New AIP Technology Heads to Sea

By AMI INTERNATIONAL

The first Type 212A submarine for the German Navy has begun its initial sea trials in the Baltic Sea. U-31--which is powered by the world's first fuel-cell air-independent propulsion (AIP) system--left the HDW shipyard in Kiel, Germany, on her maiden voyage on 7 April 2003 and is scheduled to continue on trials through mid-March 2004, at which time the Type 212A will be commissioned.

The Type 212A's AIP system, which is based on the hydrogen fuel cell, is the first of its kind and enables the vessel to operate submerged for several weeks at a time. With virtually no engine noise or heat fumes, the new submarines will be much harder to detect than conventionally powered submarines. HDW, the builder of the vessels, also has developed the quieter fuel cell propulsion system as a countermeasure to the newer high technology detection systems available on the international market. A side benefit is increased weapons load-out owing to the smaller size of the hydrogen fuel cells associated with the engineering plant.

Spain Requests Tomahawks For Destroyers and Submarines

The Spanish Navy has requested the U.S. government to release for sale Tomahawk missiles. It is likely that the U.S. Navy would release a global positioning system (GPS) guidance-only version of the newer and cheaper version, the Block IV Tactical Tomahawk land-attack missile (TLAM).

However, the deal has not been finalized because release ability issues still have to be resolved. In light of Spain's support of the United States during the recent Iraqi war and the importance of its role within NATO, it is likely that the United States will approve the request.

The Spanish Navy intends to deploy these missiles first on the Alvaro de Bazan-class destroyers and possibly later in the S 80-class submarines. The Alvaro de Bazan-class destroyers--of which the first unit (Alvaro de Bazan) was commissioned on 19 September 2002 and the second unit (Almirante Juan de Borbon) was launched on 4 April 2003--will house and launch the cruise missiles from the Lockheed Martin-built Mk41 vertical launch system (VLS). More than likely all four units of the class will be armed with Tomahawks once the sale is approved.

The Spanish Navy is also planning to arm a new class of submarines with the Tomahawk. The S 80 submarine, designed by IZAR, will likely be fitted for but not with the new TLAMs, giving the service the flexibility to arm the submarines with the missiles at a later date. When the S 80 submarine initially was designed, it was envisioned as a Spanish version of the French Scorpéne class. However, the S 80 is a new and larger IZAR design of approximately 2,400 tons. In its current design phase it appears that a Lockheed Martin combat management system will be selected, which should also facilitate the integration of the Tomahawk missile. Should Tomahawk not be approved for release, the Spanish Navy would likely look to the new French Naval Scalp missile.

A construction contract for the first S 80 submarine--scheduled for commissioning in 2007--is now expected to be signed between June and December 2003. Up to seven additional units through 2015 may be ordered in two batches.

The Tomahawk cruise missile--once restricted to the United States and United Kingdom only--appears to be headed for Spain and possibly other nations in the near future, but perhaps in different variants (GPS-only guidance). The Tomahawk will fit only in the strike-length Mk41 Vertical Launching System, while most exports of the Mk41 VLS have been of tactical length.

Greek Corvette Program Heads for Contract Award

The Greek Corvette Program was expected to finalize contracts in May 2003 to begin construction of a new class of multipurpose corvettes based on Vosper Thornycroft's Vigilance design. A detailed contract between Vosper Thornycroft, Elefsis Shipyard, and the Hellenic Navy is expected to result in the construction of the first unit of the class, estimated to cost approximately $411.4 million.

Major equipment orders for the first ship are anticipated to start in the July/August 2003 time frame. Two additional units of the class are expected to be ordered under the 2006-2010 Procurement Plan since the Hellenic Navy has a requirement for up to three units of the class to replace the Knox-class frigates, of which all but one unit have already been decommissioned.

The first corvette was ordered as part of a late November 2002 decision by the Greek Foreign Affairs and Military Council (KYSEA) to move ahead with the 2001-2005 Procurement Plan. The total plan for 2001-2002 was worth $2.08 billion, and included the first corvette, upgrades to the Elli (Kortenaer)-class frigates currently in service, and the procurement of new NH-90 and AH-64 helicopters for the Army. *

AMI International Inc., Bremerton, Wash., is an international consulting and naval intelligence services company located on the Web at amiinter.com.