¹⁄350

It well and truly looks like 2010 is the “Year of the Submarine” for the good folks at Hobby Boss.

Hobby Boss have now kindly released some detailed images relating to the forthcoming release of their 1/350th HMS Astute Submarine.

Take some time and check out these released images.

If the released images are any indication to go by this kitset will be fantastic.

The release date and suggested retail price have yet to be confirmed.

As always we will update you with more detail as it comes to hand.

Images courtesy of Hobby Boss and navaltechnology.com.

Ships History

HMS Astute (S119) is the lead ship of her class of nuclear-powered Fleet submarines. Astute was ordered from GEC's Marconi Marine (now BAE Systems Submarine Solutions) on 17 March 1997. She was laid down on 31 January 2001, 100 years to the day since the keel was laid down for Holland 1, the first Royal Navy submarine. The vessel was built at BAE's submarine facility in Barrow-in-Furness and was launched on 8 June 2007 by The Duchess of Cornwall.

Astute is the second submarine of the Royal Navy to be named for the characteristic of shrewdness and discernment. The first was HMS Astute (P447), an Amphion-class submarine launched during World War II. When commissioned, Astute will be one of the most 'advanced submarines in the world'.

The 7,400-tonne Astute’s nuclear reactor will not need to be refuelled during the boat's 25 year service. Since the submarine can purify water and air, she will be able to circumnavigate the planet without resurfacing. The main limit is that the submarine will only be able to carry three months' supply of food for 98 officers and ratings. Astute will carry Tomahawk cruise missiles.

HMS Astute was launched at BAE's submarine facility in Barrow-in-Furness on 8 June 2007 by The Duchess of Cornwall. The launch attracted more than 10,000 spectators. She is the first submarine built in the UK since HMS Vengeance, which was launched in 1998.

Astute left Barrow on 15 November 2009.

On 20 November 2009, Astute arrived at her home port at Faslane.

On 16 February 2010 Astute left Faslane for sea trials and dived for the first time on 18 February.

Astute is scheduled to be delivered to the Royal Navy at the end of 2010.

Ships History courtesy of Wikipedia