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ARCHIVED - First of S-80 submarine series developed in Cartagena due to set sail next year
The 'Isaac Peral' is the first of the S-80 series of submarines which will overhaul the Spanish Navy's fleet
The ambitious S-80 submarine programme developed in Cartagena has reached cruising speed and the first vessel looks set to set sail next year.
The project, which aims to renovate the Spanish Navy's submarine fleet, has been besieged with logistical and financial problems over the years, but earlier this month, the 'Isaac Peral' S-81 passed another important test, bringing the vessel a step closer to launching its military career.
Last year, shipbuiding company Navantia began testing the start-up of the diesel generators and in December the first battery charge of the generators was carried out and the submarine was prepared for the mooring test.
The successful operation of the propulsion and shaft lines was carried out last week, and the submarine will remain in port for further tests before it's handed over to the Spanish Navy in 2023.
Meanwhile, the S-82, known as Narciso Monturiol, is currently at an advanced stage of structural armament and is expected to the join the naval fleet in December 2024.
The third submarine in the series, the S-83 Cosme García, is scheduled for delivery in October 2026, and will be the first submarine in the series to incorporate the AIP system.
This is a propulsion system independent of the atmosphere, which will allow the submarine to obtain electrical energy at any depth, reducing its need to go out to periscopic level where it is more easily detectable, and allowing the vessel to remain immersed at deep depths for longer.
According to Navantia, the five sections of the resistant hull have now been built and work has begun on structural elements, which will be assembled one section at a time. More than 120 people are working on the construction of this particular submarine, both onsite and at various Navantia workshops.
And finally, the Mateo García de los Reyes is expected to be handed over to the Navy in February 2028.
"The S-80 will be the most advanced conventional (non-nuclear) submarines in the world, with an overall length of 80.8 metres, a diameter of 7.3 metres and a submerged displacement of 3,000 tonnes," according to the shipping company.
"As for the technological advances of the S-80 programme, they will have a combat system that will integrate all sensors and weapons for an adequate and rapid response to any threat. In addition, a weapons system will be added that will include heavy torpedoes, mines and the ability to launch tactical missiles, which is a unique feature on non-nuclear NATO submarines."
In addition to the AIP system, there will be an Integrated Communications System and a Platform Control System, which will allow the crew to operate navigation, propulsion, power generation, masts and periscopes, among other systems, locally or remotely.
Its high degree of automation will make it possible to reduce the ship's crew to 32 sailors and include eight places for additional personnel embarkation.
The S-80 programme also represents a boost to the economy and employment, creating up to 9,000 full-time and temporary jobs in the Region of Murcia alone, whilst generating an annual impact on the Spanish GDP of more than 250 million euros.
Image: Navantia
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