Trafalagar (British). JACK RYAN ENTERPRISES, LTD.
Class name: Trafalgar
Producer (country/manufacturer): United Kingdom/VSEL, Barrow-in-Furness
Displacement (surfaced/submerged): 4,700/5,208
Dimensions (ft/m): Length: 280.1/85.4 Beam: 32.2/9.8 Draft: 27.2/8.3
Armament: Five 533mm torpedo tubes with 25 weapons
Machinery: One PWR with steam turbines driving one pumpjet propulsor; 15,000 SHP
Speed (knots): 30 (submerged)
Number in class: 7
Users: United Kingdom
Comments: Quite simply, the best SSN ever built by the British. This class is quick, quiet, and carries a substantial punch. If the Trafalgars have a weakness, it is the lack of an integrated combat system like the U.S. AN/BSY-1. A future upgrade known as Type 2076 may cure this. They handle well and are quite good boats for the money.
Swiftsure (British). JACK RYAN ENTERPRISES, LTD.
Class name: Swiftsure
Producer (country/manufacturer): United Kingdom/VSEL, Barrow-in-Furness
Displacement (surfaced/submerged): 4,200/4,500
Dimensions (ft/m): Length: 271.9/82.9 Beam: 32.2/9.8 Draft: 27.2/8.3
Armament: Five 533mm torpedo tubes with 25 weapons
Machinery: One PWR with steam turbines driving one pumpjet propulsor; 15,000 SHP
Speed (knots): 30 (submerged)
Number in class: 5
Users: United Kingdom
Comments: The oldest SSNs in the Royal Navy, the Swiftsures are fine boats that have been upgraded in refits to almost the same standard as the Trafalgars.
Class name: Trafalgar Batch II (?)
Producer (country/manufacturer): United Kingdom/VSEL, Barrow-in-Furness
Displacement (surfaced/submerged): ≈ 5,200 (submerged)
Dimensions (ft/m): (unknown)
Armament: Five 533mm torpedo tubes with 30 weapons
Machinery: One PWR with steam turbines driving one pumpjet propulsor; 15,000 SHP
Speed (knots): ≈ 30 (submerged)
Number in class: ?
Users: United Kingdom
Comments: The big “If” in the future of the Royal Navy. These boats, if they are ever built, will be powered by the British PWR-2 reactor, and may be equipped with cruise missiles.
Upholder (British). JACK RYAN ENTERPRISES, LTD.
HMS Unseen, one of the new generation of diesel-electric submarines operated by the Royal Navy. U.K. MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
Class name: Upholder
Producer (country/manufacturer): United Kingdom/VSEL, Barrow-in-Furness; Cammell Laird, Birkenhead
Displacement (surfaced/submerged): 2,185/2,400
Dimensions (ft/m): Length: 230.6/70.3 Beam: 24.9/7.6 Draft: 18/5.5
Armament: Six 533mm torpedo tubes with 18 weapons
Machinery: Diesel-electric drive with one 7-bladed screw; 5,400 SHP
Speed (knots): 20 (submerged)
Number in class: 4
Users: United Kingdom
Comments: A really nice class of SSKs, these boats are probably the finest diesel-electric submarines in the world. Fully the equal of the Trafalgars in sensors and armament, they may be sold off to export customers.
Class name: Vanguard
Producer (country/manufacturer): United Kingdom/ VSEL, Barrow-in-Furness
Displacement (surfaced/submerged): 15,850 (submerged)
Dimensions (ft/m): Length: 489.7/149.3 Beam: 42/12.8 Draft: 33.1/10.1
Armament: Sixteen Trident II (D-5) SLBMs; four 533mm torpedo tubes with ≈ 18 weapons
Machinery: One PWR with steam turbines driving one pumpjet propulsor; 27,500 SHP
Speed (knots): 25 (submerged)
Number in class: 1 + 3
Users: United Kingdom
Comments: These are probably going to be the last class of SSBNs ever built for the Royal Navy. Representing everything ever learned by the Royal Navy in submarine design, these elegantly designed boats have something of a “big shoulders” look because of the way the bow planes are mounted.
Resolution (British). JACK RYAN ENTERPRISES, LTD.
Class name: Resolution
Producer (country/manufacturer): United Kingdom/VSEL, Barrow-in-Furness
Displacement (surfaced/submerged): 7,600/8,500
Dimensions (ft/m): Length: 424.8/129.5 Beam: 33.1/10.1 Draft: 30/9.2
Armament: Sixteen Polaris (A-3) SLBMs; six 533mm torpedo tubes with ≈ 18 weapons
Machinery: One PWR with steam turbines driving one 7-bladed screw; 27,500 SHP
Speed (knots): 25 (submerged)
Number in class: 3
Users: United Kingdom
Comments: The old warhorses of the British submarine force, the units (three remain in commission as of this writing) of the “R” class have been keeping the peace for over a quarter century now. Being retired as the new “V” class boats come on line, they are roughly equivalent to the U.S. Lafayette-class SSBNs.
Sweden
Of all the nations that operate submarines, none is probably less understood and more underestimated than Sweden. The Swedes have always had an independent streak when it comes to defense issues, and this is certainly true of their submarine force. At the moment, they produce some of the most advanced conventionally powered submarines in the world. Their boats have a decidedly inshore design philosophy, consistent with the Swedish requirements of operating in the Baltic. In addition, the Swedes are leaders in non-nuclear Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) systems. Currently they are finishing development of the Gotland (A-19 class) boats, equipped with a Sterling AIP system to keep the batteries charged for longer submerged endurance. Like all other nations, the Swedes are aggressively marketing their boats for export. They have had a particular success with the sale of six boats (the Collins class) to Australia.
Gotland (A-19) (Swedish). JACK RYAN ENTERPRISES, LTD.
Class name: Gotland (A-19 class)
Producer (country/manufacturer): Sweden/Kockums, Malmö
Displacement (surfaced/submerged): 1,300 (submerged)
Dimensions (ft/m): Length: 172.2/52.5 Beam: 19.9/6.1 Draft: 18.4/5.6
Armament: Six 533mm and three 400mm torpedo tubes with 18 weapons
Machinery: Diesel-electric drive with one 5-bladed screw; ≈ 4,500 SHP; Sterling engine AIP system to be installed
Speed (knots): 20 (submerged)
Number in class: 0 + 3
Users: Sweden
Comments: Essentially an updated A-17 class, with improved sensors and combat systems and the incorporation of two Sterling engine-driven generators for improved slow-speed submerged endurance.
Västergötland (A-17) (Swedish). JACK RYAN ENTERPRISES, LTD.
Class name: Västergötland (A-17 class)
Producer (country/manufacturer): Sweden/Kockums, Malmö, and Karlskrona Varvet
Displacement (surfaced/submerged): 1,070/1,140
Dimensions (ft/m): Length: 159.1/48.5 Beam: 19.9/6.1 Draft: 18.4/5.6
Armament: Six 533mm and three 400mm torpedo tubes with 18 weapons
Machinery: Diesel-electric drive with one 5-bladed screw; ≈ 4,000 SHP
Speed (knots): 20 (submerged)
Number in class: 4
Users: Sweden
Comments: Essentially improved Näckens, these boats are quite capable for Baltic operations.
Näcken (A-14) (Swedish). JACK RYAN ENTERPRISES, LTD.
Class name: Näcken (A-14 class)
Producer (country/manufacturer): Sweden/Kockums, Malmö, and Karlskrona Varvet
Displacement (surfaced/submerged): 1,030/1,125
Dimensions (ft/m): Length: 162.4/49.5 Beam: 18.7/5.7 Draft: 13.4/4.1
Armament: Six 533mm and two 400mm torpedo tubes with 12 weapons
Machinery: Diesel-electric drive with one 5-bladed screw; ≈ 4,000 SHP
Speed (knots): 20 (submerged)
Number in class: 3
Users: Sweden
Co
mments: The oldest SSKs in the Swedish Navy. Näcken was the trial submarine for the Sterling engine AIP system, which will be incorporated in the Gotland class.
Netherlands
The Dutch enjoy an outstanding submarine tradition, with particular pride in the numerous enemy sinkings to their credit during World War II. In fact, during the early days of 1942 in the Pacific, the tiny Dutch force actually sank more ships than the entire U.S. sub force. Today the Dutch have an excellent fleet of SSKs and are aggressively trying to market them overseas.
Class name: Walrus
Producer (country/manufacturer): Netherlands/Rotterdamse Droogdok Maatschaooij
Displacement (surfaced/submerged): 2,450/2,800
Dimensions (ft/m): Length: 222.2/67.7 Beam: 27.6/8.4 Draft: 23/7
Armament: Four 533mm torpedo tubes with 20 weapons
Machinery: Diesel-electric drive with one 5-bladed screw; 5,430 SHP
Speed (knots): 21 (submerged)
Number in class: 1 + 3
Users: Netherlands
Comments: A really nice little class of SSK, the Walrus-class boats have a good balance of weapons, sensors, and endurance. The lead boat of the class suffered a fire during building and was delayed in delivery.
Germany
Of all the nations on earth, none has a stronger submarine combat tradition than Germany. Twice in this century the German U-boat fleets have driven England to the brink of starvation and defeat. Today, though, the U-boats of the modern German Navy are a much more modest force, though they probably reflect the missions they would be required to execute better than their counterparts from the two world wars. The new generation of U-boats are tailored to the coastal waters of the Baltic, with endurance and weapons loads to match. The German boats have proven to be a great success, particularly in export sales. In fact the Type 209 has actually outsold the Russian Kilo class in exports, making it the Volkswagen of conventional submarines. Their newest boats, the Type 212s, are capable of being equipped with a liquid oxygen/hydrogen fuel cell AIP system.
Type 212 (German). JACK RYAN ENTERPRISES, LTD.
Class name: Type 212
Producer (country/manufacturer): Germany/ Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft, Thysseen Nordseewerke
Displacement (surfaced/submerged): 1,200/1,800
Dimensions (ft/m): Length: 167.8/51 Beam: 22.6/6.9 Draft: 21/6.4
Armament: Six 533mm torpedo tubes with ≈ 18 weapons
Machinery: Diesel-electric drive with one 7-bladed screw; ? SHP; fuel cell AIP system to be installed
Speed (knots): ≈ 20 (submerged)
Number in class: 0 + 12
Users: Germany
Comments: The newest of the German U-boats. These boats will be equipped with a fuel cell AIP system, though defense cuts could severely affect construction.
Type 206 (German). JACK RYAN ENTERPRISES, LTD.
Class name: Type 206/206A
Producer (country/manufacturer): Germany/Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft, Rheinstahl Nordsee-werke
Displacement (surfaced/submerged): 450/520
Dimensions (ft/m): Length: 159.4/48.6 Beam: 15.4/4.7 Draft: 14.1/4.3
Armament: Eight 533mm torpedo tubes with 16 weapons
Machinery: Diesel-electric drive with one 7-bladed screw; 2,300 SHP
Speed (knots): 17 (submerged)
Number in class: 18
Users: Germany
Comments: Type 206As are modified with the Atlas Electronic CSU 83 integrated sonar suite and the accompanying SLW 83 integrated combat system. Propulsion plant, navigation, and accommodations have also been upgraded.
Type 205 (German). JACK RYAN ENTERPRISES, LTD.
Class name: Type 205
Producer (country/manufacturer): Germany/Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft
Displacement (surfaced/submerged): 419/455
Dimensions (ft/m): Length: 142.7/43.5 Beam: 15.1/4.6 Draft: 12.5/3.8
Armament: Eight 533mm torpedo tubes with 8 weapons
Machinery: Diesel-electric drive with one 7-bladed screw; 2,300 SHP
Speed (knots): 17 (submerged)
Number in class: 5
Users: Germany, Denmark
Comments: An earlier version of the Type 206, these units will probably be sold or retired in the current round of German defense cuts.
Type 209 (German). JACK RYAN ENTERPRISES, LTD.
Class name: Type 209 (1100, 1200, 1300, 1400 variants)
Producer (country/manufacturer): Germany, Turkey, Brazil, South Korea/various shipyards
Displacement (surfaced/submerged): 1,207-1,586 (submerged)
Dimensions (ft/m): Length: 177.4/54.1-200.7/61.2 Beam: 20.5/6.3 Draft: 18/5.5
Armament: Eight 533mm torpedo tubes with 14 weapons
Machinery: Diesel-electric drive with one 7-bladed screw; 5,000 SHP
Speed (knots): 22 (submerged)
Number in class: 34 + 15
Users: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Greece, Indonesia, South Korea, Peru, Turkey, Venezuela
Comments: The Type 209 variants differ predominantly in length and displacement, although the sensor, combat, and other electronics fits will also vary depending on when the particular unit was built. Even though the design is over twenty years old, the Type 209 is still being built for customers today, and is the most successful submarine design outside of Russia and the United States.
IKL Type 1500 (German). JACK RYAN ENTERPRISES, LTD.
Class name: IKL Type 1500
Producer (country/manufacturer): Germany; India/Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft; Mazagon
Displacement (surfaced/submerged): 1,655/1,810
Dimensions (ft/m): Length: 211.2/64.4 Beam: 21.3/6.5 Draft: 20.3/6.2
Armament: Eight 533mm torpedo tubes with 14 weapons
Machinery: Diesel-electric drive with one 7-bladed screw; 6,100 SHP
Speed (knots): 23 (submerged)
Number in class: 3 + 1
Users: India
Comments: The Type 1500 is normally listed as a Type 209 variant; however, the 1500 has a larger pressure hull and internal compartmentation, which makes it a different design. The internal arrangement of equipment is for all intents and purposes the same as on a Type 209. The Type 1500 is the only Western-designed submarine with an emergency escape sphere in case the boat sinks.
Japan
Japan started building its submarine force early; its navy was the first to use subs in combat, during the Russo-Japanese war in the early 1900s. Though Japan produced some of the most advanced boats of World War II, they never really used them to best advantage. Today they operate a large force of SSKs based on the American Barbel class of diesel submarine.
Harushio (Japanese). JACK RYAN ENTERPRISES, LTD.
Class name: Harushio
Producer (country/manufacturer): Japan/Mitsubishi
Displacement (surfaced/submerged): 2,400/2,750
Dimensions (ft/m): Length: 262.4/80 Beam: 32.8/10 Draft: 25.2/7.7
Armament: Six 533mm torpedo tubes with 20 weapons
Machinery: Diesel-electric drive with one 7-bladed screw; 7,220 SHP
Speed (knots): 20 (submerged)
Number in class: 2 + 8
Users: Japan
Comments: Basically enlarged Yushios, these boats are highly automated, with an excellent weapons load and sensor suite.
Yushio (Japanese). JACK RYAN ENTERPRISES, LTD.
Class name: Yushio
Producer (country/manufacturer): Japan/Mitsubishi and Kawasaki
Displacement (surfaced/submerged): 2,200/2,450
Dimensions (ft/m): Length: 249.9/76.2 Beam: 32.5/9.9 Draft: 24.3/7.4
Armament: Six 533mm torpedo tubes with 20 weapons
Machinery: Diesel-electric drive with one 7-bladed screw; 7,220 SHP
Speed (knots): 20 (submerged)
Number in class: 10
Users: Japan
Comments: Very quiet boats armed with both torpedoes and American UGM-84 sub-Harpoon antiship mi
ssiles. Capable of very deep operations, the Yushios are updates of the earlier Uzushio class.
Italy
While the uninformed might not think of Italy as a power in the submarine world, this would be a severe underestimation. Italy has a long and proud history of submarine design, construction, and operations. In World War II, Italian subs did a lot of damage to Allied shipping, particularly in the tight waters of the Mediterranean. Following the war, Italy began to build up a substantial force of diesel-electric boats with units constructed in their own yards. Today it is an extremely capable force, which continues to be upgraded with the finest weapons and sensors produced in Italy.
Class name: Primo Longobardo
Producer (country/manufacturer): Italy/Italcantieri
Displacement (surfaced/submerged): 1,653/1,862
Dimensions (ft/m): Length: 217.6/66.4 Beam: 22.4/6.8 Draft: 19.7/6
Armament: Six 533mm torpedo tubes with 12 weapons
Machinery: Diesel-electric drive with one 7-bladed screw; 4.270 SHP
Speed (knots): 19 (submerged)
Number in class: 0 + 2
Users: Italy
Comments: The Primo Longobardo class is the second modification to the Nazario Sauro class. The biggest differences are in the improved hull form and combat system.
Salvatore Pelosi (Italian). JACK RYAN ENTERPRISES, LTD.
Class name: Salvatore Pelosi
Producer (country/manufacturer): Italy/Fincantiere
Displacement (surfaced/submerged): 1,476/1,662
Dimensions (ft/m): Length: 211.1/64.36 Beam: 22.4/6.8 Draft: 18.6/5.7
Armament: Six 533mm torpedo tubes with 12 weapons
Machinery: Diesel-electric drive with one 7-bladed screw; 4,270 SHP