i was wondering what type of sub that is. it looks designed for Special Ops use.....i wonder how long it will be before SOCOM puts out a request to acquire one or two for their work....
Type 212 is really a general purpose boat, with solid blue water capability but part of its 'general purpose' capability is the ability to operate in very shallow water (supposedly the 'X' plane arrangement helps with this). Combine that with the Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system and it's small size and quiet nature (the big advantages of the smaller, non-nuclear subs) and it's a pretty spiffy way to get divers very close to the objective from a 'real' submarine instead of some x-craft style, so-com only, craft.
USN won't go near a non-nuclear sub that can do real sub work though, so it's a non-starter for the US. Very good fit for the Italians though, and pretty much anyone else who doesn't have to deal with Atlantic, or especially Pacific, crossing patrol ranges.
The same partly correct information as for the Puma IFV (space for 9 dismounts but German army just uses 6 dismounts). A type 212 submarine can TRAVELL about 18 days submerged (@ 4 kn). Then there is still diesel and the diesel engine to go on as a “conventional” diesel submarine. So it is not quite clear how long submarine with fuel cells based on Hydrogen and Oxygen can stay submerged. Txhat is for the smallest type. Type 214 or the second batch of Dolphin-class submarines are far bigger.
I knew a nuclear powered can go much faster but then a submarine is quite loud. Exactly that is the advantage of an electric submarine: it is quieter than a nuclear powered submarine. Therefore this advantage should not be thrown away just to gain speed.
A Type 212 can operate submerged in water depth of less than 20 meter. So another vehicle to transport troops closer to the shore is unnecessary.
I can see SOCOM getting their own version of the Type 212. It would be perfect for special operations operating in the very shallow waters and in the littorals. It would also be perfect to team up with the SSN's by freeing them up for the SSN's for overseas work leaving the CONUS patrols for SSK's. In the event of war, the SSK's can be used to choke the enemy at keep shipping lanes of the world. The plus side is that the USN can use the SSK for adversary training in ASUW, ASW and even train crews in basic submarine operations and evaluate potential Submarine captains.
The USN is fully committed to an all nuclear sub force, plus SOCOM cannot justify a few $330 million subs that can only stay underwater for 18 days. They can also only travel at 20 knots submerged.
Who knows, maybe congress will force the US navy in getting SSK's to make up the short fall in SSN's. SSK's make perfect CONUS patrol subs and support for special forces in the littoral regions and very shallow waters. Even perfect for Adversary ASW and ASUW training as well. Even training crews on basic submarine operations and evaluating -prospective submarine captains.
According to the fin it looks like a German Type 212 submarine.
ReplyDeletei was wondering what type of sub that is. it looks designed for Special Ops use.....i wonder how long it will be before SOCOM puts out a request to acquire one or two for their work....
DeleteType 212 is really a general purpose boat, with solid blue water capability but part of its 'general purpose' capability is the ability to operate in very shallow water (supposedly the 'X' plane arrangement helps with this). Combine that with the Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system and it's small size and quiet nature (the big advantages of the smaller, non-nuclear subs) and it's a pretty spiffy way to get divers very close to the objective from a 'real' submarine instead of some x-craft style, so-com only, craft.
DeleteUSN won't go near a non-nuclear sub that can do real sub work though, so it's a non-starter for the US. Very good fit for the Italians though, and pretty much anyone else who doesn't have to deal with Atlantic, or especially Pacific, crossing patrol ranges.
the type 212 can only stay underwater for 18 days and has to eventually be refueled by a tanker or in port.
DeleteA nuclear sub can stay underwater until the food runs out and never has to be refueled.
A Diesels ONLY real advantage is cost and maybe size.
The same partly correct information as for the Puma IFV (space for 9 dismounts but German army just uses 6 dismounts).
DeleteA type 212 submarine can TRAVELL about 18 days submerged (@ 4 kn). Then there is still diesel and the diesel engine to go on as a “conventional” diesel submarine. So it is not quite clear how long submarine with fuel cells based on Hydrogen and Oxygen can stay submerged. Txhat is for the smallest type. Type 214 or the second batch of Dolphin-class submarines are far bigger.
I knew a nuclear powered can go much faster but then a submarine is quite loud. Exactly that is the advantage of an electric submarine: it is quieter than a nuclear powered submarine. Therefore this advantage should not be thrown away just to gain speed.
A Type 212 can operate submerged in water depth of less than 20 meter. So another vehicle to transport troops closer to the shore is unnecessary.
I can see SOCOM getting their own version of the Type 212. It would be perfect for special operations operating in the very shallow waters and in the littorals. It would also be perfect to team up with the SSN's by freeing them up for the SSN's for overseas work leaving the CONUS patrols for SSK's. In the event of war, the SSK's can be used to choke the enemy at keep shipping lanes of the world. The plus side is that the USN can use the SSK for adversary training in ASUW, ASW and even train crews in basic submarine operations and evaluate potential Submarine captains.
ReplyDeleteThe Navy would never allow it.
DeleteThe USN is fully committed to an all nuclear sub force, plus SOCOM cannot justify a few $330 million subs that can only stay underwater for 18 days. They can also only travel at 20 knots submerged.
Who knows, maybe congress will force the US navy in getting SSK's to make up the short fall in SSN's. SSK's make perfect CONUS patrol subs and support for special forces in the littoral regions and very shallow waters. Even perfect for Adversary ASW and ASUW training as well. Even training crews on basic submarine operations and evaluating -prospective submarine captains.
DeleteAs we always say in the Royal Navy. "SSK's are submarines for people who lack ambition!"
ReplyDelete