- Author
- A.N. Other
- Subjects
- Ship design and development
- Tags
- RAN Ships
- HMAS Farncomb
- Publication
- September 2011 edition of the Naval Historical Review (all rights reserved)
Collins problems were well documented and extensively reported. However the issues were very well understood and effective technical and engineering solutions were identified and implemented. It was not a simple or quick process and Australia’s Collins class submarines were subjected to a program of continuous, incremental, improvement which will continue throughout their service lives.
Since their acceptance into service, our Collins class boats have been quietly getting on with what they do best; exercising with our allies, overseas deployments and continuing the very extensive development program required keeping pace with emerging technologies.
There is now little doubt, as evidenced by results achieved in extensive exercises, over a prolonged period, that the Collins class is the most capable conventionally powered submarine in existence, providing an essential and very cost effective element in our total force structure. That these submarines were built here in Australia by Australians, despite the criticisms, difficulties and delays, is a truly remarkable achievement that will ultimately be recognized as such.