First Fuel Cell Submarine for Export Launched at HDW
(Source: HDW; issued Apr. 22, 2004)
Under the name Papanikolis, today Evangelia Vassiliki launched the
first fuel cell submarine for export from Howaldtswerke-Deutsche
Werft AG (HDW) in Kiel.
The submarine, with the construction number 361, is a 214 Class
submarine and has been built for the Greek Navy.
The HDW group is building a total of four of these submarines for
the Greek Navy. Of these, the first vessel is being built in Kiel
and the subsequent vessels will be built at the HDW subsidiary
company Hellenic Shipyards in Greece. The submarines are scheduled
for delivery between 2005 and 2010.
The 214 Class of submarines is based on the successful construction
principles of the 209 Class submarine, of which HDW have built more
than 60 since 1960. It was improved by incorporating the
innovations of the 212A Class submarine, principally the unique
air-independent fuel cell propulsion system. This provides
extremely increased underwater endurance. The minimized acoustic,
thermal and magnetic signatures of the submarine provide an
unbeatable degree of undetectability. Increased diving depth and
overall efficiency provide new operational advantages.
The vessel, with a displacement of 1,700 tons, is 65 meters long
and is manned by a crew of 27. The propulsion is provided by a
Siemens Permasyn engine which draws its power supply either from
the fuel cells or from batteries which are fed by a diesel
generator. Its armament consists of eight torpedo tubes. The vessel
has an integrated sonar and weapons control system for navigation
and for deployment in active military operations. The principal
tasks of the vessel are reconnaissance, interception and
surveillance. It is also capable of being deployed against surface
vessels and submarines, for covert operations and for mine
laying.
I vote for Gemany Type 214 and Sweden Viking.
