Possible problems with German AIP submarines
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Lets hope our Gotland submarines (very possible to come with AIP) will not encounter such problems.
AMI HOT NEWS
AMI INTERNATINAL
Amiinter.com
www.amiinter.com/wnpr/greece/GR2201html
GREECE - FIRST TYPE 214 CONTINUES TO BE DELAYED
In late October 2006, AMI received information that the first Katsonis
Class (Type 214) submarine PAPANIKOLIS remains at HDW in Germany as the
Greek Ministry of Defense (MoD) and Hellenic Navy (HN) refuse to accept
the submarine. AMI sources indicated that the HN has identified the
following continuing problems with the first unit of the class:
· The submarine is reportedly highly unstable while surfaced
· The AIP system has lower output power than specified, the unit must
be shut down after several hours of sailing due to higher than normal
temperatures
· Increased propeller cavitations
· The CMS ISUS is not functioning to specification
· Attack periscope vibrates at speeds greater than three knots making
it difficult to lock onto targets
· Seawater leakage into hydraulic systems
· Problems with the proper function of the flank arrays
HN sources indicate that the sea service will not accept delivery,
until a minimum, the stability problem is resolved. The delivery of
unit one is now more than 18 months behind schedule and the second unit
(built at Hellenic) is expected to be launched by the end of 2006.The
question that must be considered is will the second unit experience the
same problems as unit one? Further, it could be these problems are
being over inflated due to contractual or relationship problems between
HDW and HN.AMI will continue to follow and update this story as it
progresses.
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AFAIK, AIP to be the same name, but has many types, German one is different from the Gotland in principle.
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For submarine AIPs, Germans are adopting fuel cells.
Swedes using Stirling engines. -
SG has been considered as Reference Customer in international
defense procurement.
Thats why F15 SG is so important to the manufacturer.
Not the quantity sg buy, why the reference value of SG. -
When Japanese wanted to install AIP into their new Oyashio class SSK, they evaluated the H2 fuel cell AIP and Stirling AIP.
Eventually they have chosen the Stirling AIP over H2 fuel cell AIP , the reason was not given, but it must something they like abt the Stirling AIP and it is true tat H2 fuel cell is not so energy efficient. -
Sounds like hull design problem.
· The submarine is reportedly highly unstable while surfaced
Cooling or AIP design problem.
· The AIP system has lower output power than specified, the unit must
be shut down after several hours of sailing due to higher than normal
temperatures
Design or running at excessive speed?
· Increased propeller cavitations
Hull design problem?
· The CMS ISUS is not functioning to specification
· Attack periscope vibrates at speeds greater than three knots making
it difficult to lock onto targets
Design or manufacturing problem
· Seawater leakage into hydraulic systems
?
· Problems with the proper function of the flank arrays -
New high tech weapons systems all need time to iron out the bugs. Sometimes buying the newest hi tech gadget is not the best decision. Better to wait until the bugs are eliminated and the weapon is at least in its second generation.
Also a good indication on a weapons effectiveness is that there are many buyers over a long period of time and when the system evolves with significant improvements from one generation to the next.
For submarines, the 209 is a good example. -
Like Windows Vista. LOL!