Low-level radioactive waste from the vessel, followed by the more radioactive intermediate-level waste. All non-radioactive material in the remainder of the vessel will be recycled for re-use by conventional ship-breaking techniques.

===Refits===
[[File:Polaris missile launch from HMS Revenge (S27) 1983.JPEG|thumb|Polaris missile launch from HMS ''Revenge'' in 1983.]]
New methods of project management were used in the refits of the ''Resolution'' class, including:<ref name=Hansard26Mar69c298/>
* "The appointment of a senior officer of two star rank and with the title of Assistant Controller (Polaris), working under the joint superintendence of the Controller of the Navy and Chief of Fleet Support, whose responsibilities will include the oversight of the preparations for refits of Polaris boats, and their completion;"<ref name=Hansard26Mar69c298/>
* "The delegation to a designated officer (Director, Project Technical Submarines) of the responsibility for drawing up the "work package" for each refit, which will include full design information and documentation;"<ref name=Hansard26Mar69c298/>
* "The use of a fully integrated refit management team at Rosyth, and"<ref name=Hansard26Mar69c298/>
* "The full use of available management techniques and aids, including computers."<ref name=Hansard26Mar69c298>[https://api.parliament.uk/historic-hansard/written-answers/1969/mar/26/hms-resolution-refit Hansard HC Deb 26 March 1969 vol 780 cc298-9W] Response by the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for the Navy [[David Owen|(Dr. David Owen)]] to a question to the Secretary of State for Defence asking him to outline the new methods of project-management involved in the H.M.S. "Resolution" refit at Rosyth in 1970, 26 March 1969.</ref>

==See also==
* [[List of submarines of the Royal Navy]]

==References==
{{commons category|Resolution class submarines}}

=== Notes ===
*{{note label|reference_name_A|a}}In the book ''Silent Deep'', Peter Hennessy describes discussion of the R names and states that ''Royal Sovereign'' and not ''Ramillies'' was the name chosen for the planned fifth boat.{{sfn|Hennessy|2016|p=46}}

=== Cited footnotes ===
{{reflist}}

=== Cited texts ===
* {{cite book |last=Gardiner |first=Robert |title=Conway's All the World's Fighting Ships 1947–1995 |publisher=Conway Maritime Press |year=1995 |isbn=0-85177-605-1 }}
* {{cite book|last=Daniels |first=R. J. |title=The End of an Era: The Memoirs of a Naval Constructor |publisher=Periscope Publishing Ltd |date=2004 |isbn=1-904381-18-9 }}
* {{cite book |last=Hennessy |first=Peter |date=2016 |title=The Silent Deep: The Royal Navy Submarine Service Since 1945 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=miP3BgAAQBAJ&q=hms+royal+sovereign+SSBN&pg=PR46 |publisher=Penguin |isbn=978-0-241-95948-0 }}
* {{cite book |last=Jones |first=Matthew |series=The Official History of the UK Strategic Nuclear Deterrent |title=Volume I: From the V-Bomber Era to the Arrival of Polaris, 1945–1964 |location=Abingdon, Oxfordshire |publisher=Routledge |year=2017 |isbn=978-1-138-67493-6 |oclc=957683181}}
* ''The Encyclopedia of Warships, From World War Two to the Present Day'', General Editor Robert Jackson.
* {{cite book |last=Roberts |first=John |date=2009 |title=Safeguarding the Nation: The Story of the Modern Royal Navy |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vObZAwAAQBAJ&q=hms+ramillies+ssbn&pg=PT104 |location=Barnsley |publisher=Seaforth Publishing  |isbn=978-1-84832-043-7 }}

{{Resolution class submarine}}
{{UK submarine classes after 1945}}
{{Strategic nuclear weapon systems of the United Kingdom}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Resolution Class Submarine}}
[[Category:Submarine classes of the British Royal Navy]]
[[Category:Resolution-class submarines| ]]