A VLS is becoming a must have on a new sub, the Americans are fitting extras to their new boats, and Saab are even offering VLS on their upcoming SSK. I think it's fairly safe to say a next gen British boat will have some kind of payload module.Repulse wrote:I’ve said before, but I think the new Dreadnoughts should be built in larger numbers as hybrid SSBNs and SSGNs, though only in one role at any time (3 SSBNs and 3 SSGNs). It sounds fantasy but a fully loaded sub with Cruise Missiles is a Big Stick that would compliment perfectly or act independently from the CSG.
Instead of building 2 more Dreadnought's, I will propose building follow on a shorter sub-class, with with all but 2 of the missile tubes removed for various payloads. We're investing such an incredible sum in this new class, we have to stretch out that investment a bit more, and get some extra boats out of the same design.
I do find your suggestion of dropping down to three SSBN's interesting; usually I would write off the idea because it removes the layer of redundancy required for a water tight full time deterrent. However if their is a sub-class that could provide that redundancy, is it then acceptable to drop down to thee boats?