The Cartagena shipyard of state-owned shipbuilding firm Navantia has begun the installation of the first air-independent propulsion (AIP) system on the Spanish Navy’s Cosme Garcia (S-83) diesel-electric submarine.
The final tests for the consolidation of the AIP system had been completed by Navantia in 2020. The firm had developed a new program to make the system fit for the Spanish Navy’s S-80 class submarines.
The integration of Navantia’s AIP system will make S-80 class one of the most advanced conventional submarine models in the market, according to a press release by the firm.
The system uses bioethanol processing to add extra capabilities to the submarines.
Navantia’s air-independent propulsion system (AIP)
The AIP system generates hydrogen from sustainably produced alcohol (bioethanol) stored in the submarine. The hydrogen mixes with oxygen, which is also stored inside, to generate electricity through a fuel cell which is capable of charging the vessel’s batteries.
Navantia states that this system is capable of keeping the submarine submerged twice to thrice longer than other conventional vessels.
The ability to stay underwater for longer durations without having to surface will allow the submarine to avoid detection risk – both radar and visual.
The detection of submarines becomes easier during snorkeling periods, when it raises it head out of the water for air intake – which is needed for diesel engine.
The Cosme Garcia (S-83) is the first submarine of the Spanish Navy’s S-80 class to feature the AIP system.
According to a report by infodefensa, the Spanish Navy plans to equip two more vessels Isaac Peral (S-81), and Narciso Monturiol (S-82) with the AIP system in the future.
“This AIP system is capable of operating at any depth and in all operational conditions, allowing it to adapt to any navy mission and making it the most advanced AIP system on the market,” Navantia said in a press release.
Spain’s S-80 class submarines
The S80 class submarines are the only 3,000-ton submarines in the world equipped with the AIP system, according to Navantia’s press release.
Spain had commissioned its first S-80 Plus-class submarine, the Isaac Peral, in November 2023. The S-80 Plus-class submarines were optimized for longer-range missions, and were meant to be fitted with AIP systems for extended underwater endurance.
Construction of four submarines had been authorized in 2003, with deliveries expected to begin around 2015. However, several setbacks resulted in the first vessel being delivered much later in 2023.
After redesign, the submarines of the S-80 Plus-class are now 266-foot in length. The surface displacement of the vessels has grown to about 2,695 tones and the submerged displacement has increased to 2,965 tons.
The Isaac Peral (S-81) vessel has a top speed of 19 knots (21 miles per hour) when submerged, and 12 knots (13.8 mph) on the surface.
Moreover, Navantia says that the AIP system can be further enhanced with a design and production system that can make submarines almost undetectable, according to the Spanish firm.
This also opens the doors for exports and making the AIP system available for international buyers.
Leave a Comment