HMAS Collins was Commissioned

The Collins class submarine HMAS COLLINS, (CMDR P. R. Sinclair, RAN), was commissioned. COLLINS was laid down in The Australian Submarine Corporation Yard, Adelaide, SA, and launched on 28 August 1993. Lady Phyllis Collins, (Wife of VADM Sir John Collins, KBE, CB, RAN, (deceased)), performed the launching ceremony.

The characteristics and range of Collins Class submarines have been tailored specifically for its defence and two-ocean surveillance role in the Royal Australian Navy. Designed to be as quiet as advanced technology can achieve, Collins Class submarines have been developed from five generations of submarines designed and built by the Swedish Navy.

HMAS Collins (photo : ABC)

One of the first submarines to be totally designed by computers, these submarines boast a vast range of features. They include a high performance hull form, highly automated controls, low indiscretion rates, high shock resistance, efficient weapons handling, and an optional air-independent propulsion system.

Australia will build six submarines for RAN (photo : Kockum)

The submarine will move silently on electric power supplied by banks of new-technology lead-free batteries. The batteries are charged by three on-board diesel generator sets.

The sophisticated combat system, which gathers its intelligence from its sensors, computes the input and then launches and directs weapons, is an advance on any system currently available.

Each ship has been named after a distinguished former member of the RAN, some of whom have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

Based at HMAS Stirling in Western Australia, they are a formidable element in Australia's defence capability.

Sources : RAN History via Defense Studies