Royal Navy Vanguard Class submarine HMS Vigilant returning to HMNB Clyde after her extended deployment. The four Vanguard-class submarines form the UK's strategic nuclear deterrent force. Each of the the four boats is armed with Trident 2 D5 nuclear missiles. Like all submarines the Vanguard Class are steam powered, their reactors converting water into steam to drive the engines and generate electricity. (Wikipedia)
Daily Mail: The red button that could launch Britain's nuclear warheads - and the safe containing the PM's secret orders for war: A rare glimpse into the claustrophobic world of a Trident submarine
* HMS Vigilant opened up at HM Naval Base Clyde to reveal life underwater on a Vanguard Class submarine
* Base hosted visit by Defence Secretary Michael Fallon who underlined case for renewing Trident system
* Weapons Engineer Woods pictured on board Vigilant holding Weapons Engineer Officers Tactical Trigger
* Lieutenant Alexandra Olsson, the UK's first female submariner, seen on phone in the Vigilant control room
With its slightly chipped red grip and retro look, it could be the hand control for a Scalextric set or games console.
In fact, the device seen here for the first time is the trigger to Britain’s nuclear deterrent, a button that when pressed could destroy hundreds of thousands of lives.
It is in the hand of Lieutenant Commander Woods, the weapons engineer officer on HMS Vigilant, one of four Vanguard class submarines that carries up to eight Trident missiles armed with nuclear warheads.
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WNU Editor: Not for the claustrophobic.
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