Posted on 02/26/2010 3:28:03 AM PST by sukhoi-30mki
Sweden orders new cutting-edge subs
Written by Leon Engelbrecht
Friday, 26 February 2010 08:30
Kockums AB, part of ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems, has signed a contract with FMV (the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration), for the design phase of a next-generation submarine, to be known as the A 26 class.
The A 26 features several advances in the development of underwater technology and marks the adaptation of submarines to meet current and future threats and to conduct the international mission now required, the Swedish shipbuilder says. “This refers particularly to the submarine’s role as an information gatherer. Next-generation also refers to further refinements in terms of stealth technology. The submarine will be able to see and hear everything over a wide area, while itself remaining undetected,” the company says.
The submarine will be designed to be efficient in the Baltic and other littoral waters, but will also have an oceangoing capability. “This is an important first step, not only for Kockums, but for the Swedish Armed Forces as a whole. We shall now be able to maintain our position at the cutting edge of submarine technology, which is vital in the light of current threat scenarios,” says CE Ola Alfredsson. “HMS Gotland demonstrated what she is capable of during two years of joint exercises in the water off the USA. This next-generation submarine marks a further refinement of technology”, he adds.
The boat will be powered by a conventional diesel-electric propulsion machinery, and equipped with the Kockums Stirling AIP system (air-independent propulsion). The Stirling system, together with a set of balanced underwater signature properties, will make the A26 submarine very stealthy and difficult to detect. It will also be higly invulnerable to underwater explosions through a verified shock resistance.
The A 26 design includes a new innovative flexible payload capability with a flexible payload lock system in addition to its conventional torpedo tubes. Furthermore it will be prepared for network connectivity. A highly modular design facilitates efficient through-life upgrades and adaptations.
Technical data Length over all 63 m
Beam 6.4 m
Displacement 1900 tons submerged
Weapon armament Four 53 cm bow tubes + one flexible payload lock
Weapons Positive discharge or swim-out
Propulsion Single-shaft, diesel-electric and Stirling AIP
Submerged endurance Weeks
Hull Single pressure hull, two pressure tight compartments
Crew 17-26
yeah...
swiss guard...
Are you suggesting the Sweden give up the military that kept it protected from the Nazis and Soviets? Have oyu been paying attention to Putin? Who do you think would come to the aid of our Nato allies in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania when Putin whips Russian irredentism and revanchism to invade? Do you think Obama will?
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