Elementen-class submarine
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| Zeedier-class submarine (click to enlarge). |
The Elementen-class submarine is the most common nuclear submarine in the Marine of the Knootian Defence Force.
Since the administration of Lousewies van der Laan, nuclear power has started partially replacing submarines with diesel-electric propulsion such as the Zeedier-class submarine. The first Elementen-class prototype, the KDF Waterstof, was released in the late 1990s. Most of the naval submarines built since that time in Knootoss have been powered by nuclear fission reactors. Use of nuclear power instead of fossil fuel enables the Elementen-class submarine to travel around the world submerged and essentially hidden for months at a time.
On several occasions in recent history, Knootoss has sent out large fleets of Elementen-class submarines to engage in cat-and-mouse games during periods of Cold war with selected opponents. They have also been used to blockade Tanah Burung during Operation Tempo Doeloe.
The Elementen-class comes in two distinct subtypes serving different roles. The fast-attack modification carries torpedoes for attacking naval vessels and missiles for attacking land-based targets or shipping. It operates either alone or as part of a Knootian Defence Force battlegroup. The strategic, ballistic-missile carrying submarine on the other hand is used primarily as strategic deterrence.
Contents
Statistics
Dimensions
- Length
- 82 Metres
- Beam
- 10.5 Metres
- Draft
- 8.5 Metres
- Displacement
- 3,600 metric tons
- Crew Complement
- 38 Officers and Crewmen
Armament
- Torpedoes
4 x 21" (533mm) Torpedo Tubes (22 Torpedoes/SL ASMs OR 36 Mines)
- Missiles
None
- Self Defence
None
Electronics
- Radar systems
None
- Sonar
TSM 2272 Bow-mounted Active/Passve Sonar, Falltech Towed Mk 504 Passive Array
- Command/Control
Thales SEWACO X combat management system. Command and Control is also to be enhanced by a follow-up to the old CAESAR system developed by Caesar SuperComputer Inc The software for the CAESAR 2.0 computer system is to feature revolutionary new capabilities.
- Electronic Warfare
Thales T20 Acoustic Intercept, Four (4) Reloadable Noisemakers.
Propulsion
- Engines
Diesel-electric plant containing three (3) 4,000hp Diesel Engines with four 1MW alternators, delivering power to a single six-blade, variable-pitch propellor in an acoustically-dampened propulsor housing.
- Performance
Top Speed: 18 kts (surfaced), 20 kts (submerged)
Cruising Speed: 12 kts (surfaced), 14 kts (submerged)
Maximum Range: 9,000 km @ 12 kts (surfaced)
Armour
- Basic Composition
As with most submarines per se, the Zeedier class carries little armour. However, she is fitted with a dual pressure hull, anechoic tiles (to reduce sonar signature and noise emission), and reinforced hull bracing to protect against underwater detonations.
