Invincible-class submarine

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Invincible-class submarine
Type 218SG RSN Invincible class submarine rendering.png
Rendering of the Type 218SG (Invincible-class) submarine of the Republic of Singapore Navy.
Class overview
BuildersThyssenKrupp Marine Systems, Kiel[4]
Operators Republic of Singapore Navy
Preceded by Archer class
CostUSD $900 million per submarine[1][2]
Planned4
Building3
Completed1[3]
General characteristics
TypeAttack submarine
Displacement
Length70 m (229 ft 8 in)[8]
Beam6.3 m (20 ft 8 in)[8]
Installed power2 × 120 kW PEM fuel cells[8]
Propulsion
Speed
  • Surfaced: 10 knots (19 km/h; 12 mph)[15]
  • Submerged: 15 knots (28 km/h; 17 mph)
Endurance28–42 days (4-6 weeks) days underwater, without snorkelling.[5]
Crew28 [9]
Sensors and
processing systems
Armament8 × 533 mm (21.0 in) torpedo tubes[13](presumably for the Black Shark heavyweight torpedo, or the UGM-84 Harpoon anti-ship missiles)[11]
NotesHighly customised design, with inferences from Type 212A and Type 214 submarines.[14]

The Invincible-class submarines, formally classified as the Type 218SG submarines - is a class of conventionally-powered attack submarines, ordered by the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) from German-based naval conglomerate ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS).[16] The Type 218SG is a derivative of the Type 212 and the export-oriented Type 214 submarines,[17] and were extensively customised to fulfil the requirements of the RSN and are designed to operate in Singapore's shallow and busy tropical waters.[13] They feature several capabilities - including a high level of automation, a greater payload of ordnance (than other conventionally-powered submarines), enhanced underwater endurance and a comfortable level of ergonomics.[18][19]

Singapore's Ministry of Defense (MINDEF) ordered four Type-218SG submarines - two in 2013 and two in 2017, as a replacement to the RSN's currently-serving Challenger-class and Archer-class submarines.[13] The first submarine - RSS Invincible, was launched in February 2019, and is expected to be commissioned by 2022.[20] The RSN plans to have all four submarines in active service by 2024.[21]

Overview[]

Design[]

The design of the Type-218SG was jointly created by Singapore's Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA), ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) and the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN). The design of the submarines is a highly customised type - conceived to fulfill specific naval requirements of the RSN - including naval operations in littoral waters, guarding sea lines of communication (SLOC), intelligence-gathering (ISTAR) and special forces operations.[22] The design is believed to be based on the Type 212A and the export-based Type 214 submarines, both designed by TKMS.[23] The design of the Type 218SG is also believed to be influenced by the Type 216 submarine concept.[14]

The Type 218SG has a length of 70 metres (229 ft 8 in) and a beam of 6.3 metres (20 ft 8 in), with an overall displacement of about 2,000 tons when surfaced and 2,200 tons while submerged. It has an estimated speed of about 10 knots (19 km/h; 12 mph) while surfaced and 15 knots (28 km/h; 17 mph) while submerged.[20]

Distinctive features[]

The Type 218SG possesses several distinct features, including -

  • An "X-shaped" rudder configuration (possibly drawn from the Type 212A), rather than the Type 214's cruciform rudder arrangement; the former design is more effective in enabling the vessel to operate in Singapore's shallow littoral waters.[20]
  • A fuel-cell powered air independent propulsion (AIP) system, which gives the submarine an estimated 50% longer underwater endurance than both the Challenger-class and Archer-class submarines; several estimates put the Type 218SG's underwater endurance at about 28–42 days, without snorkelling.[5]
  • A "Horizontal Multi-Purpose Airlock" (HMPL) - which can be utilized to launch torpedoes, special forces assault teams, divers and submarine-launched cruise missiles (SLCM); the submarines also come with an option to integrate a "Vertical Multi-Purpose Airlock" (VMPL), for launching missiles vertically.[14]
  • A comfortable level of ergonomics; the submarine's interior was designed to meet the physiques of the RSN's sailors.[10] The submarine also integrates a high level of crew-comfort, with enlarged living quarters, additional showering, separate bunks for each crew member, toilet cubicles and more storage spaces for supplies.[24]
  • An advanced level of automation and sensors - including data analytics and decision support engines developed by the DTSA, and a "Combat Management System" (CMS) jointly developed by Atlas Elektronik and ST Electronics; the high-level of automation allows the crew to operate the submarine on three 4-hour shifts (instead of two 6-hour shifts), which allows more period of rest during underwater missions.[11] The high-level of automation also reduces the crew complement to just 28 (fewer than other contemporary conventional submarines).[10]
  • Is constructed with use of specific materials that are suited to Singapore's tropical climate and salty waters.[19]
  • A high payload-carrying capacity and greater firepower than the Challenger-class and Archer-class submarines, owing to the hull's enlarged size.[25]

Armament[]

Current details about the Type 218SG's armament are scant; however, it is known that the submarine possesses eight 533-millimetre (21.0 in) forward-firing torpedo tubes, presumably for firing the Black Shark heavyweight torpedoes, or the UGM-84 Harpoon anti-ship missiles or for laying mines.[26]

The Type 218SG is reported to have a greater weapons-carrying capacity (and essentially greater firepower) than the RSN's previous submarines, owing to its much larger size.[27]

Sensors and processing systems[]

Details of the Type 218SG's sensors and automation are also scant; however, it is understood the submarines are equipped with a "Combat Management System" (CMS) jointly developed by German-based Atlas Elektronik and Singapore-based ST Electronics, along with data analytics and decision support engines developed by the DSTA - which will allow faster and sharper decision-making.[10] The high-level of sophisticated automation and decision-making systems allows the submarines to run on three 4-hour shifts (instead of two 6-hour shifts), allowing the crew more rest to endure longer underwater missions.[17] The high level of automation also reduces the submarine's crew complement to just 28 - similar to the crew complement of the RSN's other submarines, but fewer than other contemporary conventionally-powered submarines.[11][28]

History[]

In December 2013, Singapore's Ministry of Defense (MINDEF) selected Germany-based TKMS for two Type 218SG submarines, rejecting offers from France-based DCNS (now Naval Group) of three conventionally-powered submarines.[29][30] The cost of the two submarines was reportedly valued at SGD S$1.6 billion, inclusive of logistics and training.[18] The "steel-cutting" of the first contracted submarine, RSS Invincible, occurred in 2014, with an expected date of delivery by 2020.[16]

In May 2017, MINDEF placed an additional order for two more Type 218SG submarines, with additional arrangements of a logistics package and crew-training in Germany; the two additional submarines were envisioned to be delivered between 2024 and 2025.[31][32] The "steel-cutting" for the second-batch of submarines occurred in 2018.[33][34]

In February 2019, TKMS launched the first Type 218SG submarine, christened as the RSS Invincible - at its shipyard facility in Kiel, Germany.[35] Invincible began its sea trials in September 2020, with its initial delivery-date slated for 2021 postponed to 2022, owing to the COVID-19 pandemic.[20][36]

In December 2021, the then-outgoing German government (under then-chancellor Angela Merkel), reportedly sanctioned the delivery of the first Type 218SG submarine to Singapore.[37][38][39][40]

Ships in class[]

Hull numbers Name Builder Launched Commissioned Status
RSS Invincible ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS)[16] 18 February 2019[25] Sea Trials[6]
RSS Impeccable Under construction
RSS Illustrious Under construction
RSS Inimitable Under construction

See also[]

Submarines of similar comparison[]

Other references to the Republic of Singapore Navy[]

References[]

  1. ^ Coates, Peter (3 September 2015). "Key TKMS Type 218SG details revealed after partial unveiling". Submarine Matters. Retrieved 25 February 2020.
  2. ^ "Singapore to acquire more Type 218SG subs from Germany". 8 August 2017.
  3. ^ "Germany approves the delivery of one Type 218SG submarine to Singapore".
  4. ^ "Singapore Ministry of Defence Signs Contract with TKMS for two new Type 218SG submarines". www.navyrecognition.com.
  5. ^ a b c d "Singapore discloses further details of Invincible-class submarines".
  6. ^ a b "Singapore's first Invincible-class submarine commences trials as pioneer crew begins training".
  7. ^ Eshel, Tamir (December 5, 2013). "Singapore's Type-218SG - Forerunner of a new Submarine Class?".
  8. ^ a b c "TKMS starts construction of Singapore's Type 218SG submarines". Janes.com. Archived from the original on 4 July 2015. Retrieved 2021-09-20.
  9. ^ "Submarine Matters: Freesite until 31 July 2021*: Key TKMS Type 218SG details revealed after partial unveiling". 3 September 2015.
  10. ^ a b c d "PIONEER - Invincible beneath the waves".
  11. ^ a b c d https://www.edrmagazine.eu/imdex-19-singapores-new-generation-sub-surface-fleet
  12. ^ https://www.atlas-elektronik.com/fileadmin/user_upload/01_Images/Solutions/Datenblaetter_zum_Download/ISUS100.pdf
  13. ^ a b c "Singapore Navy's First Type 218SG Invincible-Class Submarine Started Sea Trials". 2 September 2020.
  14. ^ a b c "Republic of Singapore Navy RSS Invincible Type 218SG Submarine Started Sea Trials". 5 September 2020.
  15. ^ Rahmat, Ridzwan (19 February 2019). "Singapore discloses further details of Invincible-class submarines". Jane's 360. Singapore. Archived from the original on 19 February 2019. Retrieved 19 February 2019.
  16. ^ a b c "Invincible-Class Submarines".
  17. ^ a b "Check out Singapore's New German-Built Submarine". 25 February 2020.
  18. ^ a b "'Submarines like BMWS': A closer look at the Navy's newest, custom-made German submarine".
  19. ^ a b "Customisation of Type 218SG submarine includes use of materials suited to saltier Singapore waters | the Straits Times". 18 February 2019.
  20. ^ a b c d "Singapore's first Type 218SG submarine delayed by Covid-19".
  21. ^ "Singapore to acquire more Type 218SG subs from Germany". 16 May 2017.
  22. ^ "Singapore's Submarine Invincible Launched".
  23. ^ "Singapore's Type-218SG - Forerunner of a new Submarine Class?". 5 December 2013.
  24. ^ "S'pore buys 4 new submarines, the first is ready for use".
  25. ^ a b "Singapore launches Invincible".
  26. ^ "This is Why Russia Could Care Less About Germany's Newest Submarine". 30 December 2019.
  27. ^ https://static.straitstimes.com.sg/s3fs-public/attachments/2019/02/19/ST_20190219_MILAUNCH1999_4633501.pdf
  28. ^ "New Type 218SG submarine".
  29. ^ "FRANCE : TKMS beats rival DCNS in Singapore - 04/12/2013". 4 December 2013.
  30. ^ "S'pore to buy two brand new subs". 5 December 2013.
  31. ^ "Singapore Navy orders two more Type 218SG submarines". 16 May 2017.
  32. ^ https://mags.shephardmedia.com/dailies/imdex_show_daily_day_2webmag/pubData/source/imdex_show_daily_day_2-webmag.pdf
  33. ^ "TKMS Started the Construction of the 2Nd Batch of Type 218Sg Submarines for Singapore". 19 January 2018.
  34. ^ "TKMS Started Construction of 2nd Batch Type 218SG Submarines for Singapore".
  35. ^ "Invincible, first of Singapore's biggest and most advanced submarines, launches in Germany | the Straits Times". 18 February 2019.
  36. ^ "Singapore sets up USV flotilla, but some projects delayed - Shephard Media".
  37. ^ "Merkel's last-minute approval sees German arms exports peak". Daily Sabah. 25 December 2021.
  38. ^ "Germany: Merkel government greenlit controversial arms deal with Egypt | DW | 16.12.2021". Deutsche Welle.
  39. ^ "Outgoing German Government Approved Record Weapons Exports".
  40. ^ "Ingin Saingi Kekuatan India hingga Indonesia, Singapura Beli Lagi 5 Kapal Selam Type 218SG dari Jerman - Zona Jakarta".
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