Navantia Starts To Equip New Sub With AIP

Spanish shipbuilding firm Navantia has begun installing its Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system on another new S-80 class submarine.

As per a recent press statement, the state-owned defence firm has started work on fitting the system 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.

All four subs feature the AIP system, which enables non-nuclear vessels to sail for extended periods without having to surface or use a snorkel to access air for propulsion. The AIP system generates hydrogen from sustainably produced bioethanol;  when combined with stored oxygen in a fuel cell, it generates electricity to charge the sub's batteries, allowing it to stay submerged for longer.

Navantia claims its AIP system is "unique" and enables the vessel to stay underwater "two to three times longer than any other conventional submarine."

It added: "The S-80 class submarines are the only 3,000-ton submarines in the world equipped with this system," adding: "This system, combined with a design and production system aimed at creating an almost undetectable submarine, opens the door to export opportunities."

To date one vessel, the Isaac Peral, has been completed and put into service; the Navantia shipyard in Cartagena is now working on its sister ships the Narciso Monturiol, the Cosme García and the Mateo García de los Reyes. The Cosme Garcia is expected to be delivered in 2028 according to the most recent estimates.

The S-80 class subs are just over 80m long and 11.5m wide, with a 7.3m draught. They can sail at up to 19 knots submerged, have a 5,000-mile range, and can stay immersed for up to 55 days. They have a crew of 32 and can also carry eight troops. The subs have six torpedo tubes firing DM2A4 torpedoes.

They can also fire Harpoon missiles, though recent media reports suggest the Spanish Navy may in future seek to use a sub-launched version of Kongsberg's Naval Strike Missile instead.

• You can read more details on the Navantia website