Submarine Gallery

SSC Sang-O Class

2011-04-07T01:08:00.002+07:00

While the North Korean submarine force reflects dated technology by Western standards, North Korean submarines during wartime would present significant challenges, particularly in coastal areas. North Korea has placed high priority on submarine construction programs which are ongoing despite its economic hardships. An example of this is the SANGO SSC, a simple submarine constructed in two variants, for use in the covert insertion of Special Operations Forces (SOF), mining or antisurface warfare. The submarine comes in two different variants, one with torpedoe tubes and the second without but with the capability to lay mines.

The Sang-O (Shark) class submarines are used for special forces infiltration into South Korea and have at times been captured by ROK forces. According to Janes Fighting Ships 2002-3 Sang-o class submarines began to be constructed in 1991 at Sinpo and were be constructing at 4-6 a year by 1996. Reports indicate that only three were built in 1997 and it is unclear what was produced in the following years.

Bitter enemies since the outbreak of war in 1950, the two Koreas remain divided by the most heavily guarded border in the world - one the North regularly attempts to penetrate. The 18 September 1996 grounding of a North Korean submarine filled with 25 heavily armed commandos - stunned the South as communist soldiers waded ashore 90 miles northeast of Seoul. Deadly skirmishes followed for two months as the commandos attempted to flee north, with most of the team being killed along with several South Korean soldiers and innocent civilians. The North Korean submarine got stranded on some underwater rocks, forcing the crew to get out and try to return to North Korea. This prompted a deadly manhunt that lasted over a month (25 of the 26 crew members were shot dead and the South Korean casualties, civil and military, tallied 17).

Once inside the submarine one really wonders how 26 people could have fit in such a cramped space – let alone live. Following this incident, North Korea officially apologized and assured that he would do all his best to prevent such a thing from happening again. Two years later another submarine, a much smaller Yugo class, was found entangled in South Korean fishing nets

Unification Park is composed of unification security pavilion. It was opened in September 26, 2001. To display the tanks and field artillery additionally in the outdoor exhibition area in the future, revitalization of local economy can be achieved in connection with the Jeongdongjin Sunrise Resort displaying the artillery of the armed forces fro the first time in the nation. In addition to the pavilion of North Korean submarine moved and displayed in the site in May 1998, the retired warship, Jeonbukham, was lent for free to Gangneung in order to be reused as an education arena of national security culture from the navy.

Specifications
Displacement: tons submerged, surfaced
Length: 116.5 ft
Beam: 12.5 ft
Draft: 12.1 ft
Propulsion: Diesel electric
Maximum: Speed 7.6 kts surfaced
7.2 kts snorting
8.9 kts submerged
Mines: 16(?)
Torpedoes: 2-4, 21 inch tubes (533mm) [in some]
Russian Type 53-56 torpedoes
Crew: 19 + 6 divers

Source: GlobalSecurity

North Korea Tests New Submarine in Naval Drills

2011-04-06T21:46:00.000+07:00

North Korea's 40m long Sango class submarine (photo : Yonhap)

SEOUL, (Yonhap) -- North Korea has strengthened the intensity of its naval drills this year by deploying a new submarine, prompting South Korea's military to raise its level of vigilance, a government source here said Wednesday.

"North Korea is on naval maneuvers near its bases off the East Sea and Yellow Sea by mobilizing five to six submarines, including a new Sango class submarine," the source said on the condition of anonymity.

"Our military is closely monitoring activities of the North Korean military because it is unusual for the North to strengthen the intensity of its submarine drills," the source said.

In addition to its rudimentary 35-meter-long Sango class submarines, the North recently put the new 40-meter-long Sango submarines into service, according to the source.

On Tuesday, Defense Minister Kim Kwan-jin told lawmakers that his military is carefully watching the eastern and western sea borders with North Korea as the North's armed forces have staged seaborne infiltration drills.

Tensions on the Korean Peninsula remain high following the North's two deadly military attacks last year, which killed a total of 50 South Koreans.

The South's military bolstered firepower and surveillance systems near the sea borders with North Korea to counter any possible attacks from the North.

(Yonhap)

Defense Studies

Colombia Navy Seizes Drugs Submarine

2011-02-15T21:31:00.003+07:00

The ocean-going, submersible vessel was ready to embark on its maiden voyage, and is capable of travelling long distances.

"It is the first submersible to be seized in the country," said General Jaime Herazo.

The raid was made on Sunday in the remote jungle region of Cauca, close to the Pacific coast, where the submarine was hidden on a river.

The captured vessel "can travel up to 9 metres (depth) underwater," Gen Herazo added, and costs an estimated £1.32 million. The vessels can reach speeds of around 11mph.

Photo: ColombiaReport

Made out of fibreglass, the submarine has the capacity to carry four crew members. Narco submarines, as they are known, are designed specifically to be nearly undetectable visually or by radar, sonar and infrared systems because they travel just below the surface of the water.

Gen Herazo believes that the ship belongs to "narco-traffickers coupled with narco-terrorists, who received a heavy blow [due to its capture]".

However, no arrests have been made in connection to the discovery, which resulted from a joint operation by the Colombian navy, air force and the inspector general.

Source: The Telegraph

Dead Aim, Or Dead End? The USA’s DDG-1000 Zumwalt Class Program

2011-02-15T09:02:00.000+07:00

15-Feb-2011 12:31 UTC

Related Stories: Americas - USA, BAE, Boeing, Budgets, Coastal & Littoral, Contracts - Awards, Design Innovations, Electronics - General, FOCUS Articles, General Dynamics, Issues - Political, Lobbying, Lockheed Martin, New Systems Tech, Surface Ships - Combat, T&C - IBM, Transformation

67% of the fleet

FY 2012 budget request; Navigation system tested; minor support contract. (Feb 15/11)
The prime missions of the new DDG-1000 Zumwalt-class destroyer are to provide naval gunfire support and next-generation air defense in near-shore areas where other large ships hesitate to tread, possibly even as the anchor for an action group of stealthy Littoral Combat Ships and submarines. The estimated 14,500t (cruiser sized) Zumwalt-class will be fully multi-role, however, with undersea warfare, anti-ship, and long-range surface attack roles.

True, or False?

That makes the DDG-1000 suitable or another role – as a “hidden ace card,” using its overall stealth to create uncertainty for enemy forces. At over $3 billion per ship for construction alone, however, the program faced significant obstacles if it wanted to avoid fulfilling former Secretary of the Navy Donald Winter’s fears for the fleet. From the outset, DID has noted that the Zumwalt-class might face the same fate as the ultra-sophisticated, ultra-expensive SSN-21 Seawolf Class submarines. That appears to have come true, with news of the program’s truncation to just 3 ships. Meanwhile, production continues. DID’s FOCUS Article for the DDG-1000 program covers the new ships’ capabilities and technologies, key controversies, associated contracts and costs, and related background resources…
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Subscribe now to DII and stay on top of technical developments, and contract news involving the USA's 14,500 ton stealth destroyer. Coverage includes:
The DDG-1000's convoluted program history, and program cost controversiesNew technologies including a different hull type and new superstructure for improved stealth, all-electric power that could drive futuristic weapons, its AGS 155mm long-range guns, improved weapon launch systems, and a new approach to onboard computing.The ship's corresponding questions, including stealth, naval fire support effectiveness, and its effect on the Navy's force structureTracking of USD billions in contracts and ordersCoverage of key reports and of technical and political developments within the program.Links to related DID stories such as "The Lion in Winter: Government, Industry, and US Naval Shipbuilding Challenges," and "USA: A 21st Century Maritime Posture for an Uncertain Future"Over 15 photos and illustrations
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Anti-submarine grenade launcher demo onboard Swedish FAC HMS Styrbjörn

2011-02-05T00:35:00.001+07:00

Demo of the SAAB Dynamics ASW-601 antisubmarine grenade launcher, a train and tilt version of the fixed mounted ASW-600 system, designed for littoral and greenwater antisubmarine operations. The video was shot onboard the Kaparen class Fast Attack Craft HMS Styrbjörn in the summer of 1996 outside the Berga / Muskö naval base in the southern Stockholm archipelago.

Source: ate.aramis.klodzko.pl

Houston Visits Malaysia During Spring Patrol

2011-02-04T14:07:00.000+07:00

SEPANGAR, Malaysia (January 31, 2011) - Sailors of the Los Angeles- class fast-attack submarine USS Houston (SSN 713) standby to come alongside the submarine tender USS Frank Cable (AS 40). Cable conducts maintenance and support of submarines and surface vessels deployed in the U.S. 7th Fleet Area of Responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Catherine Bland)

By Mass Communications Specialist 3rd Class Corey Hensley

SEPANGAR, Malaysia – The Los Angeles-class fast- attack submarine USS Houston (SSN 713) arrived in Sepangar, Malaysia on Jan. 31, as part of its spring patrol.

Houston’s Commanding Officer Cmdr. David Schappert, said that the subs presence in this country is not only important to the United States but for Malaysia as well.

“The USS Houston is here representing the American Navy,” said Schappert. “We’re here to develop the relationship with the Royal Malaysian Navy, to learn all that we can from our partner, and for regional stability and prosperity in this region.”

Shapperd is hoping that the subs arrival will result in an exchange of ideas and information between the U.S. Navy and the Royal Malaysian Navy.

“We’ve heard a lot of great things about the country and the Navy,” said Schappert. “We’re excited to share things we know about our submarine force, and learn all we can from their submarine force.”

The submarine’s Chief of the Boat, Senior Chief Machinist’s Mate Jay Cherland, said the crew has been working hard during their deployment and hopes they get some much deserved rest.

“We had about two months out, came in for stand down for about two weeks, and then went back out right away,” said Cherland. “The crew has worked very hard and done extremely well. There has been a couple of really big operations in the Pacific, so for them to get out, have a good time, and relax a bit is very important for their health as well as their mental state.”

For many of the Houston’s crewmembers, this is their first time visiting Malaysia. Sonar Technician (Submarines) 1st Class Martin Davis said he is very excited to be here.
“

The fact that it is a Muslim culture makes it even more intriguing, and I’m looking forward to seeing all the nature and cultural sites that this country has to offer,” said Davis. “I’m looking forward to going out into the wilderness, a white water rafting trip, and some of the hiking. The mountain sounds very exciting.”

The Houston measures more than 360 feet long and weighs more than 6,900 tons when submerged. This submarine is capable of supporting a multitude of missions, including anti-submarine warfare and anti-surface ship warfare. With a crew of approximately 110, Houston conducts a multitude of missions and showcases the latest capabilities of the submarine fleet. Houston is one of 43 Los Angeles (SSN 688) class submarines that comprise the backbone of the submarine force.

Attack submarines are designed to seek and destroy enemy submarines and surface ships; project power ashore with Tomahawk cruise missiles and Special Operation Forces; carry out Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions; support Strike Group operations, and engage in mine warfare.

Source: c7f.navy.mil

Unmanned Subs Making Waves in Undersea Warfare

2011-02-04T03:19:00.000+07:00

By SETH ROBSON

Stars and Stripes

Published: February 3, 2011

An Autonomous Undersea Vehicle, like the one being deployed here, will be tested by the NATO Undersea Research Center during this month's Proud Manta exercise in the Mediterranean Sea.

COURTESY OF NATO UNDERSEA RESEARCH CENTER

A technician with the NATO Undersea Research Center monitors an Autonomous Undersea Vehicle during recent testing. The center will use the drone vehicles during this month's Proud Manta exercise in the Mediterranean Sea to test water temperatures and water salinity.

COURTESY OF NATO UNDERSEA RESEARCH CENTER

GRAFENWÖHR, Germany — Unmanned aircraft have been playing a major role in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan for years. Now, the U.S. military is beginning to field unmanned submarines.

In a move that could dramatically cut the cost of undersea warfare, NATO is testing three Autonomous Undersea Vehicles, or AUVs, in the Mediterranean Sea this month as part of the alliance’s largest annual anti-submarine warfare exercise.

The AUVs, dubbed “gliders,” have much in common with their flying cousins, including wings, according to Michel Rixen, a scientist at the NATO Undersea Research Center in Italy.

“They are very similar vehicles although the dynamics are changed a little,” Rixen said. “What is peculiar to the AUVs are buoyancy controls.”

The battery-powered gliders, which are about 6 feet long and weigh up to 130 pounds, can be launched from shore or from a small rubber boat. They move through the sea at less than 2 mph, using a pump that inflates and deflates an internal bladder to change the vehicle’s buoyancy in the same way a scuba diver might inflate a buoyancy jacket, he said.

“The changes in buoyancy require much less energy than a propeller,” he said, allowing the vehicle to stay underwater longer than a propeller-driven AUV.

In 2009, a glider of the same type being used in this month’s Proud Manta 11 NATO exercise completed a trans-Atlantic crossing that lasted 221 days.

The gliders will be at sea for three weeks during the exercise, traveling up to 300 miles collecting data on water salinity and temperature and relaying it to scientists on shore, Rixen said. The data is important because it allows sonar operators to calculate the speed of sound through the water – something that helps them detect enemy submarines, he said.

In the past, such data was collected by manned submarines or surface ships.

“We are demonstrating that military oceanography can be conducted from the office, piloting the gliders remotely instead of sending a big submarine (in the case of covert operations) to do a couple of temperature and salinity profiles in the ocean,” he said.

The cost of sending a research ship to collect such data runs at $25,000 a day or more, said engineer Richard Stoner of the research center.

The three gliders — which were manufactured by Teledyne Web of Falmouth, Mass. — participating in the exercise have been at sea collecting data since Jan. 24.

As Proud Manta kicks off in earnest on Friday with six submarines, 19 aircraft and eight surface ships from 10 nations participating, the gliders moved outside the exercise area east of Sicily, Rixen said.

“We want to be careful in this first contribution,” he said. “We don’t want to have a glider hitting a submarine or vice versa.”

The U.S. Navy has conducted similar exercises with gliders, said Tom Curtin, the research center’s chief scientist.

In fact, the Navy is gradually acquiring more than 100 gliders and fielding them to operational units through the Naval Oceanographic Office, he said.

Eventually AUVs are likely to be fielded with the same capabilities as large submarines, Rixen said. Weapons could also be added to the AUVs, something that has already happened with unmanned aircraft, he said.

“These are some of the aspects that we are considering,” he said. But he warned: “If these toys end up in bad hands that could play against us. Someone could potentially put [weapons] on them. That is something we need to be careful about.”

robsons@estripes.osd.mil

Source: Stripes

Source:

Russia's 2nd Graney Class Nuclear Sub to Enter Service in 2015

2011-02-02T14:17:00.000+07:00

The construction of the Kazan submarine at the Sevmash Shipyard in the northern Russian city of Severodvinsk began in 2010

The Russian Navy will receive a second Graney class nuclear-powered multipurpose attack submarine in 2015, a spokesman for the Malakhit design bureau said.

The construction of the Kazan submarine at the Sevmash Shipyard in the northern Russian city of Severodvinsk began in 2010. The first vessel of the Graney class, the Severodvinsk submarine, will enter service by the end of 2011.

"The hull of the Kazan sub has been built, but we still have to make many upgrades compared with the first vessel in the series. We are planning to deliver the submarine to the Navy in 2015," the official told RIA Novosti on Tuesday.

The Kazan will feature more advanced equipment and weaponry than the Severodvinsk, which has been under construction since 1993.

Graney class nuclear submarines are designed to launch a variety of long-range cruise missiles (up to 3,100 miles or 5,000 km), with conventional or nuclear warheads, and effectively engage submarines, surface warships and land-based targets.

The submarine's armament includes 24 cruise missiles and eight torpedo launchers, as well as mines and anti-ship missiles.

Source: en.rian.ru

Russia's first Graney-class nuke attack sub to begin sea trials in May

2011-02-01T00:37:00.000+07:00

The Oscar class nuke submarine of Russia. The new Graney-class attack subs are set to replace the Soviet-era Akula class and Oscar class subs.

MOSCOW (BNS): Russia's first Graney class nuclear attack submarine, Severodvinsk, is set to begin sea trials in May following which it will be inducted in the Russian Navy by 2011-end.

The submarine, which was floated out in June 2010 after over a decade-long delay in its construction, is presently undergoing harbour trials at the Sevmash Shipyard, an official said.

"The submarine is undergoing harbour trials at the Sevmash Shipyard and is getting ready for sea trials in May," a spokesman for the Malakhit design bureau said.

"It should enter service with the Russian Navy by the end of this year," the official was quoted as saying by Ria Novosti.

Russia began the construction of Severodvinsk in 1993 which was scheduled to be completed by 1998. However, financial and technical snags delayed the project.

The new-generation submarine has a water displacement of 9,700 tons when surfaced and 13,500 tons when submerged.

The large vessel is capable of carrying 24 cruise missiles that include the 3M51 Alfa SLCM, the SS-NX-26 Oniks SLCM or SS-N-21 Granat/Sampson SLCM, and also anti-ship missiles such as the SS-N-16 Stallion. It is also equipped with eight torpedo launchers.

Severodvinsk is the first Graney class (Project 885 Yasen) nuclear attack submarine. Another vessel of this class, Kazan, is presently under construction.

The Graney-class nuclear attack submarines are based on Russia's Akula-class and Alfa-class submarines. They are slated to replace the Soviet-era Akula class and Oscar class subs of the navy.

Source: Brahmand

Russian Navy to Receive New Nuclear Attack Submarine by Yearend

2011-01-31T14:35:00.001+07:00

Russian Navy to receive new nuclear attack submarine by yearend

The Russian Navy will receive a new Graney class nuclear-powered multipurpose attack submarine by the end of 2011, a spokesman for the Malakhit design bureau said on Monday.

K-329 Severodvinsk - 4th-generation Project 885 Yasen/Graney class nuclear sub is designed to launch a variety of long-range cruise missiles

Construction of the Severodvinsk submarine began in 1993 at the Sevmash Shipyard in the northern Russian city of Severodvinsk but has since been dogged by financial setbacks. It was floated out in June last year.

"The submarine is undergoing harbor trials at the Sevmash Shipyard and is getting ready for sea trials in May," the official said. "It should enter service with the Russian Navy by the end of this year."

Graney class nuclear submarines are designed to launch a variety of long-range cruise missiles (up to 3,100 miles or 5,000 km), with conventional or nuclear warheads, and effectively engage submarines, surface warships and land-based targets.

The submarine's armament includes 24 cruise missiles and eight torpedo launchers, as well as mines and anti-ship missiles.

In 2009, work started on the second sub of the Graney class, the Kazan, which will feature more advanced equipment and weaponry.

MOSCOW, January 31 (RIA Novosti)

Source: en.rian.ru

Navy embarks on replacements for aging Trident submarines

2011-01-28T15:13:00.000+07:00

The first Ohio-class submarines to arrive at Naval Submarine Base Bangor are pushing 30, and the Navy is preparing to replace them.

By Ed Friedrich

Kitsap Sun

BANGOR — The first Ohio-class submarines to arrive at Naval Submarine Base Bangor are pushing 30, and the Navy is preparing to replace them.

Rear Adm. David Johnson spoke about the changeover Thursday before a luncheon crowd of Navy supporters. Johnson, as Program Executive Officer, Submarines, in Washington, D.C., is responsible for new submarine construction programs.

Fresh out of the Naval Academy, he was assigned to Bangor's Trident Refit Facility in December 1982, coming just as the USS Ohio returned from its first patrol. Much has changed since then. Silverdale was horse pastures and an Elsie's restaurant, he said. There was a Soviet Union, and a Cold War.

Today, stores have overtaken fields, and the USS Ohio doesn't even carry nuclear warheads anymore. It and three sister ships were converted to conventional weapons. Fourteen ballistic-missile subs remain — eight at Bangor and six at Kings Bay, Ga. Over the next three decades, they'll give way to a dozen new ones. The new nuclear fuel cores will last as long as the boats themselves, unlike the Ohios that need a two-year midlife refueling, so the Navy can cover the same ground with fewer subs, Johnson said.

Construction of the first new boat will begin in 2019, be completed by 2026 and it will be patrolling by 2029, Johnson said. The Navy intends to add one per year, through 2040. With a 42-year life span, matching the Ohios, the final boat will remain on duty until 2082, 70 years from now. The first Ohio-class sub will be retired in 2027, followed each of the next 13 years by another.

The Ohio-class boats have 24 tubes for D-5 ballistic missiles. Each missile can carry eight warheads. New subs will keep the D-5 missiles, at least to begin with, but pare down to 16 missile tubes.

"We took a little risk in the number of missile tubes," said Johnson, explaining that the Navy is balancing capabilities with cost so the price doesn't get out of control and threaten other shipbuilding programs.

Development and design work have begun. The Navy received $497.4 million in research and development funding in the Fiscal Year 2010 budget for what's called the SSBN(X) program, and requested $672.3 million more in FY2011. The first boat is expected to cost $6 billion to $7 billion, with the ensuing ones possibly dipping to $5 billion, according to a congressional report.

Johnson has credentials for containing prices. He helped reduce the costs of the new Virginia class of fast-attack subs by $4 billion, and the program won major awards for value engineering and acquisition excellence. He'll use that program as a model, he said.

"They were delivered at less cost, more complete and more deployment-ready out of the chute," he said.
Source: SeattleTimes

North Korea Deploys Torpedo Carrying Midget Subs (SSM Type MS-29 Yono class )

2010-12-07T13:01:00.001+07:00

Photos from Parkc999K

SEOUL — North Korea has developed a new type of midget submarine fitted with torpedo launch tubes, allowing it to attack South Korea warships more easily, a report said Tuesday.

Satellite images of a naval base in the North's southwestern city of Nampo, published by JoongAng Ilbo newspaper, show what appears to be a 17-metre-long (56-feet) submarine with a tube-like structure attached to its top.

"We have concluded that it is a torpedo launch tube," the paper quoted an unidentified Seoul intelligence source as saying.

The paper said the new Daedong-B midget submarine moves faster than larger submarines and is harder for military radar to detect.

The South accused the North of sending a 29-metre Yono-class submarine to torpedo the Cheonan warship in March which sank with the loss of 46 lives. The North denies the charge.

The newspaper said the North has long used midget submarines to infiltrate spies into the South. It said Seoul military officials now suspect Pyongyang has developed a more powerful midget sub to carry torpedoes and other weapons.

South Korea's defence ministry and intelligence agency declined to comment.

Cross-border tensions have been high since the Cheonan incident, and rose further after the North's deadly artillery attack on a South Korean border island on November 23.

Source: AFP via Google News

MS-29 Yono class SSM

(North Korea)

Notes: As of late 2010, ten of these midget submarines are in service with the North Korean navy. They are the largest type of midget submarine operated by that force. It is thought that they are built by Yukdaeso-ri shipyard, and that all ten are assigned to the West fleet. It’s not known exactly when they entered service but it’s thought that the first commissioned in 2001.

The Yono (sometimes transliterated Yeono) design is a larger evolution of the Sang-O and “Yugo” types. They are a monohull design with fixed snorkel inductor. A prominent bullnose is at the extreme bow, this is used for towing as on infiltration missions, they are often paired with a “mothership”, usually a converted trawler. There is only one hatch topside, in the sail. The broad keel beam is not for any hydrodynamic effect, but rather to provide a stable platform ashore as these subs are serviced and sometimes stored out of the water.

There are two (or three) variants to the design:

1) The baseline model has two internal 21” tubes (no reloads) and limited swimmer support facilities.

2) The more recent model has externally-carried torpedoes (as seen in the photo).

3) It is known that some are equipped with a keel lock-out hatch for divers in the forward area (displacing the internal tubes); these may or may not also have the external torpedo carriage points and may in fact be the same design as the second type.

The engines are commercial German diesels and not specifically designed for submarine use. A fiberglass window on the bow apparently serves an unknown type of sonar. The radar is a reverse-engineered Japanese civilian type. A HF radio is fitted.

The torpedoes are underslung and free-swim away from the midget sub. The advantage of this arrangement is that firings are quieter and obviously internal space is freed up, the disadvantage is that in peacetime the torpedoes wear out quickly and are susceptible to ocean damage prior to reaching the patrol area.

This is the first midget submarine design to use any appreciable amount of sound-silencing technology.

As the midget submarine/ infiltration craft arm of the North Korean navy is it’s only segment still receiving any appreciable funding, it’s likely more of this class will be built.

Displacement: 95t surfaced, 130t submerged Dimensions: 95’2”x9’9”x10’4” Machinery: Diesel-electric: 1 MTU diesel (exact type unknown), 1 electric motor (w/lead-acid battery), 1 shaft w/non-CP 5-bladed skewed prop Max speed: 11kts surfaced/snorkeling, 8kts submerged Range: unknown Diving depth: unknown Complement (est): 6 + 6 SpecOps (in swimmer version)

WEAPONS-Torpedoes

Source: HarpoonDatabase

North’s New Midget Subs Are Torpedo Equipped

2010-12-07T12:27:00.000+07:00

Daedong midget submarine (photo : Brahmand)

North Korea’s new midget submarines feature torpedo launch tubes, according to South Korean intelligence sources, suggesting that the North is planning more torpedo strikes.

According to sources, satellite imagery examined by South Korean and U.S. intelligence officials have shown 4-meter-long (13.1 feet) torpedo launch tubes attached to North Korea’s new line of “Daedong-B” mini-submarines. Intelligence authorities from both countries had suspected that satellite images showed launch tubes attached to the submersibles. An intelligence tip later confirmed that they were for lightweight torpedoes.

The Daedong-B model is said to be 17 meters long, 4 meters wide and 2.2 meters high. One special characteristic of the midget submarine, intelligence sources said, is the rear of the vessel, which is shaped like a ramp to easily enable agents to get on and off.

North Korea has also been holding exercises with the new submarines.

“Intense military exercises with the midget submarines were conducted by North Korea in July and recently while South Korean and U.S. troops were holding joint exercises,” a South Korean intelligence official said, adding that the drills were aimed against South Korean vessels.

Based on the evidence, intelligence authorities believe North Korea is now capable of carrying out attacks with its mini-submarines, along with its Yono class submersibles, which the South Korean government believes the North used to sink the Cheonan in March.

North Korea has not made any direct threats to attack the South with its torpedoes since March, which it did on a regular basis before the sinking of the South Korean warship Cheonan.

However, North Korea’s preference for torpedoes is well-known, and they have been the weapons of choice for Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong-il.

In April 2007, North Korea’s state broadcaster Korean Central Television (KCTV) showed Kim Jong-il instructing marines in a military drill involving torpedoes. The “Dear Leader” was reported to have “laughed with vigor” and immensely approved the torpedo training. Kim was said to have mounted a torpedo-equipped submarine himself and “went out to the wild seas” with the seamen.

North Korean propaganda claims that its torpedo boats sunk the U.S.S. Baltimore in 1950, although the U.S. battleship was never deployed in the Korean War. On the day cited by North Korea for the attack, the U.S.S. Juneau and two British warships destroyed several North Korean torpedo boats escorting supply vessels without any significant return fire from the North Koreans.

Source: Joong Ang Daily via Defense Studies

U-209: KRI Cakra and KRI Nenggala Class Subs Photos Video

2010-02-20T19:38:00.000+07:00

Virginia Class: Nuclear-powered attack submarine

2010-02-08T14:28:00.000+07:00

The US Navy's Virginia class nuclear-powered attack submarine is as a successor to the Los Angeles class. It was designed as a smaller, cheaper and more versatile alternative to the Seawolf class. It is worth mentioning that the Seawolf class showed itself to be too costly and insufficiently versatile at a time after the dissolution of the USSR info the CIS had removed the grand strategic threat of the Soviet forces and ushered in a new world order demanding cheaper solutions for a whole range of lower threat operational tasks. The US Navy therefore wanted a new generation of SSNs. Production run of the Seawolf was stopped with only three vessels built.

   The Virginia class nuclear-powered attack submarine, was conceived as an advanced 'stealthy' type with multi-mission capability for the completion of deep-ocean service in the anti-submarine role and also for shallow-water service in a whole range of littoral tasks. A total of 30 of these submarines are planned. Currently five boats of Virginia class are commissioned and are in active service. These are USS Virginia, USS Texas, USS Hawaii, USS North Carolina and USS New Hampshire. The USS New Hampshire is a Block II submarine and has a number of improvements. The Virginia class submarines are built by the Electric Boat Division of the General Dynamics Corporation and Northrop Grumman Newport News. The building programme is in fact collaborative, with Electric Boat making the cylindrical central section of the hull, and Newport News the bow and stern sections as well as three modules to be inserted in the central hull, each of the companies makes the reactor plant module foe the submarine it completes.

   The Virginia class submarines are fitted with 12 vertical launch system (VLS) tubes and four 533-mm torpedo tubes. The VLS can launch 16 submarine-launched Tomahawk cruise missile. Torpedo tubes are used to fire a total of 26 Mk.48 heavyweight torpedoes and Sub Harpoon anti-ship missiles. These boats can be also used for special operations. It is the first US submarine to employ a built-in Navy SEAL staging area allowing a team of 9 men to enter and leave the submarine.

   The Virginia class submarines incorporate newly designed anechoic coating, isolated deck structures and new design of propulsor to achieve low acoustic signature. It is claimed that noise level of the Virginia is equal to that of the Seawolf class.

   These submarines are powered by the S9G pressurized water reactor, two turbine engines with one shaft and pumpjet propulsor. It is worth mentioning that nuclear reactor was designed to last as long as the submarine. It will run for 33 years without refueling. Submarines of this class are fitted with with multi-band satellite communication system.

Name	Laid down	Commissioned	Status
USS Virginia (SSN-774)	1999	2004	in service
USS Texas (SSN-775)	2000	2006	in service
USS Hawaii (SSN-776)	2004	2007	in service
USS North Carolina (SSN-777)	2004	2008	in service
USS New Hampshire (SSN-778)	2007	2008	in service
New Mexico (SSN-779)	2008	expected in 2009	-
Missouri (SSN-780)	2008	expected in 2011	-
California (SSN-781)	?	expected in 2013	-
Mississippi (SSN-782)	?	expected in 2013	-
Minnesota (SSN-783)	?	expected in 2014	-
North Dakota (SSN-784)	?	expected in 2014	-

Entered service	2004
Crew	134 men
Diving depth (operational)	over 250 m
Diving depth (maximum)	?
Sea endurance	unlimited
*Dimensions and displacement*
Length	114.9 m
Beam	10.3 m
Draught	9.3 m
Surfaced displacement	7 800 tons
Submerged displacement	?
*Propulsion and speed*
Surfaced speed	25 knots
Submerged speed	32 knots
Nuclear reactors	1 x S9G
Steam turbines	2 x ?
*Armament*
Missiles	12 x vertical launch system tubes for UGM-109 Tomahawk missiles
Torpedoes	4 x 533-mm bow tubes for Mk.48 torpedoes
Other	smart mines in place of torpedoes

Source: Military Today

Alfa class

2010-01-27T08:29:00.001+07:00

The second Soviet titanium-hulled submarine design, the Project 705 Lira, known in the West as the Alfa class, came to light in December 1971, when the first unit was commissioned. Five more followed in 1972-82.

The Alfa class was the world's fastest and deepest diving submarines as of their time. An extensive automation allowed to reduce crew to only 30 men. These advanced submarines had their crews completed from officers and warrant-officers only. It also featured an advanced low drag configuration and was extremely maneuverable. The Alfa class submarines were significantly smaller than contemporary attack submarines.

A single reactor and turbine plant drive the boat at the phenomenal 42 knots under water. Reactor's power could be rapidly increased, as well as submarines speed. However what was not realized at the time was that there was a serious flaw in the lead-bismuth system of the Alfa's 40 000 hp reactor cooling system. The plant was very unreliable, and the cost led to the Lira/Alfa being nicknamed the 'Golden Fish'.

It is worth mentioning that Alfas had sophisticated crew rescue system. It provided safe exit for entire crew from maximum depth.

When British and American submariners first encountered the Alfa they were astounded. The result that NATO navies allocated massive R&D funding to the development of deep-running torpedoes.

By this time all Alfa class boats have been decommissioned or remain in reserve, however their current state is likely to be poor.

Entered service	1971
Crew	31 men
Diving depth (operational)	?
Diving depth (maximum)	750 m
Sea endurance	50 days (stores)
*Dimensions and displacement*
Length	81 m
Beam	9.5 m
Draught	8 m
Surfaced displacement	2 800 tons
Submerged displacement	3 680 tons
*Propulsion and speed*
Surfaced speed	20 knots
Submerged speed	42 knots
Nuclear reactors	1 x 155 MW
Steam turbines	2 x ?
*Armament*
Torpedoes	6 x 533-mm torpedo tubes for conventional or nuclear torpedoes
Other	up to 36 mines in place of torpedoes

Source: Military Today

Project 705/705K ALFA class Russian Submarine part 2

2010-01-05T14:37:00.002+07:00

Source: Sicqnus at Youtube

Project 705/705K ALFA Class Russian Submarine part 1

2010-01-05T14:26:00.002+07:00

Source: Sicqnus at Youtube

Russian Submarine Video

2010-01-05T14:07:00.003+07:00

Source: Papelpopov at Youtube

Oscar II Class

2010-01-05T13:38:00.006+07:00

The Project 949A Antey, known in NATO as the Oscar II class is a successor to the previous Oscar I class. Out of 19 planned boats 11 were built at Severodvinsk. Three more boats are incomplete, however it is unlikely that these will ever be commissioned. Active Oscar II class submarines are in service with the Northern and Pacific fleets. Currently these are among the most capable Russian submarines.

The Oscar II class has a lengthened hull by some 10 m, possibly for a quieter propulsion and upgraded electronic systems, and an enlarged fin, which improves underwater maneuverability. These boats are the third largest submarines in terms of displacement and length. Only the Soviet Typhoon class and American Ohio class boats are larger. However these are still the largest attack submarines ever constructed.

These cruise missile boats were designed to attack US aircraft carrier battle groups or coastal installations.

The Project 949A Antey is a double-hulled design, which comprises an inner pressure hull and outer hydrodynamic hull. Separation between both hulls provides significant reserve of buoyancy and improved survivability against torpedoes. The outer hull has a weak magnetic signature, which prevents detection by Magnetic Anomaly Detection (MAD) systems. The reinforced sail is intended to break through the Arctic ice.

The Oscar II class SSGNs are armed with 24 P-700 Granit (NATO designation SS-N-19 Shipwreck) supersonic cruise missiles with a range of 550 km. Missile tubes are arranged in two rows with the launchers are placed between the inner and outer hulls and inclined at an angle. Missiles are launched while the submarine is submerged. A warhead of this missile weights 1 000 kg. Under the START treaty nuclear warheads of these missiles have been replaced with high explosive.

These submarines are also fitted with two 650-mm and four 533-mm torpedo tubes, capable of launching both torpedoes and anti-ship missiles. These include the SS-N-16 Stallion anti-ship missiles with a range of 50 km, carrying torpedoes, nuclear warheads or nuclear depth charges for use against surface ships or submarines.

The Oscar II class boats are fitted with a floating antenna buoy to receive satellite navigation signals, target designation data and radio messages at a great depth and under the ice.

Submarines of this class are powered by two pressurized water nuclear reactors, powering two steam turbines. These large boats are slow to dive and to maneuver, however they have a submerged speed of about 30 knots, which is sufficient to keep pace with their targets. Sea endurance is limited only by food supplies.

The famous Kursk was lost with all hands in the Barents sea in 2000. It was one of the first boats completed after the fall of the Soviet Union and was part of the Russian Northern fleet.

Entered service	1986
Crew	107 men
Diving depth (operational)	500 m
Diving depth (maximum)	830 m
Sea endurance	120 days
*Dimensions and displacement*
Length	154 m
Beam	18.2 m
Draught	9 m
Surfaced displacement	13 900 tons
Submerged displacement	18 300 tons
*Propulsion and speed*
Surfaced speed	16 knots
Submerged speed	28 knots
Nuclear reactors	2 x ?
Steam turbines	2 x ?
*Armament*
Missiles	24 x P-700 Granit (SS-N-19 Shipwreck) cruise missiles
Torpedoes	2 x 650-mm and 4 x 533-mm torpedo tubes for torpedoes and anti-ship missiles

Source: Military Today

Oscar I Class

2010-01-05T13:23:00.002+07:00

In 1970s the Soviet shipyard at Severodvinsk launched a single Project 881 Anchar unit that became known in NATO circles as the Papa class. This boat was considerably larger and carried two more missile tubes for the P-120 Malakhit (SS-N-9 Siren) anti-ship missiles than the contemporary Charlie class SSGNs. The Papa class was for many years a puzzle to Western intelligence services.

The answer appeared in 1980 at the same shipyard, however, with the launch of the even larger Project 949 Granit (NATO designation Oscar I class) SSGN. The Papa class unit had been conceived from 1958 as the cruise missile-launching predecessor to the titanium hulled Alfa class high speed and deep diving SSN. But because it's high underwater noise levels it had become the prototype for advanced SSGN concepts with a considerably changed powerplant and revised propeller arrangement.

The missile system had been created to test the underwater launched version of the P-120 for the subsequent Charlie II series of SSGN. The Oscar design introduced more improvements, and these included two 12-round banks of underwater-launched P-700 Granit (NATO designation SS-N-19 Shipwreck) long range supersonic anti-ship missile tubes outside the main pressure hull. In common with other Soviet submarines the Oscar class features a double hull, comprising an inner pressure hull and an outer hydrodynamic hull.

Only two Oscar I class boats were built. Both of these submarines were assigned to the Northern fleet. These boats were decommissioned in 1996 and scrapped a couple of years later. The Oscar I class boats paved the way for 11 of a planned 19 Project 949A Antey or Oscar II class SSGNs.

Entered service	1980
Crew	94 men
Diving depth (operational)	500 m
Diving depth (maximum)	830 m
Sea endurance	120 days
*Dimensions and displacement*
Length	145 m
Beam	18.2 m
Draught	9 m
Surfaced displacement	12 500 tons
Submerged displacement	16 500 tons
*Propulsion and speed*
Surfaced speed	16 knots
Submerged speed	28 knots
Nuclear reactors	2 x ?
Steam turbines	2 x ?
*Armament*
Missiles	24 x P-700 Granit (SS-N-19 Shipwreck)
Torpedoes	2 x 650-mm and 4 x 533-mm torpedo tubes for torpedoes and anti-ship missiles

Name	Laid down	Launched	Commissioned	Status
Archangelsk (K-525)	1975	1980	1980	decommissioned, scrapped
Murmansk (K-206)	1979	1982	1983	decommissioned, scrapped

Source: Military Today

Scorpene Sub Video

2009-12-21T22:23:00.003+07:00

Source: YouTube

Soryu Class

2009-12-21T21:07:00.005+07:00

The Soryu class boats have larger displacement than any previous Japanese submarines since the WWII

The Soryu class is a new class of Japanese diesel-powered attack submarines. It evolved from Oyashio class design. The first boat, named after Japanese Imperial Navy aircraft carrier Soryu, will be commissioned in 2009. Translated from Japanese it means Blue Dragon. The JMSDF plans to operate at least five of these submarines.

The Soryu class boats are significantly larger than Oyashios. Furthermore these submarines have a larger displacement than any previous Japanese submarines since the World War II.

It can be distinguished from the Oyashio class by the X-shape rudders. Such rudder configuration was first used on the Swedish Gotland class. It is computer aided and provides the submarine with extreme maneuverability. It also enables to operate very close to seabed.

Submarines have hydrodynamic design and are fitted with anechoic coating. Interior also has sound isolation of loud components.

The Soryu class submarines are armed with six 533-mm torpedo tubes for the Type 89 torpedoes and UGM-84 Harpoon missiles. Boats have high automation in combat systems.

Theses vessels are powered by a Swedish Stirling air-independent propulsion system. The Soryu is significantly larger than Oyashio class boats, in order to incorporate this propulsion system. This system is license-produced by Kawasaki Heavy Industries. It allows to stay submerged for longer periods of time without surfacing to charge the batteries. Submerged endurance is increased from days to weeks. It also enhanced vessel's stealth and operational capabilities.

The AIPS develops 3 900 hp surfaced and 8 000 hp submerged. Power is delivered through one shaft.

Entered service	expected in 2009
Crew	65 men
Diving depth (operational)	?
Diving depth (maximum)	?
Sea endurance	?
*Dimensions and displacement*
Length	84 m
Beam	9.1 m
Draught	8.5 m
Surfaced displacement	2 900 tons
Submerged displacement	4 200 tons
*Propulsion and speed*
Surfaced speed	13 knots
Submerged speed	20 knots
Diesel engines	1 x 3 900 / 8 000 hp
Electric motors	?
*Armament*
Missiles	UGM-84 Harpoon launched form torpedo tubes
Torpedoes	6 x 533-mm torpedo tubes for Type 89 torpedoes

Source: Military-Today

Vietnam Agrees to Buy Subs, Planes From Russia

2009-12-17T12:55:00.000+07:00

MOSCOW - Vietnam and Russia signed a major arms deal and a nuclear energy agreement Dec. 15, a sign of reviving ties between Moscow and its former Soviet-era ally in Southeast Asia.

Hanoi agreed to buy Russian-made submarines and aircraft in the arms deal, which was signed in the presence of Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin and his visiting Vietnamese counterpart, Nguyen Tan Dung.

"Vietnam signed a contract for the purchase of submarines, planes and military equipment with the corresponding cooperation of the Russian side," Dung said in remarks translated into Russian.

Details were not released on the deal between Russian state-owned arms exporter Rosoboronexport and Vietnam's defense ministry.

However the Interfax news agency, citing an unnamed defense industry source, reported that Vietnam had agreed to buy six Russian-made submarines for a total price tag of about $2 billion (1.37 billion euros).

The six Kilo-class diesel-electric subs would be built for the Vietnamese navy at a rate of one per year, Interfax reported.

Moscow and Hanoi also inked a deal on the construction of Vietnam's first atomic power plant.

Last month, the Vietnamese parliament approved building the country's first nuclear power station, a lucrative project that has been keenly watched by potential foreign partners.

The agreement signed in Moscow was described as a memorandum on cooperation between Vietnamese electricity company EVN and Russia's state-owned atomic energy firm Rosatom, which had been interested in the project.

"Vietnam officially invites the Russian side to cooperate in the building of the first atomic energy plant in Vietnam under adherence to the necessary conditions," Dung said.

Source: (Defense News) via Defense Studies

Shishumar Class

2009-12-10T22:28:00.005+07:00

In December 1981 the Indian government reached an agreement with Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft, a German organization based in Kiel, for a four-section contract covering four conventional submarines of the Type 1500 variant of the very successful boats of the U-206 class. The four-part contract covered the construction in Germany of an initial pair of submarines of the Shishumar class, packages of equipment and components for the building of another two boats by the Mazagon Dock Ltd. of Mumbai (Bombay), the training of specialized design and construction personnel employed by Mazagon, and the provision of logistical support and consultation services during the manufacture and early service of the boats. In 1984 it was announced that another two boats would be built at Mazagon, giving the Indian navy a total of six Shishumar-class submarines, but this scheme was overtaken in the later part of the decade by changes in the thinking of the Indian navy, and in 1988 it was revealed that the arrangement with Howaldtswerke would end with the completion of the fourth boat.

The decision was reviewed 1992 and 1997, and in 1999 the Indian navy decided to move ahead with its Project 75 for the Indian construction of three submarines of the French Scorpene class design.

The four Shishumar boats are the Shishumar, Shankush, Shalki and Shankul. Built in Germany the first two boats were laid down in May and September 1982 for launching in December and May 1984 and completion in September and November 1986, while the last two boats, built in India, were laid down in June 1984 and September 1989 for launching in September 1989 and March 1992 and completion in February 1992 and May 1994.

The submarines are basically conventional with a single central bulkhead, their most notable operational features being the provision of an IKL-designed escape system. This latter comprises an integrated escape sphere able to accommodate the entire 40-man crew. This sphere can withstand the same pressure as the hull, has its own eight-hour air supply, and is outfitted for short term survival and communications.

The eight torpedo tubes are all grouped in the bows, and provision is made for the embarkation of six reload torpedoes. The standard weapon for these tubes is an German torpedo, the AEG SUT, which is a wire-guided weapon with active/passive onboard terminal guidance. The weapon carries a 250-kt (551-lb) HE warhead, and its two primary capabilities in terms of range and speed are 28 km (17.4 miles) at 23 kts and 12 km (7.5 miles) at 35 kts. The fifth and sixth boats were to have been completed with provision for the carriage and firing of anti-ship missiles, but the existing boats lack this facility. They do have, however, provision for the addition of external strap-on carriers.

The Shishumar started a mid-life refit in 1999, with the other boats following in order of completion, and improvements that may be retrofitted are French Eledone sonar and an Indian action data system.

Entered service	1986
Crew	40 men
Diving depth (operational)	260 m
*Dimensions and displacement*
Length	64.4 m
Beam	6.5 m
Draught	6 m
Surfaced displacement	1 660 tons
Submerged displacement	1 850 tons
*Propulsion and speed*
Surfaced speed	11 knots
Submerged speed	22 knots
Diesel engines	4 x 2 415 hp
Electric motors	1 x 4 600 hp
*Armament*
Torpedoes	8 x 533-mm for 14 torpedoes
Mines	ground mines in place of the torpedoes

Sources: Military Today

U-206 Class

2009-11-29T20:50:00.007+07:00

In 1962 IKL began studies for a follow-on development of its U-205 design. This new U-206 class, built of high-tensile non-magnetic steel, was to be use for coastal operations and had to conform with treaty limitations on the maximum tonnage allowed to West Germany. New safety devices for the crew were fitted, and the armament fit allowed for the carriage of wire-guided torpedoes.

After final design approval had been given, construction planning took place in 1966-68, and the first orders (for an eventual total of 18 units) were placed in the following year.

By 1975 all the boats, U-13 to U-30 were in service. Since then the class has been given extra armament in the form of two external GRP containers to carry a total of 24 ground mines in addition to their mines in addition to their normal torpedo armament.

From 1988 onwards 12 of the class were modernized with new electronics and torpedoes to form the U-206A class. In 2003, 12 examples remained in German service.

U-206A class
Entered service	1973
Crew	23 men
Diving depth (operational)	100 m
Diving depth (maximum)	?
Sea endurance	?
*Dimensions and displacement*
Length	48.6 m
Beam	4.6 m
Draught	4.5 m
Surfaced displacement	450 tons
Submerged displacement	498 tons
*Propulsion and speed*
Surfaced speed	10 knots
Submerged speed	17 knots
Diesel engines	2 x 600 hp
Electric motors	1 x 1 430 hp (approx)
*Armament*
Torpedoes	8 x 533-mm tubes
Other	24 mines carried externally

Source: Military Today

#submarines
#submarine
navy
#smilitary

Agosta Class

2009-11-29T20:03:00.006+07:00

Designed by the French Directorate of Naval Constructions as very quiet but high-performance submarines for operations in the Mediterranean, the boats of the Agosta A90 class are each armed with four bow torpedo tubes that are equipped with a pneumatically rammed rapid-reload system that can launch weapons with the minimum of noise signature. The tubes were of a completely new design which allows the submarine to fire its weapons at all speeds and at any depth down to its maximum operational limit.

The four boats in service with the French navy as its last conventionally powered submarines up to their decommissioning early in the 21st century were the Agosta, Beveziers, La Praya and Ouessant. All were authorised in the 1970-75 naval programme as the follow-on class to the Daphne class coastal submarines. La Praya was refitted with a removable swimmer delivery vehicle container aft of the sail to replace similar facilities that had been available aboard the Narval, lead boat of an obsolete class of six oceangoing submarines deleted during the 1980s.

The Spanish navy received four locally built Agosta-class boats during the early 1980s, namely the Galerna, Siroco, Mistral and Tramontana using French electronics as well as French armament in the form of the L5, F17 and E18 torpedoes. In mid-1978 Pakistan purchased two units (built originally for South Africa but embargoed before delivery) as the Hashmat and Hurmat, and in 1994 ordered three more boats of the improved Agosta A90B class with a number of improved features.

During the 1980s the French boats were revised with the capability to fire the SM.39 underwater-launched variant of the Exocet anti-ship missile, whereas Pakistan looked to the other side of the Atlantic and sought to procure the UGM-84 submarine-launched version of the US Harpoon anti-ship missile.

Entered service	1977
Crew	54 men
Diving depth (operational)	300 m
Diving depth (maximum)	500 m
Sea endurance	68 days
*Dimensions and displacement*
Length	67.6 m
Beam	6.8 m
Draught	5.4 m
Surfaced displacement	1 480 tons
Submerged displacement	1 760 tons
*Propulsion and speed*
Surfaced speed	12.5 knots
Submerged speed	20.5 knots
Diesel engines	2 x 3600 hp
Electric motors	1 x 2950 hp
*Armament*
Missiles	SM.39 Exocet or UGM-84 Sub-Harpoon
Torpedoes	4 x 550-mm bow tubes with 23 torpedoes
Other	or 46 influence ground mines

Source: Military Today

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#submarines
#submarine
navy
#smilitary

Daphne Class

2009-11-21T16:54:00.004+07:00

In 1952 plans were requested from STCAN for a second-class ocean-going submarine to complement the larger Narval class. Designated the Daphne class, the boats were designed with reduced speed in order to achieve a greater diving depth and heavier armament than was possible with the contemporary Arethuse design of conventionally powered hunter-killer submarines.

To reduce the crews workload the main armament was contained in 12 externally mounted torpedo tubes (eight forward and four aft), which eliminated the need for a torpedo room and reloads. Further crew reductions were made possible by adopting a modular replacement system for onboard maintenance.

The design was based on the double-hull construction technique with the accommodation spaces split evenly fore and aft of the sail, below which was the operations and attack centre. A total of 11 units was built for the French navy. The Daphne, Diane, Doris, Eurydice, Flore, Galatee, Minerve, Junon, Venus, Psyche and Sirene entered service between 1964 and 1970. Of these two were lost (the Minerve in 1968 and the Eurydice in 1970) with all hands while operating in the western Mediterranean. The remaining boats all underwent an electronics and weapons modernisation from 1970 onwards, but have now all been retired.

Another 10 were built for export, Portugal receiving the Albacore, Barracuda, Cachalote and Delfim, of which Cachalote was sold to Pakistan in 1975 as the Ghazi. The Albacore and Delfim remained in service in 2003. Pakistan also has the Hangor, Shushuk and Mangro, armed with Sub-Harpoon. Ordered in 1967, South Africa took delivery of the Maria Van Riebeeck, Emily Hobhouse and Johanna Van der Merwe, of which two remained in service in 2003, renamed as the Umkhonto and Assegaai. These received a weapons system upgrade (including sonar) and features to improve habitability in 1988-90.

A further four, the Delfin, Tonina, Marsopa and Narval were built under license in Spain and were later updated similar to than which was applied to the French boats between 1971-81. In 1971 the Pakistani submarine Hangor sank the Indian navy's frigate Khukri during the Indo-Pakistan war of that year: this was the first submarine attack since the end of World War II.

Entered service	1964
Crew	54 men
Diving depth (operational)	300 m
Diving depth (maximum)	575 m
*Dimensions and displacement*
Length	57.8 m
Beam	6.8 m
Draught	4.6 m
Surfaced displacement	869 tons
Submerged displacement	1 043 tons
*Propulsion and speed*
Surfaced speed	13.5 knots
Submerged speed	16 knots
Diesel engines	2 x SEMT Pielstic
Electric motors	2 x 2 600 shp
*Armament*
Torpedoes	12 x 550-mm torpedo tubes
Mines	influence ground mines in place of the torpedoes

Source: Military Today

#submarines
#submarine
navy
#smilitary

Song Class

2009-11-21T16:30:00.006+07:00

The Song class or Type 039 is the latest and most advanced diesel-electric attack submarine type to have been designed and built by indigenous Chinese effort. Conceived as the successor to the Chinese navy's ageing force of obsolescent Ming class (Type 035) and wholly obsolete Romeo class (Type 033) submarines, which have constituted the core of the service's conventionally powered submarine arm for more than four decades, the Song class is based in design terms on certain Western concepts. These include a low-drag hydrodynamically profiled hull and sail, new cylindrical bow-mounted sonars, a powerplant centered on the use of four German MTU diesel engines (16V396 units rather than the 12V493 units originally considered), and a new anti-submarine torpedo of Russian origin.

Another major enhancement contributing to the type's capability for offensive as well as defensive operations is the provision for an anti-ship missile capability. This is in the form of a tube-fired YJ-82 (submarine-launched version of the ship-launched C-801) missile, which can deliver its 165-kg warhead to a range of 40 km with the aid of an inertial platform and active radar terminal seeker.

In overall terms, the Song class reveals a technological standard generally similar to that of Western submarines built during the 1980s.

The first boat, No. 320, was laid down in 1991 and was launched on 25 May 1994 at the WuHan Shipyard, but was not commission until June 1999 after the implementation of an exhaustive trials programme to assess the capabilities and, as it turned out, limitations of the design.

It was at this trials stage that the Chinese navy postponed further construction to allow the rectification of serious performance and design problems, and thus create the inertial full-production variant known as the Type 039G. This boat is characterized most obviously by a sail without the stepped-down forward section that in No. 320 accommodates the bridge with the forward hydroplanes under it.

Production was resumed at the Wuhan Shipyard in 1995, and the first Type 039G boat was launched in November 1999 for commissioning during April 2001 as No. 321. By 2003 another three units had been completed. Currently at least 12 boats of the Song class are in service with Chinese Navy.

Slightly shorter but beamier than the Ming class submarine it is designed to succeed, the Song class boat has a length/beam ratio at 8.91/1, which is slightly less than the 10/1 ratio of the Ming class submarines but of decidedly superior hydrodynamic shape. The Song class submarine is propelled through the water by one large seven-bladed propeller, and the primary machinery is located on shock-absorbent mountings for reduced vibration and therefore minimized underwater noise radiation. The stealthiness of the design is further enhanced by the use of anechoic tiling similar to that of the Russian Kilo class submarine.

The Song class submarine has a multi-role combat and command system which provides all the data needed for control of the boat and for the firing of torpedoes and missiles. The system is possibly an updated derivative of the combat and command system used in the Ming class submarines, and is probably of a standard equivalent to that installed in Western submarines in the 1970s.

As far as weapons are concerned, the Song class is armed primarily with anti-ship cruise missiles and torpedoes. As noted above, the YJ-82 missile is the submarine-launched variant of the C-801 launched underwater from the 533-mm torpedo tubes. Boosted by a solid-propellant rocket until it has emerged from the water, whereupon the solid propellant sustainer takes over, the missile approaches its target as a sea-skimmer and impacts under the guidance of its active radar seeker, the shaped-charge warhead being initiated by a delay-action impact fuse. The six 533-mm tubes, all located in the bows, have a maximum of 16 to 20 Yu-4 (SAET-60) passive homing and Yu-1 (Type 53-51) torpedoes. The total being reduced when the YJ-82 missile is shipped. As an alternative, the submarine can carry tube launched mines.

The Song class is fitted with an integrated sonar system comprising an active/passive medium-frequency spherical bow-mounted equipment and passive low-frequency reach arrays. The countermeasures suite comprises just the Type 921-A radar warning receiver and directional finder.

The diesel-electric propulsion arrangement provided to power the Song class submarine comprises four MTU 16V396 SE diesel engines, four alternators and one electric motor, the last powering a single shaft.

More units of the Song class, probably to a standard improved to reflect the lessons operational experience with the current boats, may emerge in time.

Entered service	1999
Crew	60 men
Diving depth (operational)	?
Diving depth (maximum)	?
Sea endurance	?
*Dimensions and displacement*
Length	74.9 m
Beam	8.4 m
Draught	7.3 m
Surfaced displacement	1 700 tons
Submerged displacement	2 250 tons
*Propulsion and speed*
Surfaced speed	15 knots
Submerged speed	22 knots
Diesel engines	4 x 6 090 hp
Electric motors	1 x ?
*Armament*
Missiles	YJ-82 anti-ship missiles
Torpedoes	6 x 533-mm bow tubes fo Yu-4 and Yu-1 torpedoes
Other	mines in place of torpedoes

Source: Military Today

#submarines
#submarine
navy
#smilitary

Tupi Class

2009-11-21T16:12:00.009+07:00

In 1984 Brazil contracted with Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft for six Tupi class submarines to the Type 1400 subvariant of the U-209 model, the first built in Kiel and the other five in Rio de Janeiro. Financial constraints trimmed the Brazilian-built quantity to three, while the pair of Tikuna-class boats, to an improved Tupi class standard, were far behind schedule: the Tikuna's commissioning date was delayed from 2000 to 2005 and work on the Tapuia has been suspended.

Brazil established an uranium-enrichment plant in 1988 with the announced intention of building an SSN, but this project has not proceeded beyond the design stage. The Tikuna-class boats were described as intermediate between the older SSKs and an SSN.

The Tupi class boats operate from Moncangue island's Base Almirante Castro e Silva across the bay from Rio. These are well armed small boats, carrying a combination of British Mk 24 Tigerfish torpedoes and an anti-submarine torpedo developed by the IPqM (Instituto de Pesquisas da Marinha, or naval research institute). Eight torpedoes are carried in the tubes and there are eight reloads. The Tigerfish is a wire-guided torpedo capable of active homing at 35 kts to a range of 13 km (8 miles) or passive homing at 24 kts to 29.6 km (18.4 miles) The IPqM torpedo has a swimout launch system and travels up to 18.5 km (11.5 miles) at 45 kts.

The Tikuna-class boats are larger, at 2 425 tons dived, and have a crew of 39. Designed for an endurance of 60 days, they are designed to carry MCF-01/100 acoustic-magnetic mines (produced by IPqM) instead of some torpedoes.

Entered service	1989
Crew	30 men
Diving depth (operational)	250 m
*Dimensions and displacement*
Length	61.2 m
Beam	6.2 m
Draught	5.5 m
Surfaced displacement	1 400 tons
Submerged displacement	1 550 tons
*Propulsion and speed*
Surfaced speed	11 knots
Submerged speed	21.5 knots
Diesel engines	4 x 2 414 hp
Electric motors	1 x 4 595 hp
*Armament*
Torpedoes	8 x 533- mm torpedo tubes with up to 16 torpedoes

Name	Laid down	Launched	Commissioned	Status
Tupi (S30)	1985	1987	1989	active, in service
Tamoio (S31)	1986	1993	1994	active, in service
Timbira (S32)	1987	1996	1996	active, in service
Tapajo (S33)	1996	1998	1999	active, in service

Source: Military Today

#submarines
#submarine
navy
#smilitary

Santa Cruz Class

2009-11-21T09:35:00.006+07:00

Currently the most important submarines of the Argentine navy. The two Santa Cruz class diesel-electric boats are the result of a somewhat chequered early history. In November 1977 the Argentine navy contracted with Thussen Nordseewerke for the building of two TR 1700 type submarines in West Germany and the provision of parts and supervision for the manufacture of four more boats in Argentina at the Astilleros Domecq Garcia facility in Buenos Aires.

As the Argentine navy's plan was originally conceived, the boats to be built in Argentina were to have been two more TR 1700 type submarines and two examples of the somewhat smaller TR 1400 type. In 1982, however, the contract details were finalised for a class of six TR 1700 type submarines and no TR 1400 type units.

The two boats built in West Germany are the Santa Cruz and San Juan, which were laid down in December 1980 and March 1982, launched in September 1982 and June 1983, and commissioned in October 1984 and November 1985 respectively. There were problems with the four boats to be built in Argentina, however, for in 1996, when the initial pair of submarines, destined for completion as the Santa Fe and Santiago del Estero, were 52 and 30 per cent complete respectively, work ended. In February of that year the dockyard was sold, and what had been completed of the two boats was cannibalized to aid in the maintenance of the two West German-built boats. The same fate befell the equipment delivered from West Germany for the last two boats that were to have been built in Argentina but were not, in the even, even laid down.

The TR 1700 type was of notably advanced concept for its time, and offered both a high underwater speed and a considerable operational diving depth. The standard endurance is 30 days, but the maximum figure is believed to be 70 days. An automatic reloading system is provided for the torpedo tubes, this system performing the reloading of the torpedo tubes in just 50 seconds. The boats also have the capability to carry and land small parties of commando troops for special forces missions.

Both the Santa Cruz and San Juan are based at Mar del Plata, which is the home of the Argentine navy's small submarine force. Between September 1999 and 2001 the Santa Cruz received a mid-life update at a Brazilian yard, and a similar update is planned for the San Juan at Puerto Belgrano in Argentina as and when the Argentine economy makes this feasible. The upgrade involves, among other things, the replacement of the submarine's main motors and the updating of the sonar system's active/passive search and passive ranging units.

The torpedoes carried by the TR 1700 type submarines are German SST-4 and US Mk 37 wire-guided types with swim-out discharge. The former carries a 260-kg warhead to a distance of 12 or 28 km at 35 or 23 km, and the latter delivers a 150-kg warhead to 8 km at 24 kts.

Entered service	1984
Crew	29 men
Diving depth (operational)	270 m
Diving depth (maximum)	?
Sea endurance	30 - 70 days
*Dimensions and displacement*
Length	66 m
Beam	7.3 m
Draught	6.5 m
Surfaced displacement	2 116 tons
Submerged displacement	2 264 tons
*Propulsion and speed*
Surfaced speed	15 knots
Submerged speed	25 knots
Diesel engines	4 x 6 705 hp
Electric motors	1 x 8 850 hp
*Armament*
Torpedoes	6 x 533-mm bow tubes for 22 torpedoes
Other	up to 34 mines in place of torpedoes

Source: Military Today

#submarines
#submarine
navy
#smilitary

Yuushio Class

2009-11-21T09:23:00.013+07:00

The 10 boats of the Yuushio class have provided the backbone of the Maritime Self-Defense Force's submarine strength since the 1980s. Essentially an enlarged version of the preceding teardrop Uzushio class, the Yuushios differ primarily in having a deeper diving capability. The Uzushios were decommissioned in the 1990s as the new Harushio class was commissioned.

Of double-hull construction, these boats follow the US Navy nuclear attack submarine practice of having a bow sonar array with the torpedo tubes moved to amidships and angled outwards. The first of the class, Yuushio (SS573), entered service in 1980 with the Mochishio (SS574), Setoshio (SS575), Okishio (SS576), Nadashio (SS577), Hamashio (SS578), Akishio (SS579), Takeshio (SS580), Yukishio (SS581), and Sachishio (SS582) following at yearly intervals.

From the Nadashio onwards the class was fitted to carry and fire the American Sub-Harpoon anti-ship missile, a capability which was retrofitted to all of the earlier boats except for the Yuushio itself. All the boats carry the Type 89 dual-purpose, active-passive torpedoes which have a maximum speed of 55 kts (102km/h; 63 mph) and a maximum reduced speed range of 50 km (31 miles).

The electronics carried are of the latest design, and include the ZQQ-5 bow sonar (a modified American BQS-4) and the ZQR-1 towed array (similar to the American BQR-15). Yuushio was removed from front-line service to become a training boat in 1996.

The last of the Yuushios was commissioned in 1989. By that time, the first three boats of the follow-on Harushio class had been laid down, with the name-ship commissioning at the end of November 1990. Harushio was followed at yearly intervals by Natsushio, Hayashio, Arashio, Wakashio, Fuyushio, and by Asashio in 1997. As each entered service one of the Uzushio-class boats was paid off.

The Harushios follow the same basic design as the Yuushios, but are slightly larger in all dimensions. More attention has been paid to reducing noise internally, and all have anechoic material applied to the outer surfaces. A stronger pressure hull means that operational diving depth has been increased to some 300 m (1 150 ft).

Asashio, the last of the class, was completed to a modified design. Increased systems automation has allowed its crew to be reduced from 74 to 71.

The Last of the Yuushio class boat was retired in 2008.

Entered service	1980
Crew	75 men
Diving depth (operational)	275 m
*Dimensions and displacement*
Length	76 m
Beam	9.90 m
Draught	7.50 m
Surfaced displacement	2 200 tons
Submerged displacement	2 730 tons
*Propulsion and speed*
Surfaced speed	12 knots
Submerged speed	20 knots
Diesel engines	2 x 3 400 hp
*Armament*
Torpedoes	6 x 533-mm torpedo tubes for 18 - 20 torpedoes or anti-ship missiles

Source: Military Today

#submarines
#submarine
navy
#smilitary

Walrus Class

2009-11-21T09:07:00.006+07:00

Based on the US Navy's teardrop-hulled Barbel class of conventional submarine, the Dutch Zwaardvis and Tijgerhaai of the Zwaardvis class were ordered in the mid-1960s. Because of the requirement to use indigenous Dutch equipment wherever possible, the design was modified to include the placement of all noise-producing machinery on a false deck with spring suspension for silent running. The two boats entered service with the Dutch navy in 1972 and were decommissioned in 1994-95. A buyer is still sought for the boats.

At the same time the need began to arise to start the design of a new class to replace the boats of the elderly Dolfijn and Potvis classes. The new design evolved as the Walrus class, which was based on the basic hull form of the Zwaardvis with similar dimensions and silhouette but with more automation allowing a significant reduction in the number of crew needed, more modern electronics, X-layout control surfaces and fabrication in the French MAREI high-tensile steel allowing a 50 percent increase in the maximum diving depth.

The first unit, the Walrus, was laid down in 1979 in Rotterdam (where all the boats were built) for commissioning in 1986 and the Zeeleeuw a year later for service entry in 1987. A further two, the Dolfijn and Bruinvis, were laid down in 1986 and 1988 for commissioning in 1993 and 1994.

In 1987-88 Taiwan received two Improved Zwaardvis or Hai Lung-class units Hai Lung and Hai Hu. These are planned to carry Hsiung Feng II SSMs.

Entered service	1986
Crew	52 men
Diving depth (operational)	450 m
Diving depth (maximum)	620 m
*Dimensions and displacement*
Length	67.7 m
Beam	8.4 m
Draught	6.6 m
Surfaced displacement	2 390 tons
Submerged displacement	2 740 tons
*Propulsion and speed*
Surfaced speed	13 knots
Submerged speed	20 knots
Diesel engines	3 x 6 300 hp
Electric motors	1 x 6 910 hp
*Armament*
Missiles	Sub-Harpoon anti-ship missiles
Torpedoes	4 x 533-mm bow tubes for 20 Mk 48 dual-role torpedoes
Other	up to 40 influence ground mines in place of missiles and torpedoes

#submarines
#submarine
navy
#smilitary

KRI Cakra: 3D Model Movie

2009-11-18T22:50:00.005+07:00

Source: Gombress at Youtube

#submarines
#submarine
navy
#smilitary

HMCS Victoria (SSK 876) Canada

2009-11-17T15:45:00.004+07:00

The Upholder/Victoria-class submarines also known as the Type 2400 (due to their displacement of 2,400t) are diesel-electric Fleet submarines designed in the UK in the late 1970s to supplement the Royal Navy's nuclear submarine force. In 1998, Canada purchased the submarines and a suite of trainers from the Royal Navy to replace the decommissioned Oberon-class of submarines.

General characteristics
Displacement: 2,400 tons
Length: 70.26 m
Beam: 7.2 m
Draught: 7.6 m
Propulsion: Diesel-electric- 1 shaft
2 x Paxman Valenta 4070hp (3,035kW) 1600 RPA SZ diesels
1 x GEC electric motor (5000kW)
Speed: 12 knots (surface)
20+ knots (submerged)
Range: 10,000 nautical miles
Complement: 47
Sensors and
processing systems: Sonar: Type 2040 active/passive bow, Type 2041 micropuffs, Type 2007 flank, Type 2046/CANTASS MOD towed array, Type 2019 active intercept
Fire Control: Lockheed-Martin Librascope SFCS Mk 1 Mod C
Radar: Kelvin Hughes Type 1007
Armament: 6 x 24 inch (533 mm) torpedo tubes (18 Mark 48 torpedoes)

Source: Bluefame

#submarines
#submarine
navy
#smilitary

HMAS Rankin in 2007 Australia

2009-11-17T15:35:00.003+07:00

The Collins class submarines are the newest class of Australian submarines, built in Australia for the Royal Australian Navy. The class is made up of six vessels: Collins, Farncomb, Waller, Dechaineux, Sheean and Rankin; all six are based at HMAS Stirling in Western Australia. They were built by the Australian Submarine Corporation at Osborne, near Adelaide in South Australia. They replace much older Oberon class submarines in the Australian naval fleet.

General characteristics
Displacement: Surfaced: 3,051 tonnes
Submerged: 3,353 tonnes
Length: 77.8 metres
Beam: 7.8 metres
Draught: 6.8 metres
Propulsion: 1 × Jeumont Schneider main motor
7,050 hp (5.25 MW)
3 × Hedemora/Garden Island Type V18B/14 diesels
6,000 hp (4.42 MW)
3 × Jeaumont Schneider generators
5,630 hp (4.2 MW)
1 × shaft and a skew back propeller

1 × Mactaggart Scott dm 43006 hydraulic motor for emergency propulsion
Speed: Surfaced: 10+ knots (18.5 km/h)
Submerged: 20+ knots (37 km/h)
Range: 9,000 nm at 10 kt (snort)
11,500 nm at 10 kt (surfaced)
400 nm at 4 kt (submerged)
Complement: 45 (8 Officers)
Sensors and
processing systems: Thales underwater systems scylla bow sonar
Thales Underwater Systems GEC-Marconi Kariwara, Thomson Marconi Narama towed array or Allied Signal TB 23
Kelvin Hughes I-band navigation radar
Thales optronics CK043 search and CH093 attack periscopes
Anechoic tiles fitted
Armament: Boeing/Rockwell integrated system
McDonnell Douglas UGM-84 Harpoon
6 × 21 in (533 mm) tubes for sub harpoon and Gould Mark 48 torpedo - total of 22 carried
44 mines in lieu of torpedoes
Fitted for but not with Land Attack Cruise missiles with combat system AN/BYG 1
To be fitted :
US Mk 48 ADCAP
Combat System AN/BYG 1 based on Raytheon's CCS Mk 2

Source: Bluefame

#submarines
#submarine
navy
#smilitary

The Nazario Sauro Italy

2009-11-17T15:30:00.004+07:00

The Nazario Sauro class are submarines operated by the Italian Navy. All boats were built by Fincantieri in Monfalcone. There are three sub groups built in four batches:

Nazario Sauro class:
S518 Nazario Sauro - completed 1980 - decommissioned (named after Nazario Sauro),
S519 Carlo Fecia di Cossato - completed 1980 - decommissioned - named after Italian World War II submarine commander Carlo Fecia di Cossato [1]
S520 Leonardo Da Vinci - completed 1982 - in reserve(named after Leonardo Da Vinci)
S521 Guglielmo Marconi - completed 1982 - decommissioned (named after Guglielmo Marconi)
Salvatore Pelosi class or third Sauro batch with improved combat systems:
S522 Salvatore Pelosi - completed 1988 - in service - named after Italian World War II submarine commander and war hero Salvatore Pelosi
S523 Giuliano Prini - completed 1989 - in service - named after Italian World War II submarine commander and war hero Giuliano Prini
Primo Longobardo class or fourth Improved Sauro batch:
S524 Primo Longobardo - completed 1993 - in service - named after Italian World War II submarine commander and war hero Primo Longobardo
S525 Gianfranco Gazzana Priaroggia - completed 1993 - in service - named after Italian World War II submarine commander and war hero Gianfranco Gazzana Priaroggia

General characteristics
Displacement: Sauro subclass:
1,456 tons surfaced
1,641 tons submerged
Primo Longobardo subclass:
1,653 tons surfaced
1,862 tons submerged
Length: 63.9-66 m
Beam: 6.83 m
Draught: 5.7-6.3 m
Propulsion: 1 shaft diesel (3,210 hp) plus electric (3,650 hp)
Speed: 12 knots surfaced
19 knots
Range: 7,000 nm
Test depth: 300 m
Complement: 7 officers, 44 men
Armament: 6 x 533 mm torpedo tubes, 12 torpedoes or 24 mines carried

Source: Bluefame

#submarines
#submarine
navy
#smilitary

KNM Ula or KNM Utsira Norwegian

2009-11-17T15:21:00.006+07:00

The Ula class is a Norwegian submarine type which was assembled in Germany in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The class, consisting of 6 vessels, is currently the only submarine type in service with the Royal Norwegian Navy.

General characteristics
Type: Submarine
Displacement: Surface: 1040 tons
Submerged: 1150 tons
Length: 59 m (190 ft)
Beam: 5.4 m (18 ft)
Draft: 4.6 m (15 ft)
Propulsion: Diesel-electric
2 MTU 16V 396 diesel engines (970kW each)
1 electric motor, 6000 shp
Speed: Surface: 11 kn (20 km/h)
Submerged: 23 kn (43 km/h)
Range: 5000 miles at 8 knots
Complement: Approx. 18–21[citation needed]
Sensors and
processing systems: Radar: Kelvin Hughes 1007 Surface Search
Sonar: Atlas Elektronik CSU83
Thomson Sintra flank array
Armament: 8 bow 21" torpedo tubes
14 AEG DM2A3 torpedoes
Notes: Unit cost: 700,000,000 NOK[1]
Maximum depth: 500 m (1,600 ft)

Source: Bluefame

The Harushio Japan

2009-11-17T15:10:00.006+07:00

The Harushio is a Japanese diesel-electric submarine class operated by the JMSDF. The design is an evolution from the Yuushio class being slightly larger and with better noise reduction. The Asashio, has been modified to test Air-independent propulsion (AIP).

General characteristics
In Service: 1989
Complement: 75 (10 officers)
Displacement: 2,450 tonnes (surfaced)
2,750 tonnes (submerged)
Length: 77 m
Beam: 10 m
Draught: 7.7 m
Machinery: 1-shaft diesel-electric
Speed: 12 knots (surfaced)
20 knots (submerged)
Maximum depth: 350 m
Armament: 6 × 21 inch (533 mm) torpedo tubes for a total of 20 Type 89 torpedoes, or Type 80 ASW torpedoes, or Sub-Harpoon missiles
Electronics: Sonar: Hughes/Oki ZQQ 5B hull mounted sonar, ZQR 1 towed array.

Radar: JRC ZPS 6 I-band search radar

Source: Bluefame

The SS590 Oyashio Japan

2009-11-17T14:53:00.004+07:00

The Oyashio is a class of Japanese diesel-electric submarine operated by the JMSDF. The submarines entered service in the late 1990s. The submarines are larger than the earlier Harushio class submarines, to make room for a flank sonar array.

General characteristics
Type: Oyashio class submarine
Displacement: 2,750 tonnes (surfaced)
4,000 tonnes (submerged)
Length: 81.7 m
Beam: 8.9 m
Draught: 7.4 m
Propulsion: 1-shaft diesel-electric
Speed: 12 knots (surfaced)
20 knots (submerged)
Complement: 70 (10 officers)
Sensors and
processing systems: Sonar: Hughes/Oki ZQQ 5B/6 hull-mounted sonar, flank arrays, 1 towed array.
Radar: JRC ZPS 6 I-band search radar.
Armament: 6 × 21 inch (533 mm) torpedo tubes for Type 89 torpedoes, or UGM-84 Harpoon

Source: Bluefame

HMS Gotland Sweden

2009-11-17T14:30:00.007+07:00

The Gotland class attack submarines of the Swedish Navy are modern diesel-electric submarines. They are the first submarines in the world to feature a Stirling engine air-independent propulsion (AIP) system, which extends their underwater endurance from a few days to two weeks.[1] This capability has previously only been available with nuclear powered submarines.

General characteristics
Displacement: 1494 tonnes (Surfaced)
1599 tonnes (Submerged)
Length: 60.4m
Beam: 6.2m
Draft: 5.6m
Propulsion: 2 × Diesel-electric MTU engines
2 × Kockums v4-275R Sterling AIP units
Speed: 11 knots surfaced
20 knots Submerged
Complement: 18 Officers
6 Conscripts
Sensors and
processing systems: CSU 90-2 Integrated sonar sensor suite
Armament: 4 × 533mm

Source: Bluefame

The Type 214 South Korea

2009-11-17T14:16:00.007+07:00

The Type 214 is a diesel-electric submarine developed by Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft GmbH (HDW). It features diesel propulsion with an air-independent propulsion (AIP) system using Siemens polymer electrolyte module (PEM) hydrogen fuel cells. It is based on features of the Type 212, but as the export version of the more advanced Type 212 submarine it lacks the non-magnetic hull (to avoid detection) and other classified technologies. Also Type 214 is more similar to the very successful Type 209 submarine, while Type 212 was an independent project of the German Navy with significant changes to Type 209.

Contract to build three boats for Hellenic Navy was signed 15 February 2000 and a fourth one was ordered in June 2002. The first boat was built at HDW in Kiel, Germany and the rest at the Hellenic Shipyards Co. in Skaramangas, Greece. The Hellenic Navy calls the Papanikolis class.

South Korea has ordered three Type 214 boats, to be built in Korea by Hyundai Heavy Industries, which will enter service from 2009.[1] ROK Navy calls the Son Won-il class.

Due to improvements in the pressure hull materials type 214 can dive more than 250 m (officially).[1]

Type 214 can carry food, fresh water and fuel for 50 days of operation

General characteristics
Displacement: 1700 t (surfaced)
Length: 65.0 m
Beam: 6.3 m
Draught: 6.0 m
Propulsion: low noise skew back propeller
Speed: 12 kt surfaced
20 kt submerged
Range: 12,000 miles surfaced
420 nmi @ 8 kt
1248 nmi @ 4 kt
Complement: 5 officers + 22 crew
Armament: (8) 533 mm torpedo tubes, (4) subharpoon-capable

Source: Bluefame

Type 209 Turkey

2009-11-17T14:11:00.004+07:00

Five variants of this submarine have been produced: Type 209/1100, Type 209/1200, Type 209/1300, Type 209/1400 and Type 209/1500.

The U-209PN ordered by the Portuguese Navy is actually a Type 214.[1]

Countries operating the Type 209 include Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Greece, India, Indonesia, Peru, South Africa, South Korea, Turkey and Venezuela.

The first user was the Hellenic Navy which operates four Type 209/1100 and four Type 209/1200 submarines.

The biggest user is the Turkish Navy which operates six Type 209/1200 submarines (commissioned between 1976 and 1990) and eight Type 209/1400 submarines (commissioned between 1994 and 2007). At present, the Turkish Navy is also the largest operator of German-designed submarines in the world.

Type 209 submarines are generally armed with 14 torpedoes, apart from those used by Greece, South Korea and Turkey which are also armed with Sub-Harpoon missiles. It is also possible to upgrade these submarines with the latest air independent propulsion (AIP) systems.

Three new Type 209/1400 submarines were delivered to South Africa in 2006, costing $285 million each

General characteristics
Type: Type 209/1500 submarine
Displacement: 1,810 t, submerged
Length: 64.4 m
Beam: 6.5 m
Draft: 6.2 m
Propulsion: Diesel-electric, 4 diesels, 1 shaft, 6100 shp
Speed: 11.5 knots (21 km/h), surfaced;
22.5 knots (42 km/h), submerged
Range: 11,000 nmi. at 10 knots, surfaced,
(20,000 km at 20 km/h);
8,000 nmi. at 10 knots, snorkeling,
(15,000 km at 20 km/h);
400 nmi. at 4 knots, submerged
(740 km at 7 km/h)
Test depth: 500 m
Complement: 36
Armament: 8 x 21-inch (553 mm) torpedo tubes,
14 torpedoes; optional UGM-84 Harpoon integration

Source: Bluefame

The Agosta 90B class submarines Spanish

2009-11-10T13:22:00.004+07:00

The Agosta 90B class submarines are French diesel attack submarines (SSKs) used by Spain, Pakistan, and formerly by France. The French Navy grouped this model of non-nuclear submarine in their most capable class as an océanique, meaning "ocean-going." An Agosta 90B has a crew of 36 plus 5 Officers

General characteristics
Class and type: submarine
Displacement: Geneva: 1,230 long tons
Surface displacement: 1,500 long tons

Submerged displacement: 2,050 long tons (Pakistan), 1,760 long tons (France, Spain)
Length: 67 metres (France, Spain)

76 metres (Pakistan)
Beam: 6.80 metres
Speed: 20.5 kt
Snorting speed: 10.5 kt
Surfaced speed: 12 kt
Test depth: 300 metres (France, Spain)

350 metres (Pakistan)
Complement: 5 officers

36 men
Sensors and
processing systems: Thomson CSF DRUA 33 Radar Thomson Sintra DSUV 22 DUUA 2D Sonar DUUA 1D Sonar DUUX 2 Sonar

DSUV 62A towed array
Armament: SM 39 Exocet
4 × 550 mm bow torpedo tubes.

ECAN L5 Mod 3 & ECAN Fl7 Mod 2 torpedoes
Notes: Ships in class include: France: Agosta, Bévéziers, La Praya, Ouessant
Spain: Galerna, Siroco, Mistral, Tramontana
Pakistan:

Hashmat, Hurmat, Khalid, Saad, Hamza

Source: Bluefame

A Type 091 submarine China

2009-11-10T13:19:00.004+07:00

Song class submarine

The 4,500/5,500-ton Type 091 (US Department of Defense designation Han-class, Chinese designation 09-I) was the first nuclear-powered submarine (SSN) class deployed by the People's Liberation Army Navy. The general designer of the submarine was Mr. Huang Xuhua (黄旭华), and first submarine in the class was commissioned in 1974[2] and the fifth and final boat of the class was commissioned in 1990. The Han-Class is the among the first generation of nuclear-powered submarine in the People's Liberation Army Navy.

The Han-Class were developed with a backdrop of factional violence and witch hunts for enemy agents. With all the distractions, the Han-Class design became the victim. The Han-Class is well known for having a noisy reactor and poor radiation shielding. This causes health hazards for her crew as radiation levels are higher than they should be aboard the submarine. The submarine is also inhibited by the fact that it cannot launch missiles while submerged. This is a huge tactical drawback and makes a missile launch suicidal against most enemies.[3]

The Han-class have gone through major upgrades and numerous refits since their commissionings. Their initial design and weapons appear to be inadequate for confronting modern warships.It is believed that long refits have often meant that these submarines have spent more time in port than out at sea, greatly affecting their operational capacity. The boats have six 533 mm torpedo tubes and carry 20 torpedoes. Alternatively, they can carry 36 mines in their tubes. The Han class is capable of firing sub-launched variants of the C-801 anti-ship missile as well as a range of indigenous and Russian torpedoes or mines.

Hull 401 (and possibly 402 as well in the near future) had been retired from active service by 2005. All remaining hulls however have been refitted with new sonars, with Type H/SQ2-262B sonar manufactured by No. 613 Factory replacing the original Type 603 sonar on board. Anechoic tiles were added later reduce noise levels. India's short term lease of a Charlie 1 Class SSGN in 1988 resulted in negotiations with Pakistan for a lease of a Han. Pakistan's request for one was withdrawn when India returned the Charlie 1 in 1991. The Han has mostly operated in local waters. Since the 1990s, Hans have been used more aggressively. A Han shadowed a U.S. carrier battle group in the mid 1990s, and more recently, a Han was operating around Japanese waters, prompting a Japanese task group to pursue the submarine out of its territory.

All 5 boats (Changzheng 1 to 5; # 401 to 405) of this class were deployed with the North Sea Fleet and are homeported at Qingdao

General characteristics
Class and type: Han class
Displacement: 5,500 tons submerged
Length: 98 metres
Beam: 10 metres
Draft: 24.2 feet
Propulsion: 1 Nuclear Turbo Electric Engine - Pressurized Water Reactor
Speed: 25 knots (46 km/h) submerged / 12 knots (22 km/h) surfaced
Range: Unlimited
Complement: 75
Armament: 6 533 mm torpedo tubes
SET-65E & Type 53-51 Torpedoes
C-801 Anti-Ship Missiles
Can also carry 36 Mines

Source: Bluefame

U-15 at Kiel Week 2007

2009-11-10T13:17:00.004+07:00

The Type 206 is a class of diesel-electric submarines (U-boats) developed by Howaldtswerke-Deutsche-Werft AG (HDW). Its design is based on the preceding Type 205 submarine class. These small and agile submarines were built during the Cold War to operate in the shallow Baltic Sea and attack Warsaw Pact shipping if the war turned hot. The pressure hulls were built out of non-magnetic steel to counter the threat of magnetic naval mines and make detection with MAD sensors more difficult.

Of the 18 submarines built for the Bundesmarine (West German Navy), 12 were modernized in the early 1990s and were re-designated as Type 206A; the others have been decommissioned. The current German Navy is starting to decommission some 206A vessels, with more of the new Type 212 submarines being commissioned.

A slightly modified variant of the Type 206 (which includes the distinctive dome, or bulge, in the front of the boat), the Gal class submarine for the Israeli Navy was built to Israeli specifications as the Vickers Type 540 in the UK rather than Germany for political reasons. Three such boats were built, the first one being commissioned in 1976. When the Israeli navy received its new Dolphin class submarines (also built by HDW), the Gals were retired. As of 2006, one had been scrapped and two had been sent to HDW in an attempt to find a buyer for them. When no buyer was found, one of the submarines was returned to Israel for display in the Haifa naval museum.

General characteristics
Type: Type 206A submarine
Displacement: 450 t, surfaced;
498 t, submerged
Length: 48.6 m
Beam: 4.6 m
Draft: 4.5 m
Propulsion: 2 MTU 12V 493, 4-stroke 600 hp (441 kW) diesel engines, each coupled with an Asea Brown Boveri-generator
1 Siemens-Schluckert-Werke 1100 kW electric motor driving single five (Type 206) or seven (Type 206A) blade propeller
Speed: 10 knots (19 km/h), surfaced;
17 knots (31 km/h), submerged
Range: 4,500 nmi at 5 knots, surfaced;
(8,300 km at 9 km/h)
228 nmi at 4 knots, submerged
(420 km at 7 km/h)
Test depth: >200 m
Complement: 23
Armament: 8 × 533 mm torpedo tubes,
8 DM2A1 Seeaal (206) or DM2A3 Seehecht (206A) torpedoes;
24 mines can be carried externally

Source: Bluefame

The Redoutable

2009-11-10T13:15:00.004+07:00

The Redoutable class submarine is a ballistic missile submarine class of the French Marine Nationale , the oceanic part (Force Océanique Stratégique, FOST) of the Force de frappe. In French, the type is called Sous-marin Nucléaire Lanceur d'Engins (SNLE), literally "Missile-launching nuclear submarine".

The class entered active service in 1971 with Le Redoutable, six submarines were built in total. All decommissioned. The structural changes in L'Inflexible have seen it regarded as a different class from the early boats. The class has been superseded by the Le Triomphant class, firing the larger M45 missile (M51 from around 2010).

The first submarine, Le Redoutable, was ordered in 1963, built at Cherbourg, launched in 1967 and commissioned in 1971. Later submarines were very heavily upgraded from 1985 to fire the 2nd generation MIRV capable M4 missile - Le Tonnant was recommissioned in 1987; L'Indomptable in 1989; Le Terrible in 1990; and Le Foudroyant in 1993

General characteristics
Type: Ballistic missile submarine
Displacement: 9,000 tons (submerged)
Length: 130 m
Beam: 10,60 m
Draught: 10 m
Propulsion: One PWR
16,000 shp
Speed: over 20 knots (37 km/h)
Range: Essentially unlimited
Complement: 15 officers
120 sailors
Sensors and
processing systems: 1 DRUA 33
1 DMUX 21
1 DSUV 61B VLF
1 DUUX 5
ARUR 12 radar detector
Armament: 16 M4 MSBS (Mer Sol Balistique Stratégique) nuclear missiles
four 533 mm torpedo tubes
F-17 and L-5 torpedoes

SM-39 Exocet
Notes: Ships in class include: Le Redoutable; Le Terrible; Le Foudroyant; L'Indomptable; Le Tonnant; L'Inflexible.

Source: Bluefame

The le Triomphant French

2009-11-10T13:12:00.004+07:00

The le Triomphant class of strategic missile submarines of the French Navy are currently being introduced into service to provide the sea based component (the Force Océanique Stratégique) of the French nuclear deterrent or Force de frappe, with the M45 SLBM. They are replacing the Redoutable-class boats. In French, they are called Sous-Marin Nucléaire Lanceur d'Engins de Nouvelle Génération ("SNLE-NG, literally "Device-launching nuclear submarine of the new generation").

They are roughly one thousand times quieter than the Redoutable-class vessels, and ten times more sensitive in detecting other submarines [1]. They are designed to carry the M51 nuclear missile, which should enter active service around 2010.

The vessels are manufactured by DCN and have a capacity of 16 M51 SLBM missiles manufactured by Aerospatiale (now EADS Astrium Space Transportation.)

The French Navy's goal is to operate a force of four SSBNs (as with the Royal Navy's Vanguard fleet), of which two are on patrol at any given time.

Le Triomphant : Construction began on 9 June 1989; she was launched on 26 March 1994, and entered active service on 21 March 1997.
Le Téméraire : Construction began on 18 December 1993; she was launched on 21 January 1998, and entered active service on 23 December 1999.
Le Vigilant : Construction began in 1997; she was launched on 19 September 2003, and entered active service on 26 November 2004.
Le Terrible : Construction began on 24 October 2000 was launched on 21 March 2008. She is expected to enter active service by 2010.

General characteristics
Type: Ballistic missile submarine
Displacement: 12,640 t (surfaced)
14,335 t (submerged)
Length: 138 m
Beam: 12.50 m
Draught: 10.60 m
Propulsion: Pressurised water K15 nuclear reactor (150 MW), turboreductor system, Pump-jet
2 diesels-alternators SEMT Pielstick 8PA4V200 SM (700 kW) auxiliaries.
30,500 kW
Speed: over 25 knots (46 km/h)
Range: Essentially unlimited
Test depth: Over 400 metres
Complement: 15 officers
96 men
Sensors and
processing systems: Sonar DMUX 80
Sonar DUUX 5
Sonar DSUV 61B Very Low Frequency
Racal Decca radar (navigation)

SCC : SET (Système d'exploitation Tactique) : tactical operational system
Electronic warfare
and decoys: ARUR 13
Armament: Nuclear : 16 M45 SLBM missiles with TN 75 warheads
Anti-submarine : 4 x 533 mm tubes for F17 torpedoesAnti-surface : Exocet SM39
Notes: Ships in class include: Le Triomphant , Le Téméraire , Le Vigilant, Le Terrible.

Source: Bluefame

German Type 212 Submarine

2009-11-10T13:08:00.003+07:00

The German Type 212 is a highly advanced design of non-nuclear submarine (U-Boat) developed by Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft AG (HDW) for the German Navy. It features diesel propulsion and an additional air-independent propulsion (AIP) system using Siemens proton exchange membrane (PEM) hydrogen fuel cells. The submarine can operate at high speed on diesel power or switch to the AIP system for silent slow cruising, staying submerged for up to three weeks without surfacing and with no exhaust heat. The system is also said to be vibration-free, extremely quiet and virtually undetectable.

Type 212 is the first of the only two fuel cell propulsion system equipped submarines ready for series production by 2007, the other being the Project 677 Lada class submarine designed by Russian Rubin Design Bureau.

General characteristics
Displacement: 1'450 tons surfaced
1'830 tons submerged
Length: 56 m (183.7 ft)
57.2 m (187.66 ft) (2nd batch)
Beam: 7 m (22.96 ft)
Draft: 6 m (19.68 ft)
Propulsion: 1 MTU 16V 396 diesel-engine[1]
9 HDW/Siemens PEM fuel cells, 30-40 kW each (U31)
2 HDW/Siemens PEM fuel cells 120 kW (U32, U33, U34)
1 Siemens Permasyn electric motor 1700 kW, driving a single seven-bladed skewback propeller
Speed: 20 knots (37 km/h) submerged, 12 knots surfaced[2]
Range:
8,000 nm (14'800 km, or 9'196 miles) at 8 knots (15 km/h) surfaced
3 weeks without snorkeling, 12 weeks overall
Test depth: over 700 m (2,296 ft)[3]
Complement: 5 officers, 22 men
Armament: 6 x 533 mm torpedo tubes (in 2 forward pointing groups of 3) with 12 DM2A4, A184 Mod.3, BlackShark torpedoes, IDAS missiles and 24 external naval mines.

Source: Bluefame

Scorpene Class

2009-11-08T20:17:00.006+07:00

The Scorpene class submarine was developed by DCN of France and Izar (formerly Bazan) of Spain. It is based on the proven Amethyste class.

The first two units were ordered by Chile to be constructed in France and Spain for commissioning in 2005 and 2006 as the O'Higgins and Carrera, replacing two Oberon class boats. The Malaysian navy placed a contract for two Scorpene class submarines in June 2002, the boats to enter service in 2007 and 2008 after construction in France and Spain. France and India are also signed an agreement for the latter to build six Scorpene class boats at the state-owned Mazagon Docks in Bombay, with technical aid from the French DCN and Thales companies. The boats are to be completed on 2010-15 with SM.39 Exocet underwater-launched anti-ship missiles.

In 2008 Brazil ordered four submarines and one more hull, which will be fitted with an indigenous nuclear propulsion system.

As ordered for the Chilean navy, the Scorpene class submarine not have a towed-array sonar but are equipped with flank-array sonar. The six 533-mm bow torpedo tubes are capable of launching German SUT torpedoes, F-17 Mod 2, Mk 48 or, in Chilean service, Black Shark 184 Mod 3 torpedoes, as well as the SM.39 Exocet anti-ship missile. The tubes possess a salvo launch capability, and use a positive-discharge system by air turbine pump. The submarine's weapon complement is 18 torpedoes and missiles, or 30 mines. Handling and loading of weapons is automated.

The SUBTICS combat management system, with up to six multi-function consoles and a central tactical table, is located with the platform-control facilities. SUBTICS comprises a command and tactical data-handling system, a weapon control system and a suite of integrated acoustic sensors, interfaced with the air/surface detection sonar and the navigation system.

The boat has a high level of automation. A crew of 32 men is just half the number, comparing with earlier generation submarines.

Submarine is available with basic or shorter hull, designed for improved maneuverability and lower signature. Hull of the Scorpene was designed for quiet running.

The Scorpene class submarines feature diesel propulsion. They are powered by four diesel generators, developing more than 2 500 kW. Some vessels were ordered with an Air-Independent Propulsion system (AIP). Submarine has a range of 6 500 nautical mines (12 000 km) at 8 knots surfaced or 550 nm (1 020 km) at 5 knots submerged. Usually food supplies carried are sufficient for 50 days. Submarines with AIP system are capable of remaining submerged for three times longer than Scorpenes with conventional propulsion. They are sometimes referred as diesel-electric attack submarines.

Entered service	2005
Crew	32 men
Diving depth (operational)	350 m
Diving depth (maximum)	?
Sea endurance	50 days
*Dimensions and displacement*
Length	63.5 m
Beam	?
Draught	5.4 m
Surfaced displacement	1 450 tons
Submerged displacement	1 590 tons
*Propulsion and speed*
Surfaced speed	12 knots
Submerged speed	over 20 knots
Diesel generators	4
Electric motors	1
*Armament*
Torpedoes	6 x 533-mm torpedo tubes for 18 torpedoes or SM.39 Exocet anti-ship missiles
Other	30 mines in place of torpedoes

Source: Military Today

Navantia Delivers Submarine Tun Razak

2009-11-07T21:10:00.005+07:00

This morning (5 Nov '09), at the shipyard in Cartagena, Navantia held the delivery ceremony of the Scorpene-class submarine "Tun Razak", the second of two boats that the consortium formed by the French company DCNS and NAVANTIA built for the Royal Malaysian Navy. The contract was signed in June 2002.

The ceremony was presided by the Chief of Navy Malaysia, Tan Sri Dato 'Sri Haji Abdul Aziz Jaafar, and attended by the Malaysian ambassador to Spain, Dato' Mohammad Naimun Ashakli, and Aurelio Martinez, President of Navantia.

The submarine "Tun Razak" was launched and christened in a ceremony held at the Cartagena shipyard on 8 October 2008, an event that was chaired by Their Majesties the Kings of Malaysia, and is the second of a two-submarine contract. The first boat, christened “Tunku Abdul Rahman," was delivered to the navy of Asian nation on 26 January 2009 in Toulon (France).

According to the program, the stern sections are built by Navantia and the bow sections by DNCS. The first submarine was assembled and delivered by the French shipyard in Cherbourg, and the second here, at the Cartagena shipyard.

The main features of the submarine are:
- Length: 66.40 m
- Beam: 6.20 m.
- Draft: 5.40 m.
- Pressure hull diameter: 6.20 m
- Surface Displacement: 1,525 T
- Submerged Displacement: 1,670 T
- Maximum speed: *submerged: 20 kts *surfaced: 12 kts
- Autonomy: 45 days - Crew: 31

Source: (Navantia) via Defense Studies

Kilo Class Submarine

2009-11-02T13:53:00.004+07:00

The Kilo class is the NATO reporting name for a military diesel-electric submarine that is made in Russia. The original version of the vessels were designated Project 877 Paltus (Turbot) in Russia. There is also a more advanced version, designated as Improved Kilo in the west, and Project 636 Varshavyanka in Russia. The Kilo will be succeeded by the Lada class submarine, which began sea trials in 2005.

The boats are mainly intended for anti-shipping and anti-submarine operations in relatively shallow waters. Original Project 877 boats are equipped with Rubikon MGK-400 sonar system (with NATO reporting name Shark Gill), which includes a mine detection and avoidance sonar MG-519 Arfa (with NATO reporting name Mouse Roar). Newer Project 636 boats are equipped with improved MGK-400EM, with MG-519 Afra also upgraded to MG-519EM. The improved sonar systems have reduced the number of operators needed by sharing the same console via automation. Project 636, sometimes called "The Black Hole" by the US Navy for its uncanny ability to "disappear", is thought to be one of the quietest diesel-electric submarine classes in the world.^[1]

Anechoic tiles are fitted on casings and fins to absorb the sonar sound waves of active sonar, which results in a reduction and distortion of the return signal.^[2] These tiles also help attenuate sounds that are emitted from the submarine, thus reducing the range by which the sub may be detected by passive sonar.^[3]

Operators

The first submarine entered service in the Soviet Navy in 1982, and the class remains in use with the Russian navy. 16 vessels are believed to still be in active service with the Russian Navy, while 8 vessels are thought to be in reserve.^[4] So far, 33 vessels have been exported to several countries:

Algeria - 2 Original Kilo, 2 Improved Kilo to be commissioned between 2009-2010.^[5]
People's Republic of China - 2 Original Kilo, 10 Improved Kilo.^[6]^[7]^[8]
India - 10 Kilo designated the Sindhughosh Class.^[9]^[10]
Poland - 1 Kilo ORP Orzeł.^[11]
Indonesia - 2 Improved Kilo ordered in 2006, Scheduled to arrive at 2009.^[12]
Iran - 3 Kilo.^[13]
Romania - 1 Kilo - (Delfinul).^[14]
Russia - 16 Kilo in active service, 8 in reserve.^[15]
Vietnam - 6 Improved Kilo on order, first delivery of 2 ships in 2010, completion of order in 2011.^[16]

Specifications

There are several variants of the Kilo class. The information below is the smallest and largest number from the available information for all three variants of the ship.^[1]

Displacement:
- 2,300-2,350 tons surfaced
- 3,000-4,000 tons submerged
Dimensions:
- Length: 70-74 meters
- Beam: 9.9 meters
- Draft: 6.2-6.5 meters
Maximum speed
- 10-12 knots surfaced
- 17-25 knots submerged
Propulsion: Diesel-electric 5,900 shp (4,400 kW)
Maximum depth: 300 meters (240-250 meters operational)
Endurance
- 400 nautical miles (700 km) at 3 knots (6 km/h) submerged
- 6,000 nautical miles (11,000 km) at 7 knots (13 km/h) snorkeling (7,500 miles for the Improved Kilo class)
- 45 days sea endurance
Armament
- Air defence: 8 SA-N-8 Gremlin or SA-N-10 Gimlet^[17] Surface-to-air missiles (export submarines may not be equipped with air defense weapons)
- Six 533 mm torpedo tubes with 18 53-65 ASuW or TEST 71/76 ASW torpedoes or VA-111 Shkval supercavitating "underwater missiles", or 24 DM-1 mines,
Crew: 52
Price per unit is US$200–250 million (China paid approx. US$1.5-2 billion for 8 Project 636 Kilo class submarines)

Source: Wikipedia

Collins Class

2009-10-28T16:00:00.004+07:00

Needing a successor to its obsolescent Oberon class diesel-electric submarines, the Royal Australian Navy decided in the first part of the 1980s to consider the full range of foreign-designed submarines that would meet the RAN's operational requirement and also be suitable for construction in an Australian yard. The decision eventually went to a Swedish design, the Type 471 designed by Kockums, and in June 1987 the Australian Submarine Corporation contracted with Kockums for six such submarines, to be built in Adelaide, South Australia, and known in Australian service as the Collins class. The contract included an option for another two boats, but this option was not exercised.

Fabrication of the boats initial assemblies began in June 1989, and the bows and midships sections of the first submarines were produced in Sweden and shipped to Adelaide to be mated with locally built sections. The boats were laid down between February 1990 and May 1995, launched between August 1993 and November 2001, and completed between July 1996 and a time in 2003, and are named HMAS Collins, HMAS Farncomb, HMAS Waller, HMAS Dechaineux, HMAS Sheean and HMAS Rankin.

The armament and fire control/combat system, the latter proving very troublesome during development and initial service, are along American lines, while the sonar is basically of French and Australian origins. As noted above, the Boeing/Rockwell combat system has been plagued by problems, and only after the Raytheon CCS Mk 2 system has been installed will the boats be regarded as fully operational from about 2007. All but the Collins, which was retrofitted, were built with anechoic tiles on their outer surfaces, and the periscopes are British, in the form of the Pilkington (now Thales) Optronics CK43 search and CH93 attack units. The tubes are all located in the bows, and are designed to fire either the Mk 48 Mod 4 heavyweight torpedo or the UGM-84B Sub-Harpoon underwater-launched anti-ship missile, of which a combined total of 22 can be shipped. An alternative is 44 mines. The Mk 48 Mod 4 is an wire-guided dual-role weapon with active/passive homing, and can carry its 267-kg (590-lb) warhead to a range of 38 km (23.6 miles) at 55 kts or 50 km (31.1 miles) at 40 kts. The tube-launched weapons are discharged by an air turbine pump arrangement.

Great development effort has improved the boats reliability and quietness. The revision of the boats with a Stirling air-independent propulsion system in a lengthened hull is being considered, and a test rig has been bought from Sweden.

Entered service	1996
Crew	42 men
Diving depth (operational)	300 m
*Dimensions and displacement*
Length	77.8 m
Beam	7.8 m
Draught	7 m
Surfaced displacement	3 051 tons
Submerged displacement	3 353 tons
*Propulsion and speed*
Surfaced speed	10 knots
Submerged speed	20 knots
Diesel engines	3 x 6 035 hp
Electric motors	1 x 7 345 hp
*Armament*
Missiles and torpedoes	6 x 533-mm tubes for a total of 22 Sub-Harpoon missiles or torpedoes
Other	or up to 44 mines

Source: Military Today

Collins Class Machine in Problem

2009-10-27T21:43:00.003+07:00

The existing Through-Life Support (TLS) agreement was signed in December 2003, with an initial duration of 15 years and an option to extend for a further 10 years.But The Australian last week reported senior engineering experts as saying that, due to a run of crippling mechanical problems, the Swedish-supplied Hedemora diesel engines in the Collins subs may have to be replaced - a major design and engineering job that could cost millions of dollars and take years to complete.The report also suggested that Defence wants to cut the average time for a Full Cycle Docking (FCD) from three to two years which would save some $60-70 million a year.ASC shortly after outlined how well they are working with DMO to get the issues sorted and that an announcement on a new boss is ‘expected shortly' after Greg Tunny's departure in May this year saw a ‘shake-up' of how business was done.

New Support Agreement to Cut Collins’ Costs

Defence is seeking to reduce the cost of operating the Navy's six Collins-class submarines by signing a new support agreement with ASC before the start of fiscal year 2010, a Department of Defence spokesperson has confirmed to Jane's.

Source: (Australian Defence) via Defense Studies

New-Type China's Submarine Patrols in Deep Sea

2009-10-26T17:12:00.003+07:00

No.330 submarine of a submarine flotilla of the East China Sea Fleet (ECSF) of the PLA Navy frequented the vast territorial seas in recent years. It has successfully accomplished dozens of major tasks such as equipment acceptance, test and long voyage and is dubbed as a “pioneer” of the new-type submarine of the PLA Navy.

No.330 submarine is a new generation submarine independently developed and produced by China. And it has such advantages as low noise, long underwater sailing time and advanced power as well as weapon and equipment system.

The reporters experienced a maritime exercise in a sea area not long ago. New-type submarine combat group with No.330 submarine as the leader concealed, broke through the blockade of the destroyer formation and anti-submarine military strength in the air and entered the attack position by adopting new combat method. “Direction and speed of the target are ascertained, a type of torpedo in 3# pipe gets ready to release!” As soon as the order of the captain was released, the torpedo left the pipe. Several minutes later, the torpedo hit the target accurately. This exercise symbolized that a new generation submarine of the PLA Navy has generated battle effectiveness.

Source: (Chinamil) via Defense Studies

Engine Problems Cripple Collins-Class Submarines

2009-10-21T16:23:00.004+07:00

THE navy's $6 billion Collins-class submarines face serious operational restrictions after being hit by a run of crippling mechanical problems and troubling maintenance issues.

The Collins class submarine fleet could be pulled out of action after faults were uncovered.

The Collins class submarine fleet could be pulled out of action after faults were uncovered.

Some senior engineering experts now contend that the Swedish-supplied Hedemora diesel engines may have to be replaced - a major design and engineering job that could cost hundreds of millions of dollars and take years to complete.

So serious are the problems that the Defence Materiel Organisation has put the Collins boats at the top of its list of "projects of concern" - the key equipment issues troubling Australia's Defence leaders.

The Australian understands that in recent times only a single Collins-class boat has been available for operational duties but it is unclear whether this involves more than extended training missions.
Senior Defence leaders are also vitally concerned about the productivity and efficiency of ASC, the Adelaide-based wholly government-owned builder and maintainer of the Collins class.

One senior Defence source characterises the level of concern in senior government ranks about the availability of the Collins submarines as "extreme".

In the recent defence white paper, Kevin Rudd announced that the government would double the size of the RAN's submarine fleet from six to 12 when it came to replacing the Collins-class boats from 2025.

"If you can't do this right, how do you do the next one," observed one senior Defence source last night.

We spend a lot of money on this core defence capability and they aren't working properly."

Defence Minister John Faulkner and Defence Materiel Minister Greg Combet have now demanded monthly updates from the navy and Defence about the operational state of the Collins-class vessels.

ASC, the Adelaide-based builder and maintainer of the Collins class, is now working through a range of mechanical issues affecting the performance of the six submarines with the state of the diesel engines a fundamental concern.

The trouble-plagued diesel engines are expected to last at least another 15 to 20 years before they are progressively replaced by the planned next-generation submarine from 2025.

While ASC believes they can still last the expected life-of-type and has called in a Swiss consultant to advise on a long-term remediation plan, other external experts believe there may be no option but to start planning for their eventual replacement.

The Hedemora diesel engines have never functioned well from the start and there are now real doubts that they are robust enough to see out the life of the Collins boats.

Other mechanical issues include the performance of the electric motors, batteries and generators but ASC sources are confident that these glitches are being satisfactorily resolved.

HMAS Collins is undergoing repairs on its diesel engines and there are temporary restrictions on two other boats while the bands on their electric motors are fixed.

But ASC remains confident that four "operational" boats will be available to the navy early in 2010 while HMAS Rankin and HMAS Sheean enter ASC's Adelaide yard to undergo a "full-cycle docking" - a major refit and overhaul.

ASC has the maintenance contract for the Collins boats worth nearly $200 million and this year is budgeted to spend $330m on maintaining and upgrading the submarines, including the combat system.

But Defence leaders are concerned about the company's ability to efficiently manage the regular full-cycle dockings (FCD) and other lengthy maintenance periods that the Collins boats require.

Defence wants to cut the average time taken for a FCD from three to two years, saving at least $60-70m a year, which would be ploughed back into supporting the Collins capability.

ASC has a $3bn long-term through-life support contract for the Collins boats with the DMO which is due to be renegotiated by next March.

Senior Defence sources say there will be three key performance indicators that they expect from the new contract with ASC including an increased availability of boats for operations and a reduced cost of ownership to the commonwealth.

"We are concerned with the amount of availability of the boats and the cost of doing the maintenance as well as some of the technical outcomes being achieved," DMO chief Stephen Gumley told The Australian.

"We are working with the company to improve in each of those areas. We hope to have a new through-life support contract for the Collins by Easter next year, which would commence in the financial year starting on July 1, 2010," Dr Gumley said.

"Like any complex asset, there is a series of technical challenges.

"We are working with ASC and external consultants to evaluate some of the challenges that wehave."

A recent external consultant's study of workforce productivity on the Collins boats at ASC's Adelaide yard suggests room for significant improvement.

According to documents obtained by The Australian, the study showed that some mechanical tradesmen working on the Collins boats were idle for much of their time on the shop floor.

One electrical tradesman was present for the entire day but his only role was to insert and remove the fuses for a pressure test. This test took 10 minutes and was held mid-afternoon.

Another electrical tradesman was clocked to have spent three hours and 12 minutes of productive work in a day. "The average efficiency observed (using generous definitions of productive work) was 30 per cent. Over 15 days of tradesperson time across multiple disciplines was observed, and nobody has suggested that theperiod of time we studied was not representative," the consultant report found.

"We believe that an efficiency of 80 per cent should be considered world-class in this environment.

This would be a 167 per cent increase in the work output of the current workforce or opportunity for a dramatic cost reduction," the report said.

Ever since they were launched, the Collins boats have been plagued by mechanical problems.

As early as June 1999, a report to the Howard government found a range of serious technical defects in the Collins boats, three of which had been delivered to the navy by that time. These included problems with the diesel engines as well as noise propagation and the performance of propellers, periscopes, masts and the combat system. By far the most expensive fix was the the combat system. The original system never worked and was eventually replaced at a cost of close to $1 billion.

Source: (Australian Defence) via Defense Studies

Australia Look to US for Future Submarine

2009-10-06T17:20:00.003+07:00

Greg Combet, Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science, today finalised discussions with US industry on Australia’s Future Submarine project that will replace the Collins class submarines.

“The United States is a leader in the design and development of submarine technology, and I expect that Australia will look to learn from companies like General Dynamics Electric Boat and Lockheed Martin in designing and developing the Collins class replacement,” Mr Combet said.

“The Future Submarine will be Australia’s largest ever Defence acquisition and the Rudd Government is committed to ensuring that Australia obtains a world leading submarine capability. US technology is likely to be an important facilitator of this capability.

“Electric Boat designs and shares the build of the Virginia class submarines for the US Navy and has been instrumental in driving down production costs to enable the US to increase the production rate of these submarines.

“Lockheed Martin is a major supplier in the US Navy submarine combat system, the Collins Replacement Combat System supplies submarine combat systems or components to Spain and the United Kingdom.”

“I welcome the interest from US industry in supporting the Future Submarine project.

“Any US involvement in the Future Submarine would build on the relationships developed with Electric Boat and other US companies in support of the Collins class.”

Mr Combet also discussed the ongoing arrangements between ASC and Electric Boat in support of the Collins class.

Source: (Defense Aerospace) via Defense Studies

Thailand's Submarine Ambitions Back on Agenda

2009-09-26T17:32:00.004+07:00

An increase in acquisitions of submarines by Southeast Asian countries is prompting Thailand to step up a gear in its bid to procure its own platform, the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) told Jane's on 23 September.

Thailand's last serious bid to procure submarines ended in May 1996 when the government announced that due to financial pressures it would not follow up on a project to acquire two or three diesel-electric platforms at an estimated cost of around USD500 million.

While the acquisition of the same number of submarines would cost considerably more now – and therefore the financing of a fresh procurement programme could prove similarly difficult – a senior officer in the RTN said that regional developments had made the requirement necessary.

These developments have seen Malaysia purchase two Scorpene submarines, which are expected to be commissioned and deployed in East Malaysia by late 2009 or early 2010; Singapore relaunch the first of two Västergötland-class (A 17) submarines in June 2009; Vietnam enter a deal with Russia to purchase six Project 877EKM ('Kilo'-class) boats; and Indonesia, which already operates two Type 209-class submarines, announce that it will purchase two more platforms in the next two years, possibly from South Korea or Russia.

Source: (Jane's) via Defense Studies