Themes

Conflict and Change

• Introduction

  • Timeline

  • Timeline: World Wars

  • HMS Warspite

  • HMS Premier

  • HMS Sovereign

  • HMS Fearless

• In Focus: 1900

• In Focus: World War One

• In Focus: Interwar

• In Focus: World War Two

• In Focus: Post War Conflict

• In Focus: Cold War Climate

• In Focus: Falklands and Beyond

• Special Exhibition: Falklands 25

Learning

• How To: Understand Propaganda

HMS Sovereign

HMS Sovereign

A submarine that saw service during the Cold War era was HMS Sovereign.

HMS Sovereign at sea (RNSM)

HMS Sovereign was a nuclear-powered, attack submarine (SSN). Construction began on 18th September 1970. She launched on 17th February 1973, and commissioned on 11th July 1974.

3 crew members of HMS Sovereign at North Pole (RNSM)

The Cold War resulted in the need for improved anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capability in order to keep track of Soviet submarines. The Royal Navy realised that their own submarines could be successfully used to perform this role. This led to the evolution of SSN attack submarines.

HMS Sovereign was one of six Swiftsure Class submarines designed to perform an ASW role. The boats located and, if necessary, would destroy enemy submarines and warships. Sovereign did not carry any nuclear missiles, but carried Tigerfish and Spearfish torpedoes, as well as Harpoon missiles.

The Swiftsure design originally developed from the previous Valiant and Churchill Class attack submarines. Although they had a parallel sided hull as opposed to the 'humpback whale' design of the earlier SSNs as the Admiralty wanted to change the shape and provide more internal space. The design also fitted an improved weapon loading system, with torpedo tubes reloaded in 15 seconds.