The first of the new S-81 series has undergone first revisions in Cartagena and testing will continue
The first of the S-81 submarines, the Isaac Peral, which was launched on 21st April this year, has returned to the waters of Cartagena this Tuesday following the completion of its first revision, pierside tests and the installation of further control elements.
The submarine remains in the Navantia Armament Dock, where the submarine’s port tests will continue.
This week the first version of the software corresponding to the combat system will be installed, following successful tests carried out at Sistemas San Fernando during the last week of July.
A second grounding will be carried out in early 2022, prior to the start of the sea trials, which will begin in the first quarter of next year and the final delivery of the submarine to the Spanish Navy is scheduled for the first quarter of 2023.
Following a re-design during construction, the S-80 class measures 80.8 metres in length and 7.3 metres in diameter and has a submerged displacement of around 3,000 tonnes. Among the features are an integrated combat system and platform control system developed by Navantia Sistemas, as well as BEST-AIP, an atmosphere-independent propulsion system, which supplies the ship with electrical power at any depth so that it can remain underwater for longer periods.
The renovation of the navy’s submarine fleet with four S-80 craft has so far taken approximately 20 years and required an investment of almost 4,000 million euros. The series will comprise four vessels and it is anticipated that the remaining three vessels of the new fleet will be handed over to the navy progressively between now and February 2028.
IMAGES: Ministerio de Defensa
Source: Murcia Today
