Source: YouTube
Monday, December 21, 2009
Soryu Class
The Soryu class boats have larger displacement than any previous Japanese submarines since the WWIIThe 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.
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
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Vietnam Agrees to Buy Subs, Planes From Russia
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
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Shishumar Class
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.
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
Sunday, November 29, 2009
U-206 Class
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.
Source: Military Today
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
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Agosta Class
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.
Source: Military Today
4YMNGKZ6ZQJH
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
4YMNGKZ6ZQJH
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Saturday, November 21, 2009
Daphne Class
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.
Source: Military Today
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
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Song Class
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.
Source: Military Today
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
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Tupi Class
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.
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
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