Built as the replacement for the Resolution (Polaris) Class. The Vanguard Class of Ballistic Missile Submarines  were announced by the Ministry of defense in 1980. The Class was to consist of 4 submarines HMS Vanguard, Victorious, Vigilant and Vengeance. and were to be armed with the American Trident UGM-93A Ballistic Missile.  the Missile system was  changed to the D5 Trident II.  `(The Trident II D5 Missile is the only ballistic Missile used by the Riyal navy. it is built by Lockheed Martin in the US. The Vanguard submarines can carry up to 16 missiles which is are capable of carrying 6 warheads. (British built Thermonuclear) But at present the British Government policy is to carry only 4 warheads instead of 6)The British Submarines share  Missiles with the US  Navy  which reduces costs. and the missiles are kept at Kings bay Georgia, where they are loaded onto the Submarines.

Displacement: 15,000 Tons (when diving)   Speed  25+ knots,  Armament: 16 Trident 2 D5 Missiles,   4 Torpedo Tubes.  Crew  132

Trident by Robert Barbour.

On Sunday October 25th 1992, HMS Vanguard, the Royal Navys first Trident equipped submarine, arrived off the Clyde Submarine Base, Faslane on the Gareloch. She was escorted by a Sea King helicopter from HMS Gannet, the RN shore base at Prestwick Airport, and a mixed surface flotilla, including Defence Police and Royal Marines.

Signed limited edition of 1250 prints. Special Promotion : This print is 30% off for a limited time only! Image size 17 inches x 12 inches (43cm x 31cm). Price £37.80

Limited edition of 50 artist proofs. Image size 17 inches x 12 inches (43cm x 31cm). Price £95.00

Original painting by Robert Barbour. . Price £650.00