Invincible-class submarine

The Invincible-class (also known as Type 218SG) is a class of submarines with air-independent propulsion (AIP) ordered by the Republic of Singapore Navy from ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems. Type 218SG is based on the design of Type 216 concept submarine from Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft.[8] Four submarines were ordered and the lead vessel RSS Invincible was launched in February 2019. These submarines, along with the previously acquired Archer-class, will replace Singapore's Challenger-class submarines.[9][10]

Invincible-class submarine
Rendering of Type 218SG Invincible class submarine
Class overview
Builders: ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems, Kiel[1]
Operators:  Republic of Singapore Navy
Preceded by: Archer class
Cost: USD$900 million per submarine[2][3]
Planned: 4
Building: 2
General characteristics
Type: Submarine
Displacement: 2,200 tonnes submerged, 2,000 tonnes surfaced[4][5]
Length: 70m[4]
Beam: 6.3m[4]
Installed power: 2x120kW PEM fuel cells[4]
Propulsion: Air-independent propulsion[6]
Speed: Submerged: 15 knots (28 km/h; 17 mph), Surfaced: 10 knots (19 km/h; 12 mph)[5]
Crew: 28 [7]
Armament: 8 torpedo tubes[5]
Notes: Delivery expected in 2020

Design

The customised design is oceangoing and larger than the Challenger-class and Archer-class submarines operated by the Singapore Navy.[6] The design is expected to be influenced by the export Type 214 submarine or Type 216 submarine, which have been designed for the potential needs of several other navies (Australian, Canadian and Indian).[6][11][12] Features will include AIP and a combat system designed by both Atlas Elektronik and ST Electronics.[1] The Invincible class also features an "X" rudder "which offers enhanced manoeuvrability in confined littoral waters, as opposed to the Type 214's cruciform rudder arrangement."[4] The X rudder is used on the Type 212 submarine and its larger and newer derivative, the Dolphin 2 submarine built for the Israeli Navy which is almost identical in size to the Invincible-class submarine (Israel and Singapore have extensive military ties and frequently procure the same weapon systems).

They are believed to have Horizontal Multi-Purpose Airlock, which can be used to launch either torpedoes, divers, or special forces assault teams, and also have the capability to launch cruise-missiles while submerged[13] with an option for Vertical Multi-Purpose Airlock, for launching missile vertically, like the Tomahawk or Naval Strike Missile[14]

Competitors

DCNS competed to supply 3 submarines to the Singapore Navy for $1.8 billion.[15]

Orders

The initial deal for two submarines was valued at €1.6 billion, including logistics and crew training.[1][6][16]

On 16 May 2017, Singapore defence minister Ng Eng Hen announced an order of 2 more Type 218SG submarines for a total of 4. The first 2 will be delivered in 2021 and 2022, while the remaining 2 will be delivered from 2024.[17]

The first Type 218SG submarine, named RSS Invincible, was officially launched during a ceremony in Kiel on 18 February 2019.[18]

Ships in class
Hull Numbers Name Launched Commissioned Builder Status
RSS Invincible 18 February 2019 ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems, Kiel,  Germany Launched
RSS Impeccable ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems, Kiel,  Germany Under construction
RSS Illustrious ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems, Kiel,  Germany Under construction
RSS Inimitable ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems, Kiel,  Germany Under construction

See also

References
  1. Singapore Ministry of Defence Signs Contract with TKMS for two new Type 218SG submarines
  2. Coates, Peter. "Key TKMS Type 218SG details revealed after partial unveiling". Submarine Matters. Retrieved 25 February 2020.
  3. https://www.defensenews.com/naval/2017/05/16/singapore-to-acquire-more-type-218sg-subs-from-germany/
  4. http://www.janes.com/article/52609/tkms-starts-construction-of-singapore-s-type-218sg-submarines
  5. Rahmat, Ridzwan (19 February 2019). "Singapore discloses further details of Invincible-class submarines". Jane's 360. Singapore. Archived from the original on 19 February 2019. Retrieved 19 February 2019.
  6. Singapore’s Type-218SG – Forerunner of a new Submarine Class?
  7. http://gentleseas.blogspot.com/2015/09/key-tkms-type-218sg-details-revealed.html
  8. "HDW Class 218 / Type 216 'Concept Submarine'". www.globalsecurity.org. Retrieved 2020-01-12.
  9. Singapore Contracts for 2 New German Subs
  10. Yeo, Mike (2017-08-08). "Singapore to acquire more Type 218SG subs from Germany". Defense News. Retrieved 2020-02-25.
  11. Singapore: German Subs’ Strategic Value
  12. Singapore Buys New Class of German Attack Submarines
  13. Roblin, Sebastien (2017-06-06). "Why Germany's New Super Stealth Submarines Could Take on Any Navy". The National Interest. Retrieved 2020-02-25.
  14. Pete (2019-02-22). "Submarine Matters: What Singapore's Type 218SG Submarines Might Be Used For (Part 2)". Submarine Matters. Retrieved 2020-02-25.
  15. S'pore to buy two brand new subs
  16. UPDATE 1-ThyssenKrupp wins submarine order from Singapore
  17. "MINDEF Signs Contract to Acquire Two More Submarines" (Press release). Ministry of Defence of Singapore. 16 May 2017. Retrieved 16 May 2017.
  18. "Singapore Navy's First Invincible-Class Submarine Launched" (Press release). Ministry of Defence of Singapore. 18 February 2019. Retrieved 18 February 2019.
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