Photos: Australia's Submarines in Formation

Rarely, four of Australia's Collins-class submarines sailed in formation off the coast of Western Australia this week.

The submarines, HMAS Collins, HMAS Farncomb, HMAS Dechaineux and HMAS Sheean, were conducting exercises northwest of Rottnest Island.

The Collins class takes its name from Australian Vice Admiral John Augustine Collins; all six submarines are named after significant Royal Australian Navy personnel who distinguished themselves in action during World War II.

HMAS Collins

Displacement    
surfaced: 3,100 tons
dived: 3,407 tons

Dimensions

Length: 77.8 meters (255 feet)
Beam: 7.8 meters (26 feet)
Draft: 7 meters (23 feet)

Speed    
top speed: 20 knots
dived: 20 knots
surfaced: 10 knots
snorting: 10 knots

Range    
surfaced: 11,500 nautical miles
dived: 400 nautical miles
snorting: 9,000 nautical miles

Complement
sailors: 38
officers: 10
plus trainees