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Originally Posted by Linton
Astute has a core that will not need refuelling during the life of the boat.
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What if, by that time (25-30 years ?) budgetary constraints prevent timely replacement of the sub ? I know 25 years is a long time, but given the tendency of high-tech weapons to ever increase in price... The UK government then could decide to keep the hull and extend its life.
Probability of such a scenario looks remote, but who knows.
On the subject of core replacement, the future Barracuda SSNs are going to use commercial-grade fuel. While it's cheaper, it means the core will have to be replaced during the planned life of the boat. I absolutely don't know if the costs balance
