Written question asked by Julian Huppert (Liberal Democrat) on Friday, 29 October 2010, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 3 November 2010. It was answered by Peter Luff (Conservative) on Monday, 22 November 2010 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Nuclear Submarines

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the design life, expressed in effective full-power years, is of the PWR2 (a) reactor pressure vessel and (b) nuclear steam raising plant.

Answer: [holding answer 3 November 2010]: The PWR2 Nuclear Steam Raising Plant is fitted to Vanguard Class and Astute Class submarines. The design life of the PWR2, which includes the PWR2 Reactor Pressure Vessel, is expressed in calendar years rather than effective full-power years.The PWR2 Nuclear Steam Raising Plant design life, including the PWR2 Reactor Pressure Vessel, is 25 years.The Trident Value for Money Review considered the feasibility of extending the life of the Vanguard Class submarines beyond 25 years and analysis continues in support of the planned life extension.

Secondary information