HMS Ambush (S120)

HMS Ambush is an Astute-class nuclear fleet submarine of the Royal Navy, the second boat of her class, and is currently on sea trials. Ambush is the third vessel, and the second submarine, to bear the name in Royal Naval service. She was ordered in 1997, laid down in 2003 and commissioned in 2013.

Design
Ambush's nuclear reactor will not need to be refuelled during the boat's 25-year service. Since the submarine can purify water and air, she will be able to circumnavigate the planet without resurfacing. The main limit is that the submarine will only be able to carry three months' supply of food for 98 officers and ratings.

The Astute-class fleet submarines are designed as the most stealthy Royal Navy submarines in history.

Ambush will carry a mix of 38 weapons in six 21-inch (533 mm) torpedo tubes;
 * BGM-109 Tomahawk Block IV cruise missiles. Range of 1350 nmi.
 * Spearfish torpedoes.



Construction and commissioning
Ambush was ordered from GEC's Marconi Marine (now BAE Systems Submarine Solutions) on 17 March 1997. She was laid down at Barrow-in-Furness on 22 October 2003, officially named on 16 December 2010, launched on 6 January 2011, completed her initial dive test on 30 September 2011, and departed Barrow for sea trials on 15 September 2012. Ambush was commissioned in a ceremony at HM Naval Base Clyde on 1 March 2013.

Operational history
Ambush will conduct her maiden operations sometime in 2014. She has already conducted trials, linking up with RFA Diligence. She has conducted torpedo and Tomahawk missile tests, with early signs showing that they are successful.

Affiliations
Ambush is affiliated to:
 * The city of Derby
 * The Dolphin ward of Royal Derby Hospital
 * The Sea Cadet unit TS Kenya
 * Rolls-Royce Marine Division, Derby
 * Royal Naval Association, Derby Submariners' Association, Derby branch
 * National Memorial Arboretum