The characteristics and range of Collins Class submarines have been tailored specifically for its defence and two-ocean surveillance role in the Royal Australian Navy. Designed to be as quiet as possible, Collins Class submarines have been developed from five generations of submarines designed and built by the Swedish Navy.

These were expected to be the best conventional (i.e. diesel-electric, not nuclear powered) submarines in the world, but massive problems with noise and the weapons software suite have resulted in a series of delays and scandals, though as of 2004 the government claims these are now solved or on their way to resolution.

One of the first submarine classes to be totally designed by computers, these submarines possess a vast range of features. They include a high-performance hull form, highly automated controls, low indiscretion rates, high shock-resistance, efficient weapons-handling and an optional air-independent propulsion system.

The submarine will move silently on electric power supplied by banks of new-technology lead-free batteries. The batteries are charged by three on-board diesel generator sets.

The sophisticated combat system, which gathers its intelligence from its sensors, processes the input and then launches and directs weapons, is considered to be advanced.

Each ship has been named after a distinguished former member of the RAN, some of whom have died for their country.

The submarines are based at HMAS Stirling in Fremantle, Western Australia.

Statistics

Displacement:	3350 tonnes (submerged)
Dimensions:	77.8m x 7.8m x 6.8m
Armament:	6-??" TT (forward) capable of launching Mk 48 wire-guided torpedoes or Sub Harpoon missiles
Propulsion:	One Jeumont Schneider 5.4MW main motor, three Hedemora 18-cylinder four-stroke turbo-charged diesels and three Jeaumont Schneider generators = 10+/20+kts
Diving Depth:	180+ metres
Complement:	55

External links

[1] (http://www.navy.gov.au/vf/default.htm) - Virtual tour of this and other Australian Navy ships