Naval Nuclear Propulsion Plant

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Defence

Submarines

Naval Nuclear Propulsion Plant

We power the UK’s nuclear underwater defences

Nuclear Steam Raising Plants

We’re responsible for delivering the Nuclear Steam Raising Plants (NSRP), plus parts of the secondary propulsion systems to the UK Ministry of Defence. We also manage these assets across their full lifecycle.

This includes providing frontline support across the world for Royal Navy submarine reactor plant equipment from our Operations Centre in Derby. We also support the submarines when in the Barrow-in-Furness shipyard and the naval bases at Devonport and Faslane. In addition, there are technical specialists working in offices in Glasgow and Cardiff, with a unique test facility operating in Caithness, Scotland.

To achieve this, we employ world class engineers from a variety of backgrounds, and similarly-skilled functional staff to provide customers with safe and timely delivery and cost-effective engineering solutions.

Our engineers design and substantiate the safety of the NSRP including: reactor cores, primary systems pipework and valves, major vessels, and the electronic control systems. They also do the same for parts of the secondary equipment, including the turbo-generators and propulsors.

18m+

miles travelled by submarines powered by Rolls-Royce nuclear power

A small spoonful

of uranium is all it takes to power a fully-submerged submarine on a full circumnavigation of the world

+20yrs

is possible from a single reactor core, offering similar power and volume to the Trent XWB engine

+65yrs

of design/technical experience combine in the nuclear steam raising plant

Our work

Dreadnought build

The Dreadnought-class ballistic deterrent submarine will enter service in the early 2030s and form the foundation of the UK’s Continuous At Sea Deterrent. Dreadnought is one of the most complex and technologically advanced submarine platforms ever built and is a vital strategic capability to the UK’s national security.

Our PWR3 power plant is at the centre of this programme and forms the heart of the successor boats. Continuing to progress engineering and build activity for Dreadnought is a vital activity for our business and for UK defence.

We also play an important role in the Dreadnought Alliance, alongside our colleagues in the Submarine Delivery Agency and BAE Systems.

Astute build

Whilst the replacement of Trafalgar class submarines with Astute attack boats nears completion, there is still work to be done to ensure the class is fully commissioned on time.

It is crucial that we deliver our remaining commitments on time and in budget. This is increasingly important when considering the increasing demand being placed on the Astute boats to protect UK interests abroad. Therefore, ensuring boats are in the water on time is vital to support this effort.

In addition, by delivering Astute on time, we are able to free up people and resource to begin work on Astute’s successor - SSN AUKUS.

SSN-AUKUS design & build

The UK and Rolls-Royce Submarines are always looking to the future and work is already underway on the replacement for the UK’s attack capability. SSN-AUKUS will likely enter service in the 2040s and provide the UK with advanced submarine capabilities for years to come.

Leading the way in developing the future power source for the UK’s fleet of attack submarines will be a key focus in the coming years from design, engineering and build.

Under the AUKUS agreement, the US and UK have committed to supporting Australia acquire nuclear-powered submarine capabilities. As the sole authority on naval nuclear propulsion in the UK, we are committed to supporting Australia’s nuclear submarine fleet, working hand in hand with their teams to share our experiences and expertise.

In-Service Support & Training

Possessing submarine capability means little if the fleet is not kept seaworthy and manned by capable personnel who can perform in demanding situations. That extends to the Vanguard class of ballistics submarines and the attack submarines of Astute and Trafalgar.

Therefore, we look to support the Royal Navy and wider Submarines Enterprise by maintaining the provision of in-service support activities and training to ensure the UK’s fleet maintains high availability and performance. This will capitalise on our technical leadership to provide services and training relating to our nuclear power plant.

Our capability in this area will only increase in importance as UK boats operate on rotation from Australia as part of AUKUS. This will no doubt create logistical challenges for our customer to overcome and our support will be vital.

Nuclear Propulsion Plant X

Technological development in the nuclear domain seldom stagnates and to ensure the UK remains a world-leader in naval nuclear activities we must always look to advance the technologies that underpin our power solutions.

NPPX is the UK MOD’s commitment to continuing the development of naval nuclear systems for the next generation of boats. As the Technical Authority for Nuclear Steam Raising Plant (NSRP), we will play a key role in developing these future options and systems for the UK’s naval nuclear capability, including new reactor designs and technologies, in addition to advanced fuels and reactor technologies, suitable for a range of applications.

Fuel Production

We are responsible for manufacturing the fuel that powers the NSRP. This is a key capability that underpins the UK’s nuclear submarine fleet.

We are the only entity in the UK trusted with this responsibility. As such, sustaining and expanding our fuel production capability and facility for naval nuclear programmes is vital to ensuring programme delivery.

Where we work

The Rolls-Royce Submarines and customer sites we operate from

Economic benefit to the UK

Our history

The UK Royal Navy has maintained a Continuous At Sea Deterrence capability since 1969 (Operation Relentless), in the form of the Vanguard class submarines and its predecessors. This means one deterrent submarine is on operational patrol and in a position to launch a nuclear missile 24/7, 365 days a year – all powered by Rolls-Royce. In addition, we have powered all of the Royal Navy's attack submarines since HMS Valiant was launched in 1963.

The Royal Navy currently operates two submarine types: The larger Vanguard class ballistic deterrent submarine (SSBN) and the Trafalgar and Astute class attack submarines (SSN). The new SSBN Dreadnought, which will replace the Vanguard Class, is in production and due to be operational in the early 2030s. The entire submarine fleet of SSBNs is now fitted with our most advanced reactor cores enabling them to operate for over 20 years without needing to be refuelled.

What the UK’s submarines do

Provide the UK’s Strategic Nuclear Defence Capability
Nuclear submarines provide a sustained global reach without support, whilst remaining undetected
Today’s submarine nuclear reactors will operate for over 20 years
They are as quiet as a modern car at idle but designed to have the power performance of a gas turbine
Unlike previous diesel-powered submarines, the dived endurance of nuclear powered submarines is only limited by the amount of food that can be carried and the endurance of the crew
Rolls-Royce Submarines employs over 2,000 engineers to design, manufacture and support the NSRP throughout its lifecycle
On behalf of the MOD, Rolls-Royce has operated two prototype reactor plants at the trials establishment in the north of Scotland.

In this section: Submarines home | Novel Nuclear & Special Projects | Our Nuclear Skills Academy | Careers and Skills in Rolls-Royce Submarines