Elementen-class submarine

Elementen-class submarine - SSN version & SSBN version (click to enlarge).

The Elementen-class submarine is the by far most common nuclear submarine design in the Marine of the Knootian Defence Force.

Since the administration of Lousewies van der Laan, nuclear power has started gradually replacing submarines with diesel-electric propulsion such as the Zeedier-class submarine. The first Elementen-class prototype, the KDF Waterstof, was commissioned in the late 1990s. Most of the naval submarines built since that time in Knootoss have been powered by nuclear fission reactors, as the 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 class comes in two distinct subtypes serving two different roles. The fast-attack (SSN) version carries heavyweight torpedoes for attacking naval vessels and missiles for attacking land-based targets and enemy shipping. It can operate either alone or as part of a Knootian Defence Force battlegroup. The strategic ballistic-missile submarine (SSBN) version on the other hand is used primarily as a powerful strategic deterrence, in accordance with Knootian nuclear policy.

Statistics

(SSN Type | SSBN Type)

Dimensions

Length

114 Metres | 150 Metres

Beam

16.5 Metres (both)

Draft

10.5 Metres (both)

Displacement

12,000 metric tons | 17,000 metric tons

Crew Complement

80 Officers and Crewmen | 105 Officers and Crewmen

Armament

Torpedoes

6 x 28" (660mm) Torpedo Tubes (42 Torpedoes/SL ASM/UUV OR 72 Mines) (both)

Missiles

32 x SLCM Tubes (32 SSM) | 16 x SLBM Tubes (16 SLBM)

Self Defence

Mounting for Lightweight SAM system on Sail (both)

Electronics

Radar systems

Thales IB Navigation (both)

Sonar

TSM 2300 Sonar Suite (both)

Command/Control

Thales SEWACO XII 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. (both)

Electronic Warfare

Thales T20 Acoustic Intercept (both), Four (4) | Eight (8) Reloadable Noisemakers.

Propulsion

Engines

One 40 MW Thompson (FDI) R-12Q PWR Dampened Assembly, providing 50,000shp to a single pumpjet propulsor. (both)

Performance

Top Speed: 24 kts (surfaced), 38 kts (submerged) | 22 kts (surfaced), 34 kts (submerged)

Cruising Speed: 15 kts (surfaced), 16 kts (submerged) | 14 kts (surfaced), 15 kts (submerged)

Maximum Range: Limited by Crew endurance only (both)

Armour

Basic Composition

Unlike the Zeedier class, the Elementen carries some harden steel armour for protection during surface running. The class is also fitted with a triple pressure hull, second generation anechoic tiles (to significantly reduce sonar signature and noise emission), and reinforced hull bracing to help protect against underwater detonations.

Naming practices