Rolls-Royce PWR3 propulsion system to give Britain’s Dreadnought nuclear submarines simpler operations and longer service life

Rolls-Royce is developing the Pressurised Water Reactor 3 propulsion system for Britain's four Dreadnought-class ballistic-missile submarines, which are scheduled to replace the Vanguard class from the early 2030s. PWR3 uses modular technology intended to simplify operation, extend service life and reduce through-life maintenance compared with earlier Royal Navy reactor designs. Rolls-Royce will supply the nuclear steam-raising plants, including reactor cores, primary pipework, valves, major vessels and control systems, plus elements such as turbo-generators and propulsors, and support them throughout service. Each 153.6-metre, 17,200-tonne submarine will retain the strategic deterrent mission with 12 Trident II D5 missile tubes and four 533 mm torpedo tubes.