What's new

Modern Submarine Discussions

The Hydro Camel Unmaned Submarine
Today, there are many remotely operated submarines that handle important tasks, such as checking underwater pipelines, mapping underwater minefields, searching for locations to place communication cables, and finding sunken vessels. These marine vessels, however, are limited by effective communication cables and require frequent human-operator contact. Israel’s Ben-Gurion University is developing a more accurate and effective autonomous, intelligent, underwater vessel that will revolutionize these and other tasks by thinking for itself. i-hls Reports.

A team of eighteen students from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev has designed and developed an intelligent, autonomous submarine called the Hydro Camel, the first of its kind in Israel. Several members of the BGU Hydro Camel submarine team are competing in the 16th Annual RoboSub Competition being held this week in San Diego. The competition is sponsored by the U.S. Office of Naval Research and the Association of Unmanned Vehicles International (AUVSI) Foundation.

This year’s competition features thirty-six national and international collegiate and high school teams. The goal is to advance the Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUVs) development by challenging a new generation of engineers to perform realistic missions in an underwater environment.


Hydro-Camel-Frame.jpg


“There is a need for an autonomous submarine that is equipped with an intelligent navigation system whose functions include mission planning, obstacle avoidance and decision-making that are as good as a human operator,” says Prof. Hugo Guterman, head of the BGU Laboratory of Autonomous Robotics. “After the competition, we plan to further develop the submarine to its optimum capabilities, which we hope will place the State of Israel at the forefront in developing tools for marine autonomy,” says team Hydro Camel member Guy Kagan, who will be competing in San Diego.

A-SolidWorks-model-of-the-2013-HydroCamel-vehicle.jpg

A SolidWorks model of the 2013 HydroCamel vehicle
The cylindrical, carbon fiber Hydro Camel sub measures some five feet (1.5 m), weighs 84 lbs. (38 kg) and is divided into five main cells. The four side cells, filled with water, contain six thrusters, a robotic arm, torpedoes, batteries, and cameras. The central cell houses the electrical system, main computer and all electrical components.
Today, there are many remotely operated submarines that handle important tasks, such as checking underwater pipelines, mapping underwater minefields, searching for locations to place communication cables, and searching for sunken vessels. These marine vessels, however, are limited by effective communication cables and require frequent human-operator contact. “BGU is developing a more accurate and effective autonomous, independently thinking underwater vessel that would revolutionize these and other tasks,” explains Boris Braginsky, another BGU team member competing in San Diego.

The Hydro Camel Unmaned Submarine - Defense Update - Military Technology & Defense News
 
At the Admiralty shipyards before the Day of the Navy launched a deep-water rescue apparatus (SGA) "Bester-1" project 18271 for the rescue ship "Igor Belousov."

Self-propelled deep-sea vehicle project 18271 "Bester-1."
The device successfully passed the first - stacker - Phase mooring trials, ahead of two stages - at the outfitting dock wall and in-camera factory "Red Sormovo" with simulated deep-sea diving. "Bester-1" - the device that is worthy continuation of the tradition of the Admiralty shipyards in the construction of advanced, high-tech, knowledge-based orders. It was first introduced, many fundamentally new development activities. It's - Control Systems ship: navigation, single automated system "Bester", more powerful and fundamentally new dvizhetelno and steering system, the new guidance system, landing and securing an emergency submarine and, of course, the suction chamber - through which it will be possible to evacuate people in the list up to 45 degrees.
All previous rescue vessels built in this country and abroad, could help in distress when the crew of a submarine roll of emergency no more than 15 degrees.
PTZ camera suction cup mounted on the "Bester", allows rescue inclined at an angle of 45 degrees, even: the unit itself will be horizontal and the suction chamber - Run to the desired angle, - said General Director of the Admiralty shipyards.
"Increase the number of rescued sailors and - within the" Bester "at the same time be able to accommodate 22 people. To the above, plus a new flow ventilation system, mounted on the SGA, will begin decompression divers rescued not long after, and even during ascent, which would reduce the subsequent time finding people in pressure chambers, "- said Buzakov.
A number of systems, the device is designed and manufactured at the St. Petersburg NGO "Aurora", where the two teams are now "Bester" of six master them. SGA will have a working depth of the dive 700 meters.
20712830.jpg
 
Successor Submarine - next generation of British strategic submarines.
(in service - near 2028)
928089_original.jpg
 
DCNS%252520SMX-25%2525202.jpg


The French naval company DCNS has put forward a conceptual study that abandons much of what's assumed to be conventional wisdom about modern submarines, and in many ways reverts to the 'cruiser submarine' concept. They call it the SMX-25.

It doesn't look like other submarines because it's designed for a different job - primarily, anti-surface warfare, rather than anti-submarine warfare. That changes everything. The submarine needs mobility to catch and stay up with surface ships. It will be optimized for survival against active, not passive sonar. It needs a heavy missile load, ready to fire, because surface ships travel in groups and multiple shots can overwhelm the defenses.

Non-nuclear submarines can't run fast for long: batteries don't store enough energy, their circular-section hulls aren't efficient on the surface, and wave effects limit snorkeling speed to 11 knots or so. SMX-25 is therefore designed for high speed on the surface, with a wave-piercing hull and retractable air inlets for three 16 MW gas turbines driving waterjets. Top speed is 38 knots and range at 14-20 knots is 8000 nm.

In action, SMX-25 can ballast to a semi-submerged position with the sail above the surface. It can still run on turbines, the sail is a small visual or radar target, and all 16 missile tubes are ready to fire. Finally, the boat can submerge completely and run on diesel (via a snorkel) or batteries, driving retractable motor-propeller units.

It's a big submarine for a non-nuke, 360 feet long with a surface displacement of 2850 tonnes and 5460 tonnes submerged. under the water, the hull is faceted rather than rounded - like a stealthy aircraft, faceting weakens back-scattered echo from an active sonar.

DCNS argues that the SMX-25 could be remarkably survivable. It is a small target for surface attack - and if engaged by a missile it can dive. Its speed makes it a tough target for a torpedo, and it has sensors above and below the water. And although it looks like something out of Thunderbirds, it is designed entirely around existing technology.
 
Submarine technology - Armada

Submarine technology

Posted on 24 April 2013 by admin

Chilean-navys-Scorpene-type-submarine-300x214.jpg

Multiple roles and Robotics,

the Silent World’s Tech Mutations

Recent operations in the Mediterranean Sea during Libyan crisis as well as antipiracy activities in the Indian Ocean, highlighted the importance of underwater platform intelligence and special forces support operations in addition to traditional SSK patrol, deterrence, surveillance of, and attack against, illegal operations.

The importance of such capabilities is well known to Asia-Pacific region countries. These will acquire more submarines and spend more on them over the next two decades than any other region in the world except the United States, according to AMI International analysts. American, European, Russian and more recently Asian shipbuilders are also looking into new littoral warfare and special ops’ support boat designs to cope with customer requirements.

Submarine designers, builders and system providers all are developing new platforms or adapting current production vehicles and systems to meet the new requirements.

Platform Overview

The demanding Australian programme, for instance, that aims at putting 12 new-generation submarines into service from 2025 on, with the capability to conduct long endurance missions at considerable distances from home, equipped with both long-range strike weapon systems to support special forces and unmanned vehicles, is pushing French DCNS to offer a scaled-up version of the Scorpene equipped with the Mesma air independent propulsion system already in service with Pakistan’s Agosta 90B (also sold to India, Malaysia, Chile and Brazil). The later variant in production features an increased displacement compared to previous models, but maintains a conventional diesel-electric propulsion system.

ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems’ Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft (HDW) company, on the other hand, is proposing the new Type 216 design with an 89-metre platform, a submerged displacement of 4,000 tonnes and a propulsion system employing a methanol reformer air independent fuel cell system allowing a submerged endurance of up to four weeks. The new design will also have a vertical multipurpose lock aft of the sail for cruise missiles, divers or robots in addition to a new sonar suite.



Navantia proposes a scaled-up version of its S-80 air-independent propulsion SSK under construction for Spanish Navy, with enhancements for the specific programme. The Australian DoD is also looking at the newest Sōryū class SSK in service with the Japan Maritime Self Defence Force (JMSDF).



In Europe, these companies together with Fincantieri and South Korean Daewoo Shipbuilding & marine Engineering (DSME) recently responded to a request for information of the Norwegian Ministry of Defence for a possible replacement of Ula-class submarines (instead of opting for a further life extension operation).



Russian submarine designers and shipyards are continuing to market their latest versions of the Project 636 Kilo class boats, the new Project 677 Lada or Amur 1650 for export, with both types introducing enhancements in platform, command, control, sonar and fire control suites and weapon suites including Klub-S family missiles. According to Russian newspapers, China is also to build Lada/Amur 1650 platforms maintaining a double source of submarines, in case the indigenous industry cannot satisfy developments and procurement requirements.



Current Trends


Current market trends, however are now pushing submarine designers towards littoral and special operation support boats. Various offers are surfacing, including the roughly 900-tonne and 50-metre Andrasta from DCNS, the 1,150-tonne and 58-metre Type 210 from HDW, the 1,100-tonne and 56-metre S1000 from Fincantieri & Rubin – all featuring advanced solutions and able to conduct full-size conventional submarine missions. The same companies and Daewoo Shipbuilding and Maritime Engineering (DSME) are also working on platforms concepts for special operations, as exemplified by the DCNS SMX-26 showed at Euronaval 2012, the HDW Type 200 and the South Korean KSS 500A. The US Special Operations Command allowed foreign companies to participate and recently awarded General Dynamics Electric Boat a contract to design and build a prototype ‘dry’ submersible for evaluation by the US naval forces community, with the participation of Italy’s GSE company, builder of commercial diver lock-out submersibles.



HDW in Germany has pioneered the development of air-independent systems based on fuel-cell technology, as used by German and Italian Type 212As, South Korean and Portuguese Type 214s and lately by the Israeli navy’s Dolphin. In late 2012, Sener engineering group and HDW signed an agreement for the industrial production of an air-independent propulsion system based on a fuel cell methanol reformer technology. The later provides an alternative for producing the hydrogen required by a fuel-cell system, which more suitable for larger platforms with long endurance. A fully engineered submarine system demonstrator is to be ready for end-2013.



Applied to all Swedish navy’s recent submarines, Stirling air-independent propulsion systems also power Singapore navy’s Archer class boats, as well as the future Kockums A26 designed mainly for littoral operations with ocean-going capabilities. Built under license by Japanese Kawasaki Heavy Industry, it is also embarked on the Sōryū class SSK,the newest boat in service with Japan Maritime Self Defence Force. The Australian DoD through its SEA 1000 programme has also showed interest for this method.

Pakistan’s Agosta 90B became the first air-independent propulsion submarine to operate in the Indian Ocean, soon to be joined by nother boats in 2013 – courtesy of the DCNS-supplied Mesma (Module d’Energie Sous-Marine Autonome). It consists of a combustion module fed with liquid oxygen and fuel, and a steam production loop. The Mesma endows a Scorpene SSK with a submerged endurance of more than 21 days. DCNS is proposing the system for current and future P-75I-class programmes and for Australia’s SEA 1000 future submarine programme.



Navantia, for its part, has developed the S-80’s air-independent propulsion , which is based on a bioethanol-processor, fed with bioethanol as fuel, and liquid oxygen, generating high-purity hydrogen. The output feeds a series of fuel cells provided by UTC Power in America.

Developing an indigenous submarine technology, India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is working on air-independent propulsion technology at the Naval Material Research Laboratory (NMRL), which is expected to be available in 2015, and which can be applied to the new-generation P-75I.

China, however, is reported to have a system of its own, which powers the newest Type 041 Yuan and Type 043 Qing SSK class. Developed by 711th Research Institute of China Shipbuilding Heavy Industry, the exact type hasn’t been identified, but according to some sources, it is a Stirling cycle engine.

Russia was an early proponent of air-independent propulsion design, but in the last decade Western European nations took the lead. In late 2011, however, the Rubin design bureau unveiled an electrochemical generator plant based on the earlier Kristall-27E solution, which employs fuel cells and the reforming of diesel fuel for hydrogen production by means of an electro-mechanical generator. Reported to be available for production in less than three years’ time, it is being offered to India via the Amur 1650 project.



Combat Systems


The covertness offered by underwater platforms and the new generation of sensors and weapon systems provide the conventional submariners with detection the range required for wide-area tactical picture compilation and long-range engagements, but also place additional demands on the warfare team in the submarine control room.

The latest generation of submarine combat systems offer far greater functional integration of sensors, tactical data handling and weapon systems. The latest trend is wholesale migration toward scalable commercial off-the-shelf -based open system architectures, a shift seen to offer multiple advantages. Their design and development costs can be significantly reduced by avoiding the use of proprietary products and eliminating vendor restrictions at all system levels. Moreover the regular upgrading of computer systems enables rapid additional operational capability to be inserted to meet emerging threats while potential shared computing environments allows for reduced hardware footprint and support rationalisation.



One of the largest provider of SSK combat systems is Atlas Elektronik, with variants of its Isus (Integrated submarine combat system) integrated command, weapon control and sonar system, which forms the core for widely sold HDW Type 209 and Type 214 export types. The Isus roadmap showed an increasing reliance on cots technology and the migration toward open-standard architecture, hardware and system application software, including emphasis on new sonar functionality and sonar manager functions.

Although the Subtics (Submarine Tactical Integrated Combat System) was closely connected to French-built conventional submarines export sales (Pakistan’s Agosta 90B and Scorpene boats to Brazil, Chile, India and Malaysia), DCNS was able to expand its customer range to South America and southeast Asia for German- and Swedish-built submarines.

The Subtics results from DCNS and Thales shared experience with French navy submarine sonar, command and weapon control systems (including the Sycobs system), adopting open standards, a fully redundant design and Thales Underwater Systems TSM 2233 sonar suite.



Up north, Kongsberg Defence Systems of Norway has sold its MSI-90U Mk2 combat and weapon system to the navies of Norway (Ula class), Germany and Italy (Type 212) and more recently Indonesia (Type 209 built by South Korea’s DSME) and South Korean navy’s Type 214 and derivatives. The Italian navy’s latest Type 212 boats will feature the Link 11/16 functionality, navigation package and Wass Black Shark heavyweight torpedo integration.



Saab is involved in the continuing upgrading of Swedish navy’s SesuB command and fire-control suite on its Type A-17 and -19 submarines, while the latest SesuB version employs cots-based open architecture will equip the new Type A-26. The Netherlands navy’s four Walrus-class submarines are being upgraded with Ministry of Defence-provided Guardion common core system also used by surface vessels.



Lockheed Martin’s MS2 and Navantia’s combat systems house Faba are partners in the development of the fully integrated Core Combat System for the Spanish Navy’s four new S-80A class submarine under construction. Based on Lockheed Martin Subics (submarine integrated combat system) open architecture model, it integrates Spanish hardware and software provided by Spanish companies, including Sainsel and Saes. The American company is also responsible for the Brazilian Type 209 upgrade.



Working in conjunction with America and Australia, Raytheon supplied the AN/BYG-1(V)8 combat control system as part of the Royal Australian Navy Collins-class replacement combat system programme. Already installed across the US Navy’s nuclear submarine fleet and being periodically updated, the AN/BYG-1 calls on commercial open standards, allowing the rapid insertion of additional sensors and/or weapons. It is expected to become fully operational on all Australian navy boats by 2016, and is reported to become the basis of the SEA 1000 future submarine combat system.



Sonar


Spiral upgrading and cots insertion are the main themes in sonar suite development and enhancements. Thales is promoting its S-Cube multi-mission sonar suite with an open system architecture (variant of TSM2233) using cots hardware and software and combining Fast adaptive beam-forming technique, large PVDF planar flank array and a simple-to-use ‘look and feel’ human-computer interface. Scalable for all size of submarine from coastal to oceanic, the suite has already been ordered for Brazil’s and India’s Scorpenes as well as Ecuador’s HDW Type 209/1300s.



Thales Australia has been contracted to upgrade Australian navy’s Collins class TSM 2233 sonar suite.



L-3 Elac Nautik is involved in providing subsystems to enhance acoustic packages already in service, including the Netherlands’ Walrus-class boats.



The other non-nuclear sonar providers are Atlas Elektronik and Lockheed Martin. The German company is proposing the latest versions of its Isus already ordered for Turkey’s six new Type 214 submarines, which introduces new or improved signal processing, such as advanced ranging sonar techniques, smarter adaptive beam-forming algorithms, optimised contact tracking and reduced operator workload. The company is also looking to new sonar functionalities as well as working on sotram (sonar track manager) functions to improve tracking management. Lockheed Martin together with Saes in Spain are providing most of the Spanish navy’s S-80 sonar suite.





Non-penetrating masts resulting from advanced elector-optical sensor techniques offer a distinct advantage over direct-view periscopes. Most of the specialists in periscope and related sensors, such as Sagem, Carl Zeiss, Thales, Gabler and L-3 Communications/Calzoni, are involved in activities aimed at providing multispectral EO/IR, quick identification and recording capabilities. The latest two companies have respectively developed the Triple M and the Universal Modular Mast that are capable of accommodating a flying drone.



To maintain its stealthiness a submarine relies on low-probability of intercept search and navigation radars, such as those supplied by Thales, Kelvin and Sperry Marine as well as on both radar and communications ESM suites.



Thales, Elettronica, Saab, EDO, Medav, Lockheed Martin and Elbit are all looking at ways of enhancing the capability of their electronic warfare system families in view of the increasingly challenging littoral warfare environment. In case of detection and attack by other submarines or surface vessels, reliance can then be handed over to Wass C303, Ultra Eletronics Scad 101, DCNS Nemesis and Contralto and Rafael Torbuster decoys – to name but a few – to defeat torpedo attacks.



The new operational scenarios require joint and combined operation of sea, land and air forces with communications capabilities that extend to submerged patrol stations. Communications specialist such as Thales, Indra, Selex ES, Lockheed Martin, Saab, L-3 Communications Marinekommunikation have developed complete packages including satcom capabilities (for instance the Thales Aquilon with Divesat satcom terminal) and/or communications buoy systems like the Callisto from Gabler, the Gateway from a consortium led by Atlas Elektronik, not to mention Lockheed Martin and Ultra Electronics solutions for the US Navy’s Communications at Speed and Depth (CSD) facility with both tethered and free-floating system.



Heavy Torpedo Resurrection


The threat from diesel-electric and later air-independent propulsion submarines in the demanding littoral warfare arena, enhanced by increased sonar performance, is casting fresh light on the need for new generation heavy-weight torpedoes or upgrade kits for in-service weapons. Required are speeds of around 50 knots, ranges superior to 50 km and sophisticated acoustic guidance. While in recent years a number of navies have for upgrading solutions (Raytheon Mk48, Atlas Elektronik Seahake, BAE Systems Spearfish, Saab Tp62 and Russian Federation industries’ TEST and UGST), some companies have turned to fresh developments. This is the case of Italy’s Wass and more recently French DCNS and South Korean LIG Nex1 who have completed or entered the development of new underwater weapons.



In April 2008, the French DGA contracted DCNS as prime contractor and Thales Underwater Systems as acoustic guidance provider, to develop and produce the F21 for the new French Navy’s Barracuda nuclear SSN.

The F21 will feature an electrical propulsion system based on the DCNS-supplied MU-90 lightweight torpedo Aluminium-Silver-Oxide technology battery, providing 50+km range and 50+ knots speed, according to DCNS. Equipped with a planar array and fully digital acoustic head, the F21 is also to comply with demanding nuclear-powered platform safety requirements, including insensitive warhead and safe detonation technology.



Italy’s Wass is producing the Black Shark, which is already in service with Chilean, Malaysian, Portuguese and (allegedly) Singaporean navies. It also is being integrated on board Italian navy’s Type 212A Todaro class AIP submarines, and marketed in India. To enhance training and personnel proficiency while reducing costs, Wass is introducing a rechargeable lithium-polymer type propulsion battery derived from automotive sector. This innovative solution will allow multiple exercise launches before depot maintenance is required. Optimized for deep and very shallow (coastal) water deployment, the Black Shark features a 50+ knot speed and 50km+ range, while the advanced acoustic offers long-range detection and simultaneous multi-target capabilities.



Countering Bolt from the Blue


In response to customer concerns as to the increased anti-submarine threat posed by maritime patrol aircraft and helicopter, DCNS recently unveiled plans for a compact, canister-based submarine air-defence weapon system based on the MBDA Mistral short-range infrared homing missile, which is to be fired from periscope depth in lock-on before launch mode with data provided by the submarine’s optronic mast.

A German consortium, including HDW, Diehl BGT Defence and Kongsberg, developed and successfully tested the Idas (Interactive Defence For Air-attacked Submarine) submarine weapon system. Under advanced development, the Idas is an optical fibre-guided missile system which is canister-launched from torpedo tubes and designed to engage not only airborne ASW threats such as helicopters, but also surface ships and coastal targets. Raytheon has however successfully tested a canister-launched version of the AIM-9X short-range IIR guided missile on a ground test-range in 2009 , but American and other navies prefer to embark ASW or strike weapons, maintaining submarine stealth and low-acoustic signature.



Underwater Robotics


In addition to special forces operators and vehicles, submarines have been modified to act as mothership for so-called unmanned underwater vehicles (UUV). Although both US and European industries and operators have been playing with numerous solutions, technology maturation has only recently allowed the US Navy to launch an LDUUV (Large Displacement UUV) programme. The resultant vehicle is planned to have long endurance (up to 30-45 days), and sufficient operational speed, autonomy and payload capacity to perform “independent” and clandestine operations in forward areas. Designed for launch and recovery from a variety of platforms including SSGN, Virginia SSN via their large-diameter tubes, but also surface ships, the system, for which a request for proposal is expected to be issued in 2014, is planned for operational service around the end of the decade

But the real revolution in underwater operations will come from the American Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency in the form of an uninhabited vessel that can shadow a manned sub throughout its patrol. The agency has recently selected Siac to lead the design and construction of an operational prototype of an anti-submarine continuous trail unmanned vessel known as the Actuv. The aim is to demonstrate than an autonomous vessel that can track a quiet diesel-electric submarine for up to 80 days and over a distance of 6,200km, avoiding other shipping and with minimal human input. At-sea testing is planned for 2015.

Submarine Trends In Asia Pacific: Air-Independent Propulsion A Game Changer? - Analysis Eurasia Review
Submarine Trends in Asia Pacific:
Air-Independent Propulsion A Game Changer?
By Michael Raska
Synopsis
The contending strategic realities of the Asia-Pacific region compel states to adopt innovations of their rivals.
This is the case for new classes of conventional submarine designs, which incorporate an array of innovative
technologies in order to maximise their survivability and lethality in diverse maritime operations.
Commentary

WHILE EUROPE and North America remain key submarine markets, China’s ongoing military modernisation
coupled with contending international relations in the Asia-Pacific will increasingly drive submarine procurement
in the region over the next decade. In 2011, the total submarine market in Asia-Pacific is estimated at US$4.4
billion, and for the next decade, submarine expenditures are projected to US$46 billion.

With changing strategic realities, Asian navies aim to become increasingly flexible, and capable of varying
mission profiles: from countering traditional coastal defence missions to protecting sea lanes and
communication lines. Simultaneously, submarines are increasingly valuable strategic resource for both
electronic and signal intelligence. To enhance the varying operational capabilities, increase submerged
endurance and stealth, installing viable Air-independent propulsion systems is thus becoming a strategic
necessity.


Advantages of AIP systems
Designed to enhance the performance of modern conventional (diesel-electric) submarines AIP is a key
emerging technology that essentially provides a “closed cycle” operation through a low-power electrical source
supplementing the battery, which may extend the submarine’s underwater endurance up to two weeks or more.
AIP systems close the endurance gap between nuclear and conventional submarines, and mitigate increasing
risks of detection caused by advanced anti-submarine warfare technologies - from modern electro-optical
systems and surface radars to magnetic sensors, active and passive sonars, and airborne surveillance radars.

Advanced AIP technologies thus promise significant operational advantages and tactical flexibility.

In theory, there are four primary AIP designs currently available: (1) closed-cycle diesel engines; (2) closedcycle steam turbines; (3) Stirling-cycle heat engines with external combustion, and (4) hydrogen-oxygen fuel

RSIS Commentaries are intended to provide timely and, where appropriate, policy relevant background and analysis of
contemporary developments. The views of the authors are their own and do not represent the official position of the
S.Rajaratnam School of International Studies, NTU. These commentaries may be reproduced electronically or in print with
prior permission from RSIS. Due recognition must be given to the author or authors and RSIS. Please email:
RSISPublication@ntu.edu.sg or call (+65) 6790 6982 to speak to the Editor RSIS Commentaries, Yang Razali Kassim.
RSIS COMMENTARIES2
cells.
Each provides a different solution with particular advantages as well as limitations in relation to
performance, safety, and cost factors.
Since the early years of the Cold War, while major naval powers shifted to nuclear propulsion, smaller navies -
particularly in Europe (Germany, Sweden, Spain, Italy and France) continued to develop and rely on
conventional diesel-electric submarine fleets, given their lower cost and operational relevance for coastal
defence. Traditionally, however, these submarines were highly vulnerable to various types of sensors -
acoustic, visual, thermal and air - particularly when running on engines.


AIP systems in Asian navies
On the other hand, when running on batteries, these submarines became very quiet and difficult to detect, yet
their battery capacity, discharge rate, and indiscretion rate (the ratio of diesel running time to total running time)
substantially limited their underwater endurance. To overcome these baseline limitations, naval innovation in
propulsion technologies over the past two decades has shifted toward AIP systems.

There is a variance, however, in the procurement of AIP systems in select Asian navies. For example, the only
AIP steam-turbine system currently available is the French “MESMA” (Module d’Energie Sous-Marine
Autonome) module, operational on Pakistan Navy’s two Agosta 90-B class submarines.

Swedish-Kockum designed Stirling AIP technology is installed on Singapore Navy’s two Archer–class
submarines, and Japan’s new Soryu-class submarines. The Chinese PLA Navy’s Type 041 Yuan and Type 043
Qing class submarines are also reportedly using Stirling technology. Meanwhile, the Republic of Korea Navy
has ordered nine Type 214 submarines with German HDW AIP fuel cell technologies. Three first batch models
of the new Son Won-Il class had entered service since 2007, and six second batch models will enter service
from 2012.


Limitations and constraints
Notwithstanding the diverse AIP technologies, the overall effectiveness of each system will depend on how well
it is integrated with other critical systems that ensure optimal submarine functions: power systems, sensors
systems, safety systems, navigation systems, command, control, and communication systems, weapons
systems, and climate control systems. In this context, any critical failure of an AIP during a combat mission or
contested areas will mitigate survivability factors as well as tactical options.

Indeed, each AIP system design comes with an array of technological limitations, vulnerabilities, and risks,
particularly in submerged operations – from the specific acoustic signatures produced by select AIP systems in
specific operating regimes, to technical vulnerabilities in storing oxidizer/fuel, as well as their maintenance
regime. At the same time, new anti-submarine warfare sensor technologies may provide viable AIP
countermeasures.

Ultimately, AIP-related technological innovation and breakthroughs may not guarantee operational success –
strategy, operational concepts, tactical development, leadership, training, and morale will continue to play as
important role as emerging technologies and their operational capabilities.


Michael Raska is a Research Fellow at the Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies, a constituent unit of the
S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS), Nanyang Technological University in Singapore.
 
Interesting, it doesn't mention Swedish company Kockum as submarine producer anymore (since it was acquired by German TKMS, that group has consistently favored HDW)
 
Interesting, it doesn't mention Swedish company Kockum as submarine producer anymore (since it was acquired by German TKMS, that group has consistently favored HDW)

Wasn't Kockum upset about this a few days back? They even alleged that the plan of ThyssenKrupp was to kill off the competition for HDW by buying and neglecting them.
 
Can KSA, UAE or Jordan hire the expertise from these countries along with the technology that they have developed. As Sweden might not be a good Military good supplier in future I think!!!:pakistan:
Unlikely. The Swedes will more likely fight the Germans every step of the way, with Swedish government backing national industry in the face of German conglomerate (where are the Swedes getting their next sub?)
 
Soviet nuclear submarines (1958 – 2011)

Submarine powered by a nuclear reactor are called ‘nuclear submarines’. They offer advantages in performance, i.e. speed, and endurance, and are able to remain submerged almost indefinitely.

They are self-sufficient in water production and breathable air. Their only main limiting parameter is carrying enough food.

Once fuelled the current generations of nuclear submarines never need to be refueled for 25-year, which is usually their useful lifespan. The American short hand for nuclear powered submarines is ‘SSN’ where ‘SS’ stands for submarines and ‘N’ for nuclear.

Nuclear submarines stand at the pinnacle of ‘air-independent’ propulsion systems which has been the Holy Grail since submersibles were invented. Yet for all that, in common with their hydrogen peroxide predecessors, they have severe weaknesses. The most serious drawback of which is radiation, leaks which occur from time to time, are invisible to the human senses and are often fatal.

The Cold War superpowers, Russian and the US, suffered radiation leaks, fires and contamination among their nuclear submarines. Some boats actually sank. Of the two powers,Russia appears to have had the most hazardous boats or the worse streak of bad luck.

Nuclear powered Soviet submarines had a variety of roles. Firstly they were a deterrent to the threatof American ICBM. A sub set of this role was the launching of nuclear tipped cruise type missies. Secondly they were capable of sinking enemy (America/ the West) warships in the conventional way with torpedoes or with short range missiles. Thirdly, some had an ASW role, i.e. attacking enemy submarines.

The following table shows the chronological order in which nuclear powered Soviet submarines (SSN) became operational.



The radiation accidents and fires on board nuclear powered Soviet submarines (mentioned above) may have lead to the retention and expansion of conventionally powered boats, i.e. diesel electric. For instance, missing from the table is the Juliett class submarines which were commissioned from 1963 to 1994, or the advanced Kiloclass first commissioned in 1980. [1]

While some of the boats in the table above had to surface to fire their missiles, the diesel electric Golf class of submarines could fire while still submerged (seeChina’s Submarine Fleet | Robert Whiston's Weblog).



The Atomic Age

In the post-war years, i.e. 1945 onwards, the capabilities and huge amounts of power that could be unleashed indefinitely by harnessing atomic power for, say, electrify generation, became commonplace in the public’s mind.

It was in this era that serious consideration was given to how anatomic reactor could be ‘miniaturised’ to fit inside a submarine or a surface warship.

The United States launched the world’s first military nuclear submarine, the USS Nautilus, in 1954. With atomic power the USS Nautilus could remain underwater for up to four months without resurfacing (displacement 3,520 tons; length 320 ft; speed 23 kts).

Right: USS Nautilus she was decommissioned in 1980

Soviet Russia’s first military nuclear submarine was Project 627, known in the West by the NATO code of November class submarine. All Soviet heavy submarines are built with a double hull structure, or “casing”, but American submarines usually are single-hulled.

Double hull boats have an external hull which forms the actually areodynamic shape of submarine, sometimes called a casing or ‘light hull.’ The outer hull can be made of made of steel thatis only 2 to 4 millimeters thick steel since the pressure on both sides of the casing is the same. The light hull can be used to mount equipment, which if attached directly to the pressure hull could cause unnecessary stress, i.e. water leakages, especialy at depth of when being depth charged.

The double hull approach also saves space inside the pressure hull, as the ring stiffeners and longitudinals can be located between the hulls. These measures help minimise the size of the pressure hull, which is much heavier than the light hull. Another advantage is when the submarine is damaged, the light hull can take some of the impact damage and does not compromise the boat’s integrity, as long as the pressure hull is intact.

The boat’s strength – required for deep diving – is provide not by the hydrodynamic outer shell but by the internal prssurised hull which is cylindrical.

1. November class submarine

Launched in 1957 and commissioned in 1959, in it is thought that14 boats of this class were built and 7 are known to have “retired” (displacement submerged 4,750 tons; length 354 ft; speed 30 kts).

The design was aerodynamically very good – essentially a tube, or torpedo shape, tapering towards the propellers. Yet despite this it was comparatively noisy when compared to the US’s Thresherclass boats.

Surprisingly, some rate Soviet reactors in the November class as superior to American ones in their compactness and power-to-weight ratio. However, despite special low-noise variable-pitch propellers, vibration dampening of main equipment, and anti-sonar coating of the hull the vibrations of Soviet reactors were much more pronounced than from US reactors.

Left: Model displaying the chin sonar dome on November class boats

The first submarine of this class was first underway using nuclear power on 4 July 1958. This generation of Soviet submarines did not enjoy adequate sonar equipment, the hydro-acoustic equipment on the November class was not intended for submarine hunting, and had relatively limited capabilities.

Poor reliability of the first Soviet nuclear-powered submarines coupled to general machinery of the steam generators malfunctions led to their short service life.

2. Hotel class submarine

Project 658 was the designation to a new submarine which would become known in the West as the Hotel class. Originally put into service in around 1959, it was operational by April 1961. It was an evolution of Project 627 which later produced the November class. The Hotel class can be said to have been a November class modified by the addition of the missile compartments from a Golfclass submarines (seeChina’s Submarine Fleet | Robert Whiston's Weblog).

Hotel class boats had more reliable electro-hydraulic command control surfaces for high-speed underwater operations. With small horizontal hydroplanes for better maneuverability this combined to reduce ‘noise’.

From any standpoint the Hotel class was, in profile, a very conventional submarine (see below).



Once again the infancy of the ‘atomic age’ led to a large number of accidents during its construction and its service life (earning it the nickname “Hiroshima” by sailors).

Submerged it displaced 5,080 tons, was 374 ft long and had a speed of 26 kts. Hotel class were decommissioned in April 1990.

3. Echo class submarine

These submarines were armed with nuclear cruise missile and served with the Soviet Navy during the 1960s and 1970s.

Their Soviet designation was Project 659 for the first five vessels, Echo I, and Project 675 for a further 29 known as Echo II by NATO.

Echo I displacement4,999 tons submergedand Echo II 5,852 tons submerged. Echo I was 364 ft 10” long and Echo II was 378 ft 7” long.

Of the 5 Echo I which were completed, 4were commissioned between 1961 and 1963 and 4. had been decommissioned by 1989. In the 1960s Echo I were fitted with 6 x “Shaddock-A” anti-ship cruise missiles which could be conventional HE or nuclear tipped. Between 1969 and 1974 and as the Soviet SSN grew the cruise missiles were removed (in effect they were re-engineered toNovember class submarine specifications).

The Echo II class (Project 675) saw 29 boats built (18 at Severodvinsk and 11 at Komsomolsk) between 1962 and 1967.

Right: Echo II

The Echo II class was an anti-ship missile carrying submarines armed with eight “Shaddock-A” anti-ship cruise missiles mounted in pairs above the pressure hull.

Although all eight missiles could be fired in 30 minutes, the ship had to surface and the missile was elevated to about 25 to 30 degrees. Stallion SS-N-16 missiles were also thought to be fitted to this class.

The Echo II class also had fire control and guidance radar but would have to wait on the surface for 30 minutes until the missile mid-course correction and final target selection had been sent unless guidance had been handed over to a third party.

Most of the 29 Echo II class had been scrapped by the 1980s with the last one in 1994.

Left: Firing a cruise type missile (Shaddock ) from an Echo II class.

It may seem odd by today’s expectations but the nuclear poweredEcho II class was superseded by the diesel-electric Juliett class.


4. Yankee class submarine

This class of boats was designated both as an attack submarines and configured to fire ballistic missile. It was the first Soviet boat to have the type of lines we have today come to expect of modern submarines. The divorce from the Walter designed U-boats had clearly begun. Surface wave handling had given way to other priorities.

At 9,300 tons submerged, Yankee class boats were 433 ft in length and plentiful (34 were launched). The Yankees were the first class of Soviet subs to have comparable ballistic missile firepower to their American counterparts.

There were eight different versions of the Yankee class, all of which are no longer in service. The ships were armed with 16 ballistic missiles during the Cold War, and served in the Soviet front lines: in the 1970s up to three Yankees were continually stationed in a “patrol box” east of Bermuda and off the US Pacific coast.

Right: Yankee class profile

Most Yankee class boats were commissioned between 1967 and 1971 with a few more additions until 1974; decommissioning began in 1985 and continued through to 2010. Only one (K- 219) is known to have sunk in Oct 1986 (pictured below). The 20 year old craft had a history of minor clitches and already had one flooded silo bay welded shut.​
 
Back
Top Bottom