Feature 6 | submarines
communication systems, a reelable towed
High capability SSK solution space: upper and lower bounds
array sonar, and special operations mission
packages. As another option, Vidar-36 can
Characteristic minimum maximum
launch, operate and recover autonomous
Transit range 2,000nm 3,500nm
air vehicles and tethered unmanned
range 8,000nm 15,000nm
underwater vehicles.
endurance 40 days 80 days
Binns observed: ‘The platform is
aiP endurance 14 days 28 days
compatible with the launch and recovery
Transit speed 8knots 18knots
of offboard vehicle systems and features a
sprint speed 20knots 30knots
hover tank to aid offboard control during
Weapon outload 12 36 + 12 VLs
these evolutions and whilst manoeuvring
Deep diving depth 200m 400m
in constrained environments such as
Sonar fit ——— Thales S-Cube (baseline) ———
the littoral.’
bow array, + enhanced
The proposed weapon stowage
flank array, flank array,
compartment (WSC) is designed to
intercept array, fully reelable
accommodate standard 533mm torpedo
clip-on towed array towed array
tube-compatible payloads such as
Communications 2 x mast systems + RTOF buoys,
heavyweight torpedoes, encapsulated
buoyant Wire
anti-ship missiles and land attack missiles.
antenna
However, the design philosophy behind
sF payloads Team of 4 Team of 10
Vidar-36 characterises the WSC as more
Inflatables and Inflatables and
of a flexible garage or magazine space
Outboards Outboards
equally suited for the storage of other
sDV
systems such as unmanned underwater
Unmanned vehicles 533mm tube UUV Outsize UUVs
vehicles, unmanned air vehicles and
‘micro’ uaVs ‘large’ uaVs
special forces equipment. Accordingly,
the weapon stowage racks are purpose-
designed to enable reconfiguration and/ Although BMT has left the choice of an modules as required. It is located directly
or additional useable space. AIP system open, it has baselined a fuel beneath the 10-man diver chamber and
Crew accommodation spaces have also cell and reformed methanol configuration. adjacent to the payload bay, and therefore
been designed with reconfigurability in This, according to Binns, ‘permits 14-21 is able to compensate for changes in weight
mind. There is provision in the Vidar-36 days at 4knots depending on hotel and with minimal impact on the submarine’s
baseline to embark a military force of up combat system loading’. overall centre of gravity.
to 10 special forces personnel. The AIP system is installed as a A tertiary role of this space is for the
Should this ‘overload’ space not be self-contained ‘plug’ in the design rather storage of bagged oil fuel, therefore
required, then it can be reconfigured as a than an integrated platform system creating the extended range option capable
flexible recreation space as well as allowing (the baseline fuel cell and reformed of transiting at 10knots for 11,500nm. WT
for an uplift in the accommodation methanol AIP plug is 7m long). This
standard compared to previous approach has been taken, according to
Vidar-36 principal particulars
non-nuclear submarine designs. This Binns, because AIP technologies ‘are submerged displacement .......3600tonnes
would be particularly beneficial during expected to evolve rapidly and are also
surfaced displacement ............3237tonnes
length (overall) .....................................79m
long patrols. dependent on customer experience or
pressure hull diameter ..........................8.4m
Up to eight modular mast systems preference’. He added: ‘The pressure hull
deep diving depth ...........................> 200m
range (snorting) ............9000nm @ 10knots
can be incorporated into the fin. The has been designed in this area with the
...............................................with extended
Vidar-36 baseline configuration includes use of heavy stiffeners so that plug length
................................................. range option
a growth bay with a suitable margin for may be varied in design or even during
aip endurance .................................21 days
sprint endurance ................................1.8 hrs
alternative systems including surface-to- the operational life of the submarine Weapon outload ............... 18 (or 36 mines)
air missiles or alternative self protection with minimal impact on the rest of the
Baseline sonar system
..........thales s-cube
........................... system (including partially
systems that could be used to defence submarine. Also, the plug can be removed
.................................. reelable towed array,
against surrounding threats while the boat if required with minimal impact on the
.................................. enhanced flank array
diver chamber ........................... 5 + 10 man
is surfaced. balance of the submarine.’
countermeasures ...................6 x externally
The design takes advantage of the The various features incorporated into
............................................. stored canisters
reliability and proven nature of a diesel the Vidar-36 concept present a series of
propulsion ......................diesel-electric with
.....................................................aip options
electric propulsion arrangement but also hydrostatic challenges. A novel solution Battery........................lead-acid (8,800 ah)
incorporates an AIP plug that can be is proposed using ‘multi-role’ tankage
Offboard systems.......... Modular payloads
complement..............42 + 10 EMF/trainees
tailored to meet customer requirements. to compensate for each of the payload
34 Warship Technology July/August 2008
WTJul-Aug08_p32+34+35+36+37+
38.indd 34 7/22/08 8:15:08 PM
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