Featured SSK Agosta 90B Class Attack Submarine Information Pool

[313baberali]

The Sub was assembled here in Pakistan with part made in France and shipped to Pakistan for final assembly.
The third Sub (Hamza) had more of sub assemblies rolled in Pakistan with specialized Steel Plates for the hull supplied by DCNS. Hull spars were also cut and welded here.

The AIP Plug was inserted after cutting the hull and welding it in. This extended the length and increased the tonnage. The plug was almost a self contained unit mfg. in France and shipped to Pakistan for insertion during refits after the last sub was built with it.

The fact that the third sub was built/assembled keel up in Pakistan was a big boost to our naval engineers and architects.

Well already know all of that,so they should not use technology transfer term,its better to say assebly faculty

 

[Blue Marlin]

Pakistan's tool of war: Agosta 90B, our submarine in the deep

The backbone of Pakistan's current submarine fleet is the French-made Agosta 90B submarine. — Photo courtesy Pakistan Navy
Pakistan Navy’s sub-surface fleet was established in 1964 and since then it has performed the role assigned to it in an admirable manner. It also has the distinct honour of scoring the first kill (INS Khukri) from a submarine after the end of the Second World War.

The backbone of the current submarine fleet is the French-made Agosta 90B submarine — a diesel-electric submarine (SSK) — which is an improved version of the original Agosta 90, boasting higher performance and new combat systems.

Agosta 90B submarines, designed and manufactured by DCN (now DCNS) of France, are used by the Pakistani and Spanish Navy.

The French Navy, a former operator of the Agosta-class submarines, had grouped the Agosta-class as océanique, meaning "ocean-going."

The Agosta 90B has been designated the 'Khalid class' in Pakistani service.

Three Agosta 90Bs were ordered in 1994, with the first constructed and assembled in France, while the second and third ones were assembled in Pakistan.

DCNS also gave Pakistan the licence to offer commercial production of the submarines to potential customers.

The Agosta 90b — Photo courtesy: DCN


Agostas in the deep
The submarines used by the Pakistani Navy have a modern design, and various modifications to the original to give it a lower acoustic signature and improved battery performance.

Pakistani Agostas can dive to a depth of 350 metres, more than the earlier model of the submarine.

By 2011, Pakistan had retrofitted its Agosta submarines with MESMA (Module d'EnergieSous-Marin Autonome) air-independent propulsion (AIP) system. An AIP propulsion system uses liquid (or compressed) oxygen or hydrogen fuel cells, thereby allowing submarines to stay submerged for longer periods without the need for external sources of oxygen. This increased endurance also increases a submarine’s survivability, while enabling the submarine to remain submerged three times longer.

Read: Pakistan's tool of war: Why the Mi-35 Hind-E is an excellent choice

The Agosta 90B submarines are equipped with Submarines tactical integrated combat system (SUBTICS) which processes signals from the various sensors aboard the submarine, and determines the tactical situation by track association, trajectory plotting and management, while at the same time handling all weapon command and control functions.

The increased automation in the much improved Agosta 90B has made it possible to reduce the crew to 36 sailors and officers.

Silent hunter
Submarines are inherently hunters; they prowl the deep waters while waiting and listening for their prey. The Agosta 90B is no different.

Armed with four bow 533mm torpedo tubes, the Agosta 90B is capable of launching torpedoes and Exocet SM39 missiles. The torpedoes carry a 250kg warhead, and can deliver their deadly payload to a range of 20 kilometres, at a maximum depth of 600 metres.

The famed Exocet anti-ship missile, on the other hand, skims the sea surface post launch, climbs into the sky when its near its unfortunate target and initiates a terminal dive once over the target. The missile is difficult to shoot down on its attack pattern, and delivers a hull-shattering 165kg warhead at a distance of 50km.

The submarine's sonar suite includes both bow mounted sonar and towed-sonar arrays, making it well suited to detect, plot and attack any surface or sub-surface targets.

- Photo courtesy: mmbiz.qpic.cn

Well suited for Pakistan
Being a diesel-electric submarine (SSK), the Agosta 90B is well suited for the needs of the Pakistan Navy. Not only is the submarine cost-effective, it also costs a lot less than a nuclear-powered submarine. While nuclear submarines are not harmful for the crew, the cost of disposing of spent nuclear fuel is much higher and increases the operating cost manifold.

AIP-equipped submarines are much stealthier as well, while nuclear submarines have measures to reduce acoustic and magnetic signatures. The nature of the propulsion used (nuclear) makes them noisier, and more susceptible to be picked up by a variety of acoustic, magnetic and thermal sensors.

Tactically, the Agosta 90B has a distinct advantage in littoral waters, where marine life and the busy shipping lanes originating out of the Strait of Hormuz can easily camouflage the acoustic signature of the submarine.

Protecting Pakistan’s sea lines of communications (SLOC) is a vital mission that the Agosta 90B performs, as commercial seaborne trade is the lifeline of the country’s economy.

Pakistan's tool of war: Agosta 90B, our submarine in the deep - Pakistan - DAWN.COM

 

[Maarkhoor]

How long Agusta can remain under water.

 

[silent hawk]

Hats off to our submariners. Tough life with shared bunks and no communication. But very honorable.

 

[General General]

How long Agusta can remain under water.

Three weeks with AIP.

"It is the first conventional submarine in the Indian Ocean to feature the AIP system (in this case a 200KW liquid oxygen MESMA AIP), which allows the vessel to increase its submerged endurance for up to 3 weeks and improves its stealth characteristics."
Pakistan Submarine Capabilities | Articles | NTI Analysis | NTI

 

[Basel]

Pakistan's tool of war: Agosta 90B, our submarine in the deep

The backbone of Pakistan's current submarine fleet is the French-made Agosta 90B submarine. — Photo courtesy Pakistan Navy
Pakistan Navy’s sub-surface fleet was established in 1964 and since then it has performed the role assigned to it in an admirable manner. It also has the distinct honour of scoring the first kill (INS Khukri) from a submarine after the end of the Second World War.

The backbone of the current submarine fleet is the French-made Agosta 90B submarine — a diesel-electric submarine (SSK) — which is an improved version of the original Agosta 90, boasting higher performance and new combat systems.

Agosta 90B submarines, designed and manufactured by DCN (now DCNS) of France, are used by the Pakistani and Spanish Navy.

The French Navy, a former operator of the Agosta-class submarines, had grouped the Agosta-class as océanique, meaning "ocean-going."

The Agosta 90B has been designated the 'Khalid class' in Pakistani service.

Three Agosta 90Bs were ordered in 1994, with the first constructed and assembled in France, while the second and third ones were assembled in Pakistan.

DCNS also gave Pakistan the licence to offer commercial production of the submarines to potential customers.

The Agosta 90b — Photo courtesy: DCN


Agostas in the deep
The submarines used by the Pakistani Navy have a modern design, and various modifications to the original to give it a lower acoustic signature and improved battery performance.

Pakistani Agostas can dive to a depth of 350 metres, more than the earlier model of the submarine.

By 2011, Pakistan had retrofitted its Agosta submarines with MESMA (Module d'EnergieSous-Marin Autonome) air-independent propulsion (AIP) system. An AIP propulsion system uses liquid (or compressed) oxygen or hydrogen fuel cells, thereby allowing submarines to stay submerged for longer periods without the need for external sources of oxygen. This increased endurance also increases a submarine’s survivability, while enabling the submarine to remain submerged three times longer.

Read: Pakistan's tool of war: Why the Mi-35 Hind-E is an excellent choice

The Agosta 90B submarines are equipped with Submarines tactical integrated combat system (SUBTICS) which processes signals from the various sensors aboard the submarine, and determines the tactical situation by track association, trajectory plotting and management, while at the same time handling all weapon command and control functions.

The increased automation in the much improved Agosta 90B has made it possible to reduce the crew to 36 sailors and officers.

Silent hunter
Submarines are inherently hunters; they prowl the deep waters while waiting and listening for their prey. The Agosta 90B is no different.

Armed with four bow 533mm torpedo tubes, the Agosta 90B is capable of launching torpedoes and Exocet SM39 missiles. The torpedoes carry a 250kg warhead, and can deliver their deadly payload to a range of 20 kilometres, at a maximum depth of 600 metres.

The famed Exocet anti-ship missile, on the other hand, skims the sea surface post launch, climbs into the sky when its near its unfortunate target and initiates a terminal dive once over the target. The missile is difficult to shoot down on its attack pattern, and delivers a hull-shattering 165kg warhead at a distance of 50km.

The submarine's sonar suite includes both bow mounted sonar and towed-sonar arrays, making it well suited to detect, plot and attack any surface or sub-surface targets.

- Photo courtesy: mmbiz.qpic.cn

Well suited for Pakistan
Being a diesel-electric submarine (SSK), the Agosta 90B is well suited for the needs of the Pakistan Navy. Not only is the submarine cost-effective, it also costs a lot less than a nuclear-powered submarine. While nuclear submarines are not harmful for the crew, the cost of disposing of spent nuclear fuel is much higher and increases the operating cost manifold.

AIP-equipped submarines are much stealthier as well, while nuclear submarines have measures to reduce acoustic and magnetic signatures. The nature of the propulsion used (nuclear) makes them noisier, and more susceptible to be picked up by a variety of acoustic, magnetic and thermal sensors.

Tactically, the Agosta 90B has a distinct advantage in littoral waters, where marine life and the busy shipping lanes originating out of the Strait of Hormuz can easily camouflage the acoustic signature of the submarine.

Protecting Pakistan’s sea lines of communications (SLOC) is a vital mission that the Agosta 90B performs, as commercial seaborne trade is the lifeline of the country’s economy.

Pakistan's tool of war: Agosta 90B, our submarine in the deep - Pakistan - DAWN.COM

I still don't understand why PN did not went for 03 more subs to replace 70s after 2006? If French were not ready to help upgrade the 90B to next level then we can work with Turkey or may be China to improve them.

@Penguin @Horus your opinion on above will be appropriated.

 

[black-hawk_101]

so what about the 8 Chinese submarines and may be even more?

 

[Areesh]

These are really good subs. We often underestimate them.

so what about the 8 Chinese submarines and may be even more?

8 Chinese subs are coming. Confirmed. Now discuss augusta 90b.

 

[black-hawk_101]

I wish that PN will have money to acquire some more EU submarines in future.

 

[Basel]

I wish that PN will have money to acquire some more EU submarines in future.

I wish that PN will have money to acquire some more EU submarines in future.

If west is not ready to sell subs then Pakistan and Turkey can work together to create new SSK of western based tech and standards.

@Penguin can you please compare 90Bs with Upholder class of UK, and which one is better?

 

[Knight Rider]

I wish that PN will have money to acquire some more EU submarines in future.

Pakistan should also seek Borey-class submarines technology from Russia. Its a ballistic missile submarine. Can carry SLBM's, Cruise Missiles , MIRV warheads etc.

 

[Basel]

Pakistan should also seek Borey-class submarines technology from Russia. Its a ballistic missile submarine. Can carry SLBM's, Cruise Missiles , MIRV warheads etc.

What?? Russia have not provided this tech to China or India and you expect them to give us those???

Most probably Lada / Amur subs customized as per Pakistani requirements may be possibility in future.

 

[Knight Rider]

What?? Russia have not provided this tech to China or India and you expect them to give us those???

Most probably Lada / Amur subs customized as per Pakistani requirements may be possibility in future.

Can't Dream ?

 

[Penguin]

If west is not ready to sell subs then Pakistan and Turkey can work together to create new SSK of western based tech and standards.

@Penguin can you please compare 90Bs with Upholder class of UK, and which one is better?

Hard to say. As built, Upholder is larger (suggesting greater endurance) but probable 90B goes deeper. But for Canadian service, systems were modified (which turned out problematic). I don't think the 90Bs are less capable than 1990 contemporaries.

I still don't understand why PN did not went for 03 more subs to replace 70s after 2006? If French were not ready to help upgrade the 90B to next level then we can work with Turkey or may be China to improve them.

@Penguin @Horus your opinion on above will be appropriated.

Submarine building is difficult and not easily transferred. See the examples of u214s built in Portugal, Greece and South Korea: problems, some larger some smaller. Note also the reluctance of Japan in committing to building its submarines for Australia in Australia (they doubt Australia has the necessary expertise).

 

[Basel]

Hard to say. As built, Upholder is larger (suggesting greater endurance) but probable 90B goes deeper. But for Canadian service, systems were modified (which turned out problematic). I don't think the 90Bs are less capable than 1990 contemporaries.


Submarine building is difficult and not easily transferred. See the examples of u214s built in Portugal, Greece and South Korea: problems, some larger some smaller. Note also the reluctance of Japan in committing to building its submarines for Australia in Australia (they doubt Australia has the necessary expertise).

Do you think PN was right when they wanted Upholder class? And Pakistan Gov't went for 90Bs instead.

Does Upholder have AIP or option to have it??

Which one overall better for Pakistan?

Edit:

What MLU can be given to 90Bs?? What new features can added as per current threats?