The concept design for Australia's Future Submarine project, including its dimensions, should be finalised by the end of this year, according to Rear Admiral Greg Sammut, head of the AUD50 billion (USD36 billion) programme.
The first of 12 4,700-tonne Shortfin Barracuda conventionally-powered submarines to replace the Royal Australian Navy's (RAN's) six-strong Collins-class fleet under Project Sea 1000 is scheduled to be delivered in the early 2030s.
The preliminary systems requirement review earlier this year set the boundaries of the project, Rear Adm Sammut told Jane's .
"We're in a position this quarter to finalise the concept design, including key sizing parameters that will ensure that we also meet key requirements to length," he said.
(Jane's)