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{{Short description|Class of diesel-electric attack submarine}} {{Use British English|date=June 2017}} {{Use dmy dates|date=February 2025}} {|{{Infobox ship begin }} {{Infobox ship image | Ship image = US Navy 111212-N-GU530-103 The Royal Canadian Navy long-range patrol submarine HMCS Victoria (SSK 876) arrives at Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor for a po.jpg | Ship caption = {{HMCS|Victoria|SSK 876|6}} at US [[Naval Base Kitsap]], December 2011 }} {{Infobox ship class overview | Name = *''Upholder'' class (UK) *''Victoria'' class (Canada) | Builders = [[Vickers Shipbuilding and Engineering Ltd|VSEL, Ltd]] and [[Cammell Laird|Cammell Laird Co.]] | Operators = * {{navy|United Kingdom}} * {{navy|Canada}} | Class before = {{sclass|Oberon|submarine|4}} | Class after = | Subclasses = | Cost = | Built range = | In service range = | In commission range = * RN: 2 June 1990 – October 1994 * [[Canadian Forces Maritime Command|CFMC]]/[[Royal Canadian Navy|RCN]]: December 2000 – present | Total ships building = | Total ships planned = 12 | Total ships completed = 4 | Total ships cancelled = 8 | Total ships active = 4 | Total ships laid up = | Total ships lost = | Total ships retired = | Total ships preserved = }}{{Infobox ship characteristics | Hide header = | Header caption = | Ship type = [[Diesel-electric submarine]] (Hunter Killer [[SSK (hull classification symbol)|SSK]]) | Ship displacement = {{convert|2455|t|LT|abbr=on}} | Ship length = {{convert|70.26|m|ftin|abbr=on}} | Ship beam = {{convert|7.2|m|ftin|abbr=on}} | Ship height = | Ship draught = {{convert|7.6|m|ftin|abbr=on}} | Ship power = | Ship propulsion = * [[Diesel-electric transmission|Diesel-electric]] – 1 shaft * 2 × [[Paxman Valenta]] {{convert|2,035|hp|MW|abbr=on}} 1600 RPA SZ diesels * 1 × GEC electric motor (5 MW) | Ship speed = * {{convert|12|kn}} (surface) * {{convert|20|kn}}+ (submerged) | Ship range = * {{convert|8000|nmi|abbr=on}} at {{convert|8|kn|abbr=on}} * {{convert|10000|nmi|abbr=on}} at [[submarine snorkel|snorkelling]] depth | Ship endurance = 30 days | Ship test depth = Over {{convert|656.17|ft|m|0|abbr=on}} | Ship complement = 59 | Ship sensors = * [[Lockheed Martin]] CCS 876 combat system * Submarine-Launched Expendable Bathythermograph (SSXBT): [[Lockheed Martin]] Mk-8 Bathythermograph * [[Periscope]]: * [[Thales Group]] CK-35/CH-85 * [[Sonar]]: ** [[Lockheed Martin]] AN/BQQ-10(v)7 Sonar System ** Type 2040 active/passive bow multibeam echo sounder with [[Lockheed Martin]] Echo Sounder Interface ** [[Passive Underwater Fire Control Feasibility System|BQG-501 micropuffs]] ** Type 2007 flank ** [[Ultra Electronics]] Submarine Towed Array Sonar System (SubTASS) ** Type 2019 active intercept * [[Fire-control system|Fire Control]]: Lockheed-Martin Librascope SFCS Mk 1 Mod C * [[Radar]]: Kelvin Hughes KH-1007 | Ship EW = | Ship armament = 6 x {{convert|21|in|mm|abbr=on|0}} torpedo tubes (18x [[Mark 48]] Mod 7 AT torpedoes) | Ship armour = | Ship aircraft = | Ship aircraft facilities = | Ship notes = }} |} The '''''Upholder''/''Victoria''-class submarines''', also known as the '''Type 2400''' (due to their displacement of 2,400 tonnes), are a [[Ship classification|class]] of [[Diesel-electric transmission|diesel-electric]] [[submarine]]s built in the United Kingdom in the 1980s to supplement the [[nuclear submarine]]s in the [[Royal Navy Submarine Service|Submarine Service]] of the British [[Royal Navy]]. The boats were originally named the ''Upholder'' class, after the most renowned vessel of the former [[British U-class submarine|U class]]. Their British service life was short, with the vessels being [[Ship commissioning#Ship decommissioning|decommissioned]] in 1994. After an [[Upholder/Victoria-class submarine#Failed sale to Pakistan|unsuccessful bid]] to transfer these submarines to the [[Pakistan Navy]] in 1993–1994, the Canadian government eventually purchased the submarines and a suite of trainers from the Royal Navy for [[Canadian Forces Maritime Command]] (renamed to [[Royal Canadian Navy]] in 2011) to replace their decommissioned {{sclass|Oberon|submarine|2}}s in 1998. In Canadian service, the submarines are classified as the ''Victoria'' class. These submarines initially suffered from serious electrical problems and were beset by mechanical operational incidents that limited their active service and the scope of their deployments. These problems have largely been overcome and the subs have achieved full operational capability. ==Design and development== [[File:HMCS VICTORIA.jpg|thumb|A cross-section of an ''Upholder''-class submarine]] In the late 1970s the United Kingdom [[Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom)|Ministry of Defence]] (MoD) proposed a diesel-electric submarine design to replace the ''Oberon'' class. The new submarine class was intended to provide a more cost-effective alternative for training and in coastal defence.<ref name=perkins155>Perkins, p. 155</ref> The announcement for the new design took place in September 1979.<ref name=gardiner532>Gardiner and Chumbley, p. 532</ref> Five designs were put forward, with the MoD selecting the 1,960-ton design. However, the need for export potential upped the [[Displacement (ship)|displacement]] limit to 2,400 tons to allow for flexibility in construction if the need for alternative machinery and systems arose.<ref name=perkins155/> The [[Vickers Shipbuilding and Engineering|Vickers Shipbuilding & Engineering Ltd.]] (VSEL) Type 2400 diesel-electric patrol submarine design was selected. The design displaces between 2,168 and 2,220 tons surfaced and 2,400–2,455 tons submerged.<ref name=gardiner532/><ref name=cocker123>Cocker, p. 123</ref><ref name=saunders88>Saunders, p. 88</ref> The submarines are {{convert|230|ft|7|in|m}} [[Length overall|long overall]] with a [[Beam (nautical)|beam]] of {{convert|25|ft|m}} and a [[Draft (ship)|draught]] of {{convert|17|ft|8|in}}.<ref name=gardiner532/><ref name=saunders88/><ref group=note>Cocker has the vessels at {{convert|230|ft|m|abbr=on}} long with a beam {{convert|25|ft|m}} and a draught of {{convert|27+1/2|ft|m}}.</ref> The submarines had a complement between 44 and 47 with the Royal Navy.<ref name=gardiner532/><ref name=cocker123/> The submarines have a single-skinned, teardrop-shaped hull constructed from NQ1 high tensile steel. The hull is fitted with [[elastomer]]ic acoustic tiles to reduce the submarine's [[acoustic signature]]. The class has a reported dive depth of over {{convert|650|ft|m}}.<ref name=saunders88/> ===Machinery=== The submarines are powered by a single-shaft diesel-electric system. They are equipped with two [[Paxman Valenta]] 1600 RPS SZ [[diesel engine]]s, each driving a {{convert|1.4|MW|lk=on|adj=on}} GEC electric [[alternator]]. There are two 120-cell [[Chloride batteries]].<ref name=gardiner532/><ref name=perkins196>Perkins, p. 196</ref> The batteries have a 90-hour endurance at {{convert|3|kn|lk=in}}.<ref name=perkins196/> The submarine is propelled by a {{convert|4.028|MW|adj=on}} GEC dual [[Armature (electrical engineering)|armature]] electric motor turning a seven-blade fixed pitch propeller.<ref name=perkins196/> This gives the vessels a maximum speed of {{convert|12|kn}} on the surface and {{convert|20|kn}} submerged. They have a diesel fuel capacity of 200 tons, giving a range of {{convert|8000|nmi|lk=in}} at {{convert|8|kn}} and {{convert|10000|nmi}} at [[Submarine snorkel|snorting]] depth.<ref name=gardiner532/><ref name=cocker123/> ===Armament=== The class is equipped with six {{convert|21|in|mm|adj=on|0}} [[torpedo tube]]s in the [[Bow (ship)|bow]].<ref name=gardiner532/><ref name=cocker123/> In British service, the submarines were supplied with up to 18 Marconi [[Tigerfish (torpedo)|Mk 24 Tigerfish]] Mod 2 torpedoes; they were also capable of using [[Harpoon (missile)|UGM-84 Sub-Harpoon]] missiles.<ref name=gardiner532/><ref name=cocker123/> They could also be adapted for use as a [[minelayer]].<ref name=cocker123/> The DCC Action Information Organisation and Fire Control System (AIS/FC), developed from the DCA/DCB systems in service at that time aboard Royal Navy nuclear-powered submarines, was based on two [[Ferranti#Computers|Ferranti FM1600E computers]] with a digital data bus linked to three dual-purpose consoles. Up to 35 targets could be tracked, and automatic guidance could be provided for four torpedoes against four separate targets.{{citation needed|date=May 2016}} During the refit for Canadian service, the Sub-Harpoon and [[naval mine|mine]] capabilities were removed and the submarines were equipped with the Lockheed Martin Librascope Submarine [[fire-control system]] (SFCS) to meet the operational requirements of the Canadian Navy. Components from the fire control system of the ''Oberon''-class submarines were installed.<ref>Perkins, p. 166</ref> This gave the submarines the ability to fire the Gould [[Mark 48 torpedo|Mk 48 Mod 4 torpedo]].<ref name=saunders88/> This torpedo, operating at {{convert|40|kn|km/h}}, is deployed against targets over a range of {{convert|50|km}}. The torpedo range is {{convert|38|km}} at speeds up to {{convert|55|kn|km/h}}. The type uses active and passive homing to approach the designated target. In 2014, the Government of Canada purchased 12 upgrade kits that will allow the submarines to fire the Mk 48 Mod 7AT torpedo.<ref name=dw>{{cite news|url=https://ottawacitizen.com/news/national/defence-watch/canadian-government-to-spend-41-million-for-torpedo-upgrade-kits-for-submarines |title=Canadian government to spend $41 million for torpedo upgrade kits for submarines |last=Pugliese |first=David |newspaper=Ottawa Citizen |date=26 September 2014 |access-date=6 October 2014}}</ref> ===Sensors and countermeasures=== As built, the ''Upholder'' class was equipped with the Kelvin Hughes Type 1007 I-band radar for navigational purposes. The submarines were fitted with the Type 2040 Thompson Sintra ARGONAUTE hull mounted sonar, installed in the bow and Type 2026 GEC Avionics passive towed array. The submarines had the Type 2019 Thompson Sintra PARIS passive sonar for active and intercept purposes. They also had the Type 2041 passive ranging sonar and the Type 2004 expendable bathythermograph. The class was fitted with Type 2008 underwater telephone.<ref name=perkins196/> The Type 2040 sonar was intended to be upgraded to Type 2075; however, that upgrade was cancelled in 1991.<ref name=gardiner532/><ref name=saunders88/> These systems were later upgraded with the installation of the BAE Type 2007 array and the Type 2046 towed array.<ref name=gardiner532/><ref name=saunders88/> The Canadian Towed Array Sonar (CANTASS) has been integrated into the towed sonar suite.<ref name=saunders88/> The ''Upholder''-class submarines were equipped with the CK035 electro-optical search periscope and the CH085 optronic attack periscope, originally supplied by Pilkington Optronics.<ref name=saunders88/><ref name=perkins196/> After the Canadian refit, the submarines were equipped with Canadian communication equipment and [[Electronic warfare support measures|electronic support measures]] (ESM). This included two SSE decoy launchers and the AR 900 ESM.<ref name=saunders88/> ==Construction and Royal Navy service== The plan initially called for twelve submarines to be built. However, formal approval was given in 1981 for the construction of only nine.<ref name=perkins155/><ref name=gardiner532/> The nine submarines were to be constructed in three stages, with Stage 1 being the construction of the prototype submarine, Stage 2 being the construction of three more follow-ons, and Stage 3 being the construction of five vessels with updated systems.<ref name=perkins155/> The MoD placed the order with VSEL for the Stage 1 submarine on 2 November 1983.<ref name=perkins155/> ''Upholder''{{'}}s [[keel]] was laid down at the VSEL shipyard at [[Barrow-in-Furness]] that month and the submarine was [[Ship naming and launching|launched]] on 2 December 1986.<ref name=gardiner532/><ref name=chircn/> The order for Stage 2 was placed on 2 January 1986 with the contract for the next three vessels going to [[Cammell Laird]], a subsidiary of VSEL. The cost announced for the program was [[Pound sterling|£]]620 million plus long-lead items.<ref name=perkins155/> The second submarine, ''Unseen'', was laid down at the Cammell Laird shipyard at [[Birkenhead]] on 12 August 1987 and launched on 14 November 1989.<ref name=vicrcn/> ''Ursula'' was laid down on 25 August 1987 and launched on 22 February 1991<ref name=corrcn/> and ''Unicorn'' was laid down on 13 March 1989 and launched on 16 April 1992.<ref name=winrcn/> ''Upholder'' was completed on 9 June 1990, followed by ''Unseen'' on 20 July 1991, ''Ursula'' on 8 May 1992 and ''Unicorn'' on 25 June 1993. Initially they were unable to fire torpedoes and the first three were refitted in 1992 and 1993 to have this fixed at a cost of £9 million. They were operating from {{HMS|Dolphin|shore establishment|6}} (at [[Gosport]]), but with only four submarines the base was deemed uneconomic and they transferred to [[HMNB Devonport|Devonport Naval Base]]. In their short period of service, the class operated mostly in the Atlantic Ocean, the Mediterranean and UK waters. The exception was ''Unicorn'', which completed a 6-month deployment east of [[Suez]], completing operations and exercises in the Mediterranean, the [[Gulf of Oman]] and Indian Ocean and in the Persian Gulf.{{citation needed|date=May 2016}} In 1992, the [[Defence Review]] announced the decision by the MoD to direct all further submarine expenditure to nuclear-powered submarines. In 1994, the Royal Navy abandoned the Type 2400 program after the first four submarines and Stage 3 was never ordered.<ref name=perkins155/> The ''Upholder'' class were declared surplus in 1994 and laid up.<ref name=gardiner532/><ref name=cocker123/> ''Unseen'' was [[Ship decommissioning|paid off]] on 6 April 1994,<ref name=vicrcn/> followed by ''Upholder'' on 29 April<ref name=winrcn/> and ''Ursula'' on 16 June.<ref name=corrcn/> These three submarines were laid up in June 1994.<ref name=mac298>Macpherson and Barrie, p. 298</ref> ''Unicorn'' was paid off on 16 October 1994 and laid up.<ref name=winrcn/><ref name=mac298/> ==Search for a buyer== ===Failed sale to Pakistan=== {{Main|Karachi affair}} In 1992, the United Kingdom learned that [[Pakistan]] had been in negotiations with [[France]] over the acquisition of submarines. The [[Second Sharif ministry|Sharif administration]] gave permission to the [[Pakistan Navy]] to acquire either diesel-electric powered or [[Air-independent propulsion|air-independent]] powered submarines. The Pakistan Navy's research team, comprising three admirals, visited [[Sweden]], China, France, and the United Kingdom. Original plans were to acquire the submarines from Sweden but later the acquisition of either the British ''Upholder''s or the French {{sclass|Agosta|submarine|4}} was recommended. During this time, Admiral [[Saeed Mohammad Khan|Saeed Khan]], the [[Chief of Naval Staff (Pakistan)|Chief of Naval Staff]] (CNS), had strongly suggested ''Upholder'' class vessels, but the [[Bainazir Bhuttoo Government|Bhutto administration]] chose French technology for several political and technical reasons.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/86201/agosta-submarine-deal-benazir-zardari-not-involved-ex-naval-spy-chief/ |title=Agosta submarine deal – Benazir, Zardari not involved: ex-naval spy chief |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180912230221/https://tribune.com.pk/story/86201/agosta-submarine-deal-benazir-zardari-not-involved-ex-naval-spy-chief/ |archive-date=12 September 2018 |work=The Express Tribune |date=5 December 2010 |access-date=12 September 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/archive/print/617254-ppp-govt,-not-navy,-purchased-french-subs,-in-a-deal |title=PPP govt, not Navy, purchased French subs, in a deal |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180728221406/https://www.thenews.com.pk/archive/print/617254-ppp-govt,-not-navy,-purchased-french-subs,-in-a-deal |archive-date=28 July 2018 |work=The News International |date=12 October 2011 |access-date=12 September 2018}}</ref> ===Sale to Canada=== Following the cancellation of the [[Canada-class submarine|Canadian nuclear-powered submarine]] program, the Canadian navy sought to acquire conventionally-powered submarines again.<ref name=milner307>Milner, p. 307</ref> The Canadian National Defence White Paper of 1994 stated the intent to explore the purchase of the ''Upholder'' class from the UK.<ref>Perkins, p. 157</ref> The choice faced opposition and the price of [[Canadian dollar|$]]1 billion that the MoD demanded stalled the decision by the [[Cabinet of Canada]] to go ahead with the purchase. In the meantime, the subs were offered to Portugal and Chile. In 1996, another attempt to purchase the subs by Canada was stopped soon after starting.<ref name=perkins158>Perkins, p. 158</ref> In the meantime, the UK spent millions maintaining the submarines.<ref name=milner307/> In April 1998, the Canadian government announced the potential acquisition of the ''Upholder'' class. The published cost was $750 million divided into two parts. $610 million was to be paid for the subs themselves and the remaining $140 million would cover related expenses.<ref name=perkins158/><ref name=milner308>Milner, p. 308</ref> On 3 July 1998, the deal was ratified and two contracts were signed simultaneously. The first was an eight-year interest-free lease-to-purchase agreement for the four submarines, five training simulators and assorted training and data packages. The lease payments were part of a barter agreement for the continued access by the UK to Canadian Forces bases [[CFB Wainwright|Wainwright]], [[CFB Suffield|Suffield]], and [[CFB Goose Bay|Goose Bay]].<ref name=perkins158/> The second contract was with VSEL for the refits required for the reactivation of the laid-up submarines. This included modifications for Canadian service, new batteries, a training program and all spare parts.<ref name=perkins158/> Although the Canadian government touted the $750 million CAD<ref name=defenseIndustryVictoriaClassProgram>{{cite web |title=Victoria Class Submarine Fleet Creating Canadian Controversies|date=4 December 2013|website=Defense Industry Daily|url=http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/sub-support-contract-creating-canadian-controversy-04563 |access-date=7 January 2014}}</ref> procurement as a bargain, there have been arguments over the quality of the submarines with some suggestions that the purchase price will be at least spent again putting things right. Some Canadian opposition parties demanded that the British government fund any further costs, since it is widely believed that the submarines deteriorated while in storage and the Royal Navy was not completely forthcoming on their condition during the sale. However, Stephen Saunders, editor of ''[[Jane's Fighting Ships]]'', argued that "there is not something inherently wrong with the class of submarines."<ref>{{cite encyclopedia|title=Upholder class (Type 2400)|url=http://www.ibiblio.org/maritime/media/index.php?cat=884|encyclopedia=MaritimeDigital Archive Encyclopedia|publisher=Frederic Logghe|access-date=7 January 2014}}</ref> In 2008, Babcock Canada was awarded the contract to support the ''Victoria'' class in Canadian service in the period up to 2023. The potential value of the contract was over CAD $3.6 billion and required establishing a supply chain in Canada to support and sustain the submarines. Every six to nine years each ''Victoria''-class boat undergoes an extended docking work period (EDWP) involving comprehensive maintenance, repair, overhaul or upgrading of over 200 systems including sonar upgrades, mast upgrades and combat system upgrades.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.canadiandefencereview.com/Featured_content?blog/125 |title=Babcock |website=canadiandefencereview.com |date=23 August 2018 |access-date=1 April 2021}}{{unreliable source?|date=April 2021}}</ref> ====Trainers==== ''Victoria''-class submarines use eight Submarine Command Team Trainers built for the Royal Navy. These were moved from the UK to Canada by [[CAE Inc.|CAE]], [[Computing Devices Canada]], [[General Dynamics]] Canada and [[Irving Shipbuilding]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.combatsim.com/memb123/cnews/arch/cnews-arc185.htm |title=Daily News |website=combatsim.com |date=10 January 2002 |access-date=22 May 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gdcanada.com/news/detail.cfm?prid=258 |title=General Dynamics Canada – News Releases |publisher=Gdcanada.com |access-date=28 December 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120425163301/http://www.gdcanada.com/news/detail.cfm?prid=258 |archive-date=25 April 2012 }}</ref> These devices are land-based systems using simulators and other training devices. ''Victoria''-class submarines also use a Canadian Submarine Escape Trainer, attached to a real submarine escape hatch to simulate escape procedures.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.navy.forces.gc.ca/cms/3/3-a_eng.asp?category=7&id=158 |title=Royal Canadian Navy: News – Domestic Stories – Homegrown Simulator Prepares Submariners for Emergency Escapes |publisher=Navy.forces.gc.ca |access-date=9 August 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130523040701/http://www.navy.forces.gc.ca/cms/3/3-a_eng.asp?category=7&id=158 |archive-date=23 May 2013 }}</ref> ==Canadian service== Upon acquiring the subs, Maritime Command suggested that the subs would be operational by 2000. This included an 18-month systems check. Each sub would undergo a six-month Canadian Work Period (CWP). During the CWP, Canadian communications and fire control systems were installed.<ref name=milner308/> On 6 October, ''Unseen'' was accepted by Canada at Barrow-in-Furness and renamed ''Victoria''. The submarine arrived in Canada on 23 October 2000 and was commissioned into Maritime Command on 2 December. She then underwent her CWP.<ref name=vicrcn/> [[File:HMCS Victoria SSK-876 near Bangor.jpg|thumb|HMCS ''Victoria'' at Naval Base Kitsap in October 2004, several years after her acquisition by the Royal Canadian Navy]] ''Unicorn'' was accepted by Canada and renamed ''Windsor'' on 5 July 2001. The sub sailed from [[HMNB Clyde|Faslane]] on 8 October, arriving at [[Halifax, Nova Scotia]] on 19 October 2001. During her sea trials, ''Windsor'' suffered minor flooding while submerged, forcing her early entry into the CWP.<ref name=winrcn/> ''Ursula'' was accepted by Canada and renamed ''Corner Brook'' on 21 February 2003. She departed Faslane on 25 February and arrived at Halifax on 10 March. ''Corner Brook'' was commissioned at her [[Corner Brook|namesake]] city on 29 June 2003.<ref name=vicrcn/> On 29 June 2003, following the completion of her CWP, ''Victoria'' transferred to the west coast, arriving at [[Esquimalt, British Columbia]] on 24 August.<ref name=vicrcn/> ''Windsor'' was commissioned into Maritime Command during her CWP on 4 October 2003.<ref name=winrcn/> The crew of {{HMCS|Onondaga|S73|2}}, the last Canadian ''Oberon'', transferred to ''Upholder'', the last of the class to transfer in July 2000.<ref name=milner308/> The sub was accepted by Canada on 2 October 2004 at Faslane and renamed ''Chicoutimi''.<ref name=chircn/> ===''Chicoutimi'' fire=== ''Chicoutimi'' cleared Faslane on 4 October 2004 on her homeward journey to Canada. Since Faslane was a nuclear submarine base, ''Chicoutimi'' was forced to travel on the surface for the first stage of the passage. On 5 October ''Chicoutimi'' was passing through a gale with {{convert|6|m|adj=on}} seas. During a watch change at 03:00 sea water entered the conning tower. The lower hatch prevented the water from entering the sub; however, the drain in the tower failed to operate. When the lower hatch was opened, the water fell into the sub and was then pumped overboard with the incident noted. The drain valves required much repair before diving. At 10:52 two crew entered the tower to perform the needed repairs. The upper hatch was opened during the repair and after roughly 25 minutes, another tool was needed from within the sub. Once the lower hatch was opened, the submarine was hit by a large wave thereby throwing roughly {{convert|500|impgal|L}} of sea water into ''Chicoutimi''. Electrical explosions and fire erupted soon afterward which spread quickly. In order to fight the fire, all systems aboard the submarine were shut down, leaving the submarine dead in the water. An attempt to restore auxiliary power caused another fire to break out. At 19:12, attempts to remove smoke by starting an [[oxygen generator]] caused another fire. Nine sailors were injured, three seriously.<ref>Milner, pp. 323–4</ref> The first ship on the scene was the Irish patrol vessel {{ship|LÉ|Róisín|P51|6}}, which suffered damage in the heavy seas and was forced to return to port.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/1473471/Severe-weather-hinders-submarine-rescue.html |title= Severe weather hinders submarine rescue|date=6 October 2004 |website=The Daily Telegraph |access-date=14 June 2017 }}</ref> The British frigate {{HMS|Montrose|F236|6}} arrived the following day to provide aid. Rescue efforts had been hampered by the poor weather. The three seriously injured crewmen were evacuated by ''Montrose''{{'}}s helicopter and flown directly to [[Sligo]], Ireland. One sailor died of his injuries shortly after arrival. ''Chicoutimi'' was taken in tow on 7 October and arrived back at Faslane on 9 October.<ref>Milner, pp. 324–5</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/3719760.stm|title=Rescue ship reaches sub crew|publisher=BBC News|access-date=23 May 2016|date=7 October 2014}}</ref> [[File:Tern1.jpg|thumb|HMCS ''Chicoutimi'' aboard the heavy-lift ship ''Tern'', April 2009]] ''Chicoutimi'' was transported to Halifax aboard the submersible heavy-lift vessel ''Eide Transporter'', arriving on 1 February 2005. The commissioning of the submarine was delayed until the assessment of the damage could take place. Following the assessment, ''Chicoutimi'' was carried to Esquimalt aboard the submersible heavy-lift ship ''Tern'', arriving on 29 April 2009 to undergo a major refit.<ref name=chircn/> ===Service entry=== ''Windsor'' became the first active member of the class in Canadian service in June 2005. In the following year and a half, the submarine took part in several international naval exercises and training periods with other Canadian units.<ref name=winrcn/> ''Victoria'' performed several sea trials and training exercises before beginning a major refit, called the Extended Docking Work Period (EDWP), on 27 June 2005.<ref name=vicrcn/> ''Corner Brook'' entered her CWP from 2004 to 2005 and began sea trials on 24 October 2006.<ref name=corrcn/> [[File:HMCS Corner Brook.jpg|thumb|left|HMCS ''Corner Brook'' passing [[Fort Amherst, St. John's|Fort Amherst]] and entering St. John's Harbour, {{circa|2006}}]] On 15 January 2007, ''Windsor'' began the EDWP refit at Halifax.<ref name=winrcn/> In 2007 ''Corner Brook'' participated in the [[NATO]] naval exercise "Joint Warrior", marking the first time in fifteen years that a Canadian submarine had sailed in European waters. In August 2007, ''Corner Brook'' participated in [[Operation Nanook (2007)|Operation Nanook]], Canada's naval exercise in the Arctic.<ref name=corrcn/> In March 2008, ''Corner Brook'' deployed as part of [[Operation Caribbe]] in the Caribbean Sea.<ref name=corrcn/> In August 2009 ''Corner Brook'' again deployed to the Arctic as part of [[Operation Nanook (2009)|Operation Nanook]].<ref name=corrcn/> On 30 January 2011 ''Corner Brook'' left Halifax to transfer to the west coast. On the way, the submarine participated in Operation Caribbe. She arrived at Esquimalt on 5 May 2011.<ref name=corrcn/> On 4 June 2011, ''Corner Brook'' while diving off the coast of [[British Columbia]] slammed into the seafloor at {{convert|11|km/h|kn|order=flip}} at a depth of {{convert|45|m}}. Two sailors were injured in the collision and the submarine suffered significant damage, with a {{convert|2|m|adj=on}} hole in the bow. Two torpedo tube doors were torn off in the collision.<ref>{{cite news |last=Gordon |first=Rob |url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/navy-submarine-damage-severe-internal-report-says-1.1353463 |title=Navy submarine damage severe, internal report says |newspaper=CBC News |date=16 July 2013 |access-date=23 May 2016}}</ref> The submarine surfaced and made port without requiring aid.<ref name=corrcn/> The commander of the submarine was later stripped of his command following a board of inquiry.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.vicnews.com/news/135762268.html |title=Sub commander stripped of command after underwater crash |newspaper=Victoria News |date=16 December 2011 |access-date=23 May 2016}}</ref> Repairs and a major refit kept the sub out of operational service until 2018.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/canadian-pre-owned-submarine-fleet-finally-ready-for-operations/article23236697/ |title=Canadian pre-owned submarine fleet finally ready for operations |last=Chase |first=Steven |newspaper=The Globe and Mail |date=27 February 2015 |access-date=25 May 2016}}</ref> ''Victoria'' emerged from the EDWP at the end of 2011.<ref name=vicrcn/> [[File:120717-O-ZZ999-004-CA4 (7609995958).jpg|thumb|{{USNS|Concord}} sinks in the Pacific Ocean after being used as a target vessel by HMCS ''Victoria'' during [[Exercise RIMPAC|RIMPAC naval exercise]], July 2012]] ''Victoria'' was declared fully operational in March 2012 and participated in the [[Exercise RIMPAC|RIMPAC naval exercise]] that year, sinking ex-{{USNS|Concord|T-AFS-5|6}} with one of her torpedoes.<ref name=vicrcn/> ''Windsor'' finished her refit on 30 November 2012.<ref name=winrcn/> ''Victoria'' participated in Operation Caribbe in 2013.<ref name=vicrcn/> ''Windsor'' reentered the dockyard in March 2014 requiring the replacement of a defective diesel generator.<ref name=winrcn/> ''Windsor'' performed a 105-day training cruise in 2015, making it the longest deployment by a ''Victoria''-class submarine. The submarine participated in training exercises with NATO and several navies in the North Atlantic.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://atlantic.ctvnews.ca/hmcs-windsor-returns-to-halifax-following-longest-mission-for-victoria-class-sub-1.2704560 |title=HMCS Windsor returns to Halifax following longest mission for Victoria-class sub |newspaper=CTV News Atlantic |date=17 December 2015 |last=Auld |first=Allison |agency=The Canadian Press |access-date=23 May 2016}}</ref> During the cruise, ''Windsor'' was deployed to track five submarines from another nation that had entered the North Atlantic.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/hmcs-windsor-submarine-canada-navy-greenwood-subs-halifax-1.3601633 |title=Incident in North Atlantic last fall shows why Canada needs submarines, navy says |work=CBC News |last=Ruskin |first=Brett |date=26 May 2016 |access-date=28 May 2016}}</ref> Canada announced plans for a major life extension for the class on 7 April 2015, possibly to start in 2020. The estimated cost for the program would be between $1.5 and $2 billion CAN.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.defensenews.com/story/defense/naval/submarines/2015/05/02/canada-submarine-naval-victoria/26603667/ |title=Canada Plans Major Sub-Life Extension |last=Pugliese |first=David |website=defensenews.com |date=2 May 2015 |access-date=23 May 2016}}</ref> [[File:HMCS Chicoutimi Yokosuka Oct 2017 (cropped).jpg|thumb|HMCS ''Chicoutimi'' being assisted by a tugboat after her arrival at [[United States Fleet Activities Yokosuka]], October 2017]] On 3 September 2015, ''Chicoutimi'' was commissioned into the Royal Canadian Navy at Esquimalt.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.lookoutnewspaper.com/stealthy-sleek-chicoutimi-officially-joins-fleet/ |title=Stealthy, sleek Chicoutimi officially joins the fleet |newspaper=CFB Esquimalt Lookout |last=Mallett |first=Peter |date=14 September 2015 |access-date=25 May 2016}}</ref> However, the sub was restricted to shallow-water diving.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/rebuilt-hmcs-chicoutimi-submarine-to-return-to-navy-1.2486251 |title=Rebuilt HMCS Chicoutimi submarine to return to navy |work=CBC News |agency=The Canadian Press |date=6 January 2014 |access-date=25 May 2016}}</ref> In October 2015, ''Chicoutimi'' was among the Canadian vessels sent to participate in a joint exercise with the [[United States Navy]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://ottawacitizen.com/news/national/defence-watch/hmcs-chicoutimi-hmcs-vancouver-and-hmcs-calgary-taking-part-in-u-s-exercise |last=Pugliese |first=David |title=HMCS Chicoutimi, HMCS Vancouver and HMCS Calgary taking part in U.S. exercise |newspaper=Ottawa Citizen |date=24 October 2015 |access-date=25 May 2016}}</ref> ''Chicoutimi'' and ''Victoria'' were taken out of active service in 2016 after hundreds of welds were found to not meet quality standards, affecting the ability of the subs to dive. They were docked at Esquimalt for several months.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/submarine-welding-repairs-hmcs-chicoutimi-victoria-1.3584592 |title=Wonky welds keep West Coast submarines stuck in port |work=CBC News |last=Beeby |first=Dean |date=17 May 2016 |access-date=25 May 2016}}</ref> ''Chicoutimi'' was repaired first, followed by ''Victoria''. ''Victoria'' was used for training purposes until repairs were effected.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/hmcs-chicoutimi-submarine-halifax-navy-1.3607994 |title=Submarine HMCS Chicoutimi will be operational next year, navy commander says |newspaper=CBC News |agency=The Canadian Press |date=30 May 2016 |access-date=1 June 2016}}</ref> In September 2017, Canada deployed ''Chicoutimi'' on patrol in Asian waters, the first such deployment by a ''Victoria''-class submarine.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/canada-deploys-victoria-class-hmcs-chicoutimi-submarine-to-asia-1.4343380 |title=Canada deploys Victoria-class HMCS Chicoutimi submarine to Asia |work=CBC News |last=Ruskin |first=Brett |date=6 October 2017 |access-date=7 October 2017}}</ref> During the deployment, ''Chicoutimi'' marked the first visit to Japan by a Canadian submarine since 1968. The vessel returned to Canada on 21 March 2018 spending 197 days at sea, the longest deployment by a ''Victoria''-class submarine in Canadian service.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.timescolonist.com/news/local/esquimalt-based-submarine-back-in-port-after-epic-journey-1.23209423 |title=Esquimalt-based submarine back in port after epic journey |last=Watts |first=Richard |work=Times Colonist |date=21 March 2018 |access-date=24 March 2018}}</ref> ===Life extension and replacement=== Under the [[Justin Trudeau]] government's defence policy paper, ''Strong Secure Engaged'' (2017), the operational life of each ''Victoria''-class boat was to be extended by one additional "life-cycle" (or by about eight years).<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/corporate/policies-standards/canada-defence-policy.html |title=Strong Secure Engaged |publisher=Government of Canada |date=6 August 2020 |access-date=11 August 2020}}</ref> This was designed to permit the operation of the fleet into about the early to mid-2030s. As of 2020 no decision had been taken on the actual replacement of Canada's submarines which were then already thirty years old. Analysis by the Naval Association of Canada indicated that the lead times, technical challenges and costs involved in submarine replacement would be significant were such a program to be initiated.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.navalassoc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Niobe-Paper-4-Collins.pdf |title=Towards a Renewed Submarine Capability |last=Collins |first=Jeffrey F. |series=Niobe Papers |number=4 |publisher=Naval Association of Canada |date=July 2019 |access-date=11 August 2020}}</ref> According to John Ivison, Canadian navy personnel assessed six submarines that could be a potential replacement. They consist of the conventional {{sclass2|Barracuda|submarine|4||France}}, the [[Type 212CD submarine|Type 212CD]], the {{sclass|Taigei|submarine|4}}, the [[KSS-III submarine|KSS-III class]], the [[S-80 Plus-class submarine|''Isaac Peral'' class]] and the {{sclass|Blekinge|submarine|4}}.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://nationalpost.com/opinion/ivison-buying-new-canadian-submarines-not-inevitable |title=John Ivison: New Canadian submarines are 'inevitable,’ says Blair. Acquiring them will be anything but |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240514214958/https://nationalpost.com/opinion/ivison-buying-new-canadian-submarines-not-inevitable#selection-3139.111-3139.482 |archive-date=14 May 2024 |work=National Post |last=Ivison |first=John |date=14 May 2024}}</ref> On 10 July 2024, the Government of Canada announced the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP). Up to 12 conventionally powered submarines are to be acquired for the RCN.<ref>{{Cite web |publisher=Department of National Defence |date=10 July 2024 |title=Canada launching process to acquire up to 12 conventionally-powered submarines |url=https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/news/2024/07/canada-launching-process-to-acquire-up-to-12-conventionally-powered-submarines.html}}</ref> An RFI was issued by Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) in September 2024.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.marinelog.com/news/canadian-releases-patrol-submarine-rfi/ |title=Canada releases patrol submarine RFI |work=Marine Log |last=Blenkey |first=Nick |date=19 September 2024 |access-date=23 September 2024}}</ref> On 21 November, it was reported that the ''Taigei'' class was no longer being considered.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.hilltimes.com/story/2024/11/21/japan-not-taking-part-in-procurement-bid-for-canadian-navys-new-subs/442454/ |title=Japan not taking part in procurement bid for Canadian Navy's new subs |work=The Hill Times |last1=Koca |first1=Irem |last2=Moss |first2=Neil |date=21 November 2024 |access-date=10 February 2025}}</ref> David Pugliese in the ''[[Ottawa Citizen]]'' reported that former navy officers estimated the program costs would be around $100 billion with the first new submarines estimated to be ready by 2037.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://ottawacitizen.com/news/national/defence-watch/first-submarine-in-new-canadian-fleet-wont-be-operational-until-2037-navy-confirms |title=First submarine in new Canadian fleet won't be operational until 2037, navy confirms |work=Ottawa Citizen |last=Pugliese |first=David |date=23 September 2024 |access-date=3 October 2024}}</ref> ==Boats in class== {| border="1" class="wikitable collapsible" |+ ''Upholder''/''Victoria'' class construction data<ref group=note>The construction dates of these submarines vary widely from source to source. Dates here are those provided by the Royal Canadian Navy unless otherwise stated.</ref> |-valign="top" ! rowspan = 2 | British name ! rowspan = 2 | Pennant no. ! rowspan = 2 | Builder ! rowspan = 2 width = 72| Laid down ! rowspan = 2 width = 72| Launched ! colspan = 2 | British service ! rowspan = 2 | Canadian name ! rowspan = 2 width = 72 | Hull no. ! colspan = 2 | Canadian service |--valign="top" ! width = 72| Commissioned ! width = 72| Paid off ! width = 72| Commissioned ! width = 72| Status |--valign="top" |- |scope="row"| ''Upholder''<ref name=chircn>{{cite web |url=http://www.navy-marine.forces.gc.ca/en/fleet-units/chicoutimi-history.page |title=Her Majesty's Canadian Ship (HMCS) Chicoutimi (SSK 879) |publisher=Royal Canadian Navy |access-date=22 May 2016}}</ref> | S 40 | [[Vickers Shipbuilding and Engineering|VSEL]], [[Barrow-in-Furness]] | November 1983 | 2 December 1986 | 9 June 1990 | 29 April 1994 | {{HMCS|Chicoutimi|SSK 879|2}} | SSK 879 | 3 September 2015 | In active service |- |scope="row"| ''Unseen''<ref name=vicrcn>{{cite web |url=http://www.navy-marine.forces.gc.ca/en/fleet-units/victoria-history.page |title=Her Majesty's Canadian Ship (HMCS) Victoria (SSK 876) |publisher=Royal Canadian Navy |access-date=22 May 2016}}</ref> | S 41 | rowspan=3 | [[Cammell Laird]], [[Birkenhead]] | 12 August 1987 | 14 November 1989 | 20 July 1991 | 6 April 1994 | {{HMCS|Victoria|SSK 876|2}} | SSK 876 | 2 December 2000 | In active service |- |scope="row"| ''Ursula''<ref name=corrcn>{{cite web |url=http://www.navy-marine.forces.gc.ca/en/fleet-units/cornerbrook-history.page |title=Her Majesty's Canadian Ship (HMCS) Corner Brook (SSK 878) |publisher=Royal Canadian Navy |access-date=22 May 2016}}</ref> | S 42 | 28 August 1987 | 22 February 1991 | 8 May 1992 | 16 June 1994 | {{HMCS|Corner Brook||2}} | SSK 878 | 29 June 2003 | In active service |- |scope="row"| ''Unicorn''<ref name=winrcn>{{cite web |url=http://www.navy-marine.forces.gc.ca/en/fleet-units/windsor-history.page |title=Her Majesty's Canadian Ship (HMCS) Windsor (SSK 877) |publisher=Royal Canadian Navy |access-date=22 May 2016}}</ref> | S 43 | 13 March 1989 | 16 April 1992 | 25 June 1993 | 16 October 1994 | {{HMCS|Windsor||2}} | SSK 877 | 4 October 2003 | In active service |- |} ==See also== {{Portal|Canada}} * [[List of submarine classes in service]] * {{sclass|Collins|submarine|1}} – Australian ''Oberon'' replacement * {{sclass2|Scorpène|submarine|1}} – Chilean ''Oberon'' replacement * {{sclass2|Canada|submarine|1}}, a 1987 proposal for a class of nuclear-powered attack submarines that was cancelled in 1989 ==Notes== {{Reflist|group=note}} ==Citations== {{Reflist}} ==Sources== * {{cite book |last=Cocker |first=Maurice |date=2008 |title=Royal Navy Submarines: 1901 to the Present Day |publisher=Pen and Sword Books Ltd. |location=[[Barnsley]], UK |isbn=978-1-84415-733-4}} * {{cite book |editor-last=Gardiner |editor-first=Robert |editor-last2=Chumbley |editor-first2=Stephen |editor-last3=Budzbon |editor-first3=Przemysław |date=1995 |title=Conway's All the World's Fighting Ships 1947–1995 |publisher=Naval Institute Press |location=Annapolis, Maryland |isbn=1-55750-132-7}} * {{cite book |last1=Macpherson |first1=Ken |last2=Barrie |first2=Ron |date=2002 |title=The Ships of Canada's Naval Forces 1910–2002 |edition=Third |publisher=Vanwell Publishing |location=St. Catharines, Ontario |isbn=1-55125-072-1}} * {{cite book |last=Milner |first=Marc |date=2010 |title=Canada's Navy: The First Century |edition=Second |publisher=University of Toronto Press |location=Toronto |isbn=978-0-8020-9604-3}} * {{cite book |last=Perkins |first=J. David |date=2000 |title=The Canadian Submarine Service in Review |publisher=Vanwell Publishing Limited |location=St. Catharines, Ontario |isbn=1-55125-031-4}} * {{cite book |editor-first=Stephen |editor-last=Saunders |date=2004 |title=Jane's Fighting Ships 2004–2005 |publisher=Jane's Information Group |location=Alexandria, Virginia |isbn=0-7106-2623-1}} ==Further reading== *{{cite book |editor-last=Darman |editor-first=Peter |date=2004 |title=Twenty-first Century Submarines and Warships |series=Military Handbooks|location=Rochester |publisher=Grange Books |isbn=1-84013-678-2}} *{{cite book |last1=Miller |first1=David |last2=Jordan |first2=John |date=1987 |title=Modern Submarine Warfare |location=New York |publisher=Military Press |isbn=0-517-64647-1}} *{{cite book |last=Miller |first=David |date=1989 |title=Modern Submarines |location=New York |publisher=Prentice Hall Press |series=Combat Arms |isbn=0-13-589102-7}} ==External links== {{Commons category|Upholder/Victoria class submarines}} * [https://web.archive.org/web/20090607134408/http://www.navy.forces.gc.ca/victoria/ HMCS Victoria Website] * [http://www.hazegray.org/navhist/canada/current/upholder/ Canadian Navy of Yesterday & Today] * [http://rnsubs.co.uk/boats/subs/upholder-class.html RN Subs 1990 – 1994: Upholder Class] {{Upholder/Victoria class submarine}} {{UK submarine classes after 1945}} {{Royal Canadian Navy}} {{Authority control}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Upholder Victoria-class submarine}} [[Category:Submarine classes]] [[Category:Upholder/Victoria-class submarines| ]]
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