HMS Ambush (S120)

HMS Ambush is the second boat of the Astute Class: a new breed of nuclear-powered fleet submarine for the 21st century. Together with her sister vessels, HMS Ambush is one of the most sophisticated underwater vehicles ever built.

Role

Armed with Tomahawk land attack missiles and Spearfish heavyweight torpedoes, HMS Ambush represents the cutting edge of the United Kingdom’s military power. As an attack submarine, her mission is neatly summed up by her motto: Hide and Seek.

The nuclear reactor onboard HMS Ambush will never need to be refuelled during her 25-year service period, while the ability to purify her own water and air mean that her range is limited only by the amount of food onboard. As a result, HMS Ambush is capable of circumnavigating the globe without resurfacing.

Astute class

Unit history

1815

The first ship named Ambush

The first ship named Ambush to appear in Admiralty records was a gunboat mounting just two guns, bought in the West Indies in 1815 and sold later the same year.

1945

Launch and commissioning

The second HMS Ambush was an Amphion-class submarine. She was launched on 24 September 1945, weeks after the end of the war, and commissioned in 1947.

1971

Breaking up

HMS Ambush arrived at Inverkeithing for breaking up on 5 July 1971.

Join the Submarine Service

Life under the ocean isn’t for the faint-hearted. You’ll be pushed to your limits, but you’ll be rewarded for it too.