First Third-Generation AIP Fitted To Spanish Submarine

Shipbuilder Navantia has announced it has successfully fitted a new type of hydrogen-based Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system into a new submarine being built for the Spanish Navy.

As outlined in a recent company press statement, the occasion was marked at a special ceremony in Navantia’s shipyard in Cartagena attended by Admiral Aniceto Rosique Nieto, Spanish National Armament Director.

The AIP has been fitted to the S-83 Cosme Garcia, the third of four conventionally-powered vessels being constructed for the Spanish Navy to replace its Scorpene class diesel-electric attack subs at a cost of almost €4 billion.

Navantia's Bio-Ethanol Stealth Technology (BEST) AIP system, allows the submarine’s batteries to be recharged while submerged. It differs from most other forms of AIP in that it does not need stored hydrogen; instead, the system generates the gas on demand.

This means the submarine can stay submerged for extended periods without the need for regular snorkel manoeuvres for recharging, making the vessel less detectable and therefore less vulnerable.

Visitors to the ceremony were afforded the opportunity to visit Section 3 of the Cosme García, which houses the installed AIP equipment, along with the liquid oxygen and bioethanol tanks which feed it, and the auxiliary systems necessary for its operation.

• You can read more details on the Navantia website