Invincible-class submarine

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Invincible-class submarine
Type 218SG RSN Invincible class submarine rendering.png
Rendering of the Type 218SG submarine of the Republic of Singapore Navy.
Class overview
BuildersThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS)
Operators Republic of Singapore Navy
Preceded byArcher class
Built2014–present[1]
Planned4
Building3
Completed1
General characteristics
TypeAttack submarine
Displacement
Length70 m (229 ft 8 in)
Beam6.3 m (20 ft 8 in)
Installed power2 × 120 kW PEM fuel cells
Propulsion
Speed
  • 10 knots (19 km/h; 12 mph) (Surfaced)
  • 15 knots (28 km/h; 17 mph) (Submerged)
Endurance28–42 days (4-6 weeks) days underwater, without snorkeling.[3]
Complement28[2]
Sensors and
processing systems
Armament
NotesCustomised variant of the Type 214 submarine, with specific design inferences from the Type 212 submarine.[5]

The Invincible-class submarines, formally classified as the Type 218SG submarines, is a class of conventionally-powered attack submarines, ordered by the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) from German-based naval conglomerate ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS).[6] The Type 218SG is an extensively-customised derivative of the export-oriented Type 214 submarine, with specific design characteristics drawn from Type 212 submarines.[7] They feature several capabilities - including a substantial level of automation, a significant payload capacity, enhanced underwater endurance and superlative ergonomics.[8]

Singapore's Ministry of Defense (MINDEF) ordered four Type 218SG submarines - two in 2013 and two in 2017, as a replacement to the RSN's currently-serving Challenger-class and Archer-class submarines.[9] The first submarine - RSS Invincible, was launched in February 2019, and is expected to be commissioned by 2022.[10] The RSN plans to have all four submarines in active service by 2024.[11]

Design

Development

The design of the Type 218SG was jointly created by Singapore's Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA), ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) and the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN). The design of the submarines is a highly customised one - conceived to fulfill specific naval requirements of the RSN - including naval operations in littoral waters, guarding sea lines of communication (SLOC), intelligence-gathering (ISTAR) and special operations.[12] The design is believed to be based on the Type 214 export-centric submarine, with design inferences from the Type 212 submarine - both of which were designed by TKMS.[13] The design of the Type 218SG is also believed to have been influenced by the Type 216 submarine concept.[14]

The Type 218SG has a length of 70 metres (229 ft 8 in) and a beam of 6.3 metres (20 ft 8 in), with an overall displacement of about 2,000 t when surfaced and 2,200 t while submerged. It has an estimated speed of about 10 knots (19 km/h; 12 mph) while surfaced and 15 knots (28 km/h; 17 mph) while submerged.[15]

Features

The Type 218SG features several unique characteristics, such as :-

  • An "X-shaped" rudder configuration similar to that on the Type 212 submarines and the Dakar-class submarine of the Israeli Navy, for effective maneuverability in Singapore's shallow littoral waters and the South China Sea - as opposed to the Type 214's cruciform rudder configuration.[16]
  • A fuel-cell powered air independent propulsion (AIP) module, which allows it to remain submerged for about 50% longer than the Archer-class submarines; several estimates put the Type 218SG's underwater endurance at about 28–42 days (4-6 weeks), without snorkelling.[17]
  • A "Horizontal Multi-Purpose Airlock" (HMPL) - which can be utilized to launch torpedoes, special operations forces, divers and submarine-launched cruise missiles (SLCM); the submarines also come with an option to integrate a "Vertical Multi-Purpose Airlock" (VMPL), for launching missiles vertically.[18]
  • Use of extensive ergonomical factors - such as air conditioning, enlarged living quarters, additional showering facilities, separate bunk beds, toilet cubicles, additional storage space and equipment unique to the physiques of the RSN's sailors.[19]
  • Extensive features of automation - such as a "Combat Management System" (CMS) jointly developed by Atlas Elektronik and ST Electronics and data analytics/decision-support engines developed by the DSTA - which allows the crew to operate the submarine on three 4-hour shifts (instead of two 6-hour shifts), thus allowing greater periods of rest during protracted underwater deployments.[20] The high-level of automation also reduces the crew complement to just 28 (fewer than other contemporary conventional submarines).[21]
  • Utility of specific materials accustomed to Singapore's tropical climate and saline waters.[22]
  • A higher "payload-carrying" capacity and greater firepower than the Challenger-class and Archer-class submarines, owing to its larger size.[23]

Instrumentation

RSS Invincible - the first Type 218SG submarine, photographed while under construction at Kiel. Notice the hull's resemblance to the Type 214 submarine, along with its distinctive "X-shaped" rudder configuration.

Armament

Current details about the Type 218SG's armament are scant; however, it is understood that the submarine features eight 533-millimetre (21.0 in) and two 650-millimetre (26 in) forward-firing torpedo tubes - which may be used for firing heavyweight torpedoes, anti-ship missiles and for laying naval mines.[24]

The Type 218SG is reported to have a greater ordnance payload (and essentially greater firepower) than the RSN's previous submarines, owing to its much larger size.[25]

Sensors

Details about the Type 218SG's sensors and automation are also scant; however, it is understood the submarines are equipped with a "Combat Management System" (CMS) jointly developed by German-based Atlas Elektronik and Singapore-based ST Electronics, along with data analytics and decision support engines developed by the DSTA.[26] The high levels of sophisticated automation and decision-making systems allows the submarines to run on three 8-hour shifts (instead of two 12-hour shifts), thus allowing the crew more rest to endure prolonged underwater missions.[27]

Given its sophisticated equipment, each submarine is manned by only twenty-eight sailors - a number similar to the RSN's other submarines, but fewer than other contemporary conventional submarines.[28]

History

Purchase

In November 2013, Singapore's Ministry of Defense (MINDEF) selected the Type 218SG design, offered by TKMS - as a replacement to the RSN's existing submarine fleet, siding an offer of three conventionally-powered submarines (presumably the Scorpène-class submarine) from French-based naval conglomerate Direction des Constructions Navales (now Naval Group).[29] On 29 November, 2013 - MINDEF officially contracted TKMS to supply two Type 218SG submarines, along with a training and logistics package - at an estimated cost of USD $1.36 billion.[30] The order for the two submarines bore noteworthy significance as the RSN's first-ever order for custom-built submarines; the service had previously relied on the acquisitions of the second-hand Challenger-class and the Archer-class submarines, from Sweden.[31] The purchase of the two submarines was officially announced on 2 December.[32] According to the terms of the contract, the two submarines were to be delivered by 2020-2021.[33]

On 16 May, 2017 - Singapore's defense minister Ng Eng Hen announced that RSN had placed an additional order for two more Type 218SG submarines, with additional arrangements of logistics and crew-training - bringing the total number of its ordered submarines to four.[34] According to the terms of the contract, the two additional submarines were to be delivered by 2024-2025.[35]

In December 2021, German magazine Der Spiegel reported that the outgoing-Merkel government had sanctioned a series of last-minute arms deals, including the export of an additional Type 218SG to Singapore.[36] However, neither the RSN nor TKMS have officially confirmed any such sale.[37][38]

Construction

The construction of the first submarine was initiated in 2014, with a "steel cutting" ceremony at TKMS' shipyard in Kiel.[39] The first submarine, christened as the Invincible, was launched in an elaborate ceremony on 18 February, 2019 - with defense minister Ng Eng Hen and representatives of the RSN in attendance.[40] During the ceremony, Ng revealed the names of the other three submarines, namely - Impeccable, Illustrious and Inimitable.[41] Invincible began its sea trials in September 2020, with its planned delivery date scheduled for 2020.[42]

The construction of the second contracted batch was initiated in January 2018, with a "steel-cutting" ceremony at TKMS' shipyard in Kiel, with representatives from TKMS and the DSTA in attendance.[43][44]

In June 2020, Ng revealed that the delivery of Invincible had been postponed to 2022, owing to restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.[45]

In April 2021, German news media reported that an Invincible-class submarine suffered from an outbreak of fire onboard during sea trials. The boat did not appear to have sustained severe damage and none of the 30 crew onboard were reported to have sustained injuries.[46]

Ships in class

Pennant Number Name Builder Launched Commissioned Status
RSS Invincible  Germany

ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS)

18 February 2019[47] Sea trials; expected to be commissioned in 2022.[48]
RSS Impeccable Under construction
RSS Illustrious Under construction
RSS Inimitable Under construction

See also

Submarines of similar comparison era and comparison

Other references to the Republic of Singapore Navy

References

  1. ^ "IMDEX Asia 2017: Singapore Navy Procuring 2 more Type 218SG submarines from TKMS". navyrecognition.com. 16 May 2017.
  2. ^ "Key TKMS Type 218SG details revealed after partial unveiling". gentleseas.blogspot.com. 3 September 2015.
  3. ^ "Why Russia Is Completely Ignoring This New German-Made Submarine". nationalinterest.org. 27 February 2020.
  4. ^ "Invincible-class Submarine - See far, act fast". mindef.gov.sg. 18 February 2019.
  5. ^ "Invincible-Class Submarines". naval-technology.com. 11 November 2020.
  6. ^ "Launching of the Republic of Singapore's First Type 218SG Submarine". thyssenkrupp-marinesystems.com. 18 February 2019.
  7. ^ "Singapore Navy's First Type 218SG Invincible-Class Submarine Started Sea Trials". navalnews.com. 2 September 2020.
  8. ^ "'Submarines like BMWS': A closer look at the Navy's newest, custom-made German submarine". channelnewsasia.com. 2 July 2018.
  9. ^ "Singapore's first Invincible-class submarine begins sea trials". asiapacificdefensejournal.com. 6 September 2020.
  10. ^ "Singapore's first Type 218SG submarine delayed by Covid-19". janes.com. 30 June 2020.
  11. ^ "Singapore to acquire more Type 218SG subs from Germany". defensenews.com. 16 May 2017.
  12. ^ "Singapore's Submarine Invincible Launched". maritime-executive.com. 18 February 2019.
  13. ^ "Singapore's Type-218SG - Forerunner of a new Submarine Class?". defense-update.com. 5 December 2013.
  14. ^ "Dive! Dive! The emerging submarine power players". defenceconnect.com.au. 7 November 2018.
  15. ^ "Made for Singapore: First of four custom-built RSN submarines launched in Germany". milipolasiapacific.com. 19 February 2020.
  16. ^ "Singapore launches next-gen submarine in Germany". asiatimes.com. 21 February 2019.
  17. ^ "Singapore discloses further details of Invincible-class submarines". janes.com. 19 February 2019.
  18. ^ "Republic of Singapore Navy RSS Invincible Type 218SG Submarine Started Sea Trials". militaryleak.com. 5 September 2020.
  19. ^ "S'pore buys 4 new submarines, the first is ready for use". mothership.sg. 19 February 2019.
  20. ^ "IMDEX 19: Singapore's new generation sub-surface fleet". edrmagazine.eu. 21 May 2019.
  21. ^ "First Custom-Built Submarine for the Navy". dsta.gov.in. 8 November 2019.
  22. ^ "Customisation of Type 218SG submarine includes use of materials suited to saltier Singapore waters". straitstimes.com. 18 February 2019.
  23. ^ "Singapore launches Invincible". thestar.com.my. 20 February 2019.
  24. ^ "This is Why Russia Could Care Less About Germany's Newest Submarine". nationalinterest.org. 30 December 2019.
  25. ^ "New subs pack greater firepower" (PDF). straitstimes.com.
  26. ^ "Milestones - Invincible Beneath The Waves". mindef.gov.org. 1 April 2019.
  27. ^ "Check out Singapore's New German-Built Submarine". nationalinterest.org. 25 February 2020.
  28. ^ "IMDEX 19: Singapore's new generation sub-surface fleet". edrmagazine.eu. 21 May 2019.
  29. ^ "TKMS beats rival DCNS in Singapore". intelligenceonline.com. 4 December 2013.
  30. ^ "Singapore Buys New Class of German Attack Submarines". news.usni.org. 4 December 2013.
  31. ^ "S'pore to buy two brand new subs". asiaone.com. 5 December 2013.
  32. ^ "ThyssenKrupp wins submarine order from Singapore". reuters.com. 2 December 2013.
  33. ^ "Singapour acquiert deux sous-marins ThyssenKrupp". ouest-france.fr. 2 December 2013.
  34. ^ "Singapore Navy orders two more Type 218SG submarines". navaltoday.com. 16 May 2017.
  35. ^ "Singapore doubles submarine order" (PDF). mags.shephardmedia.com. 17 May 2017.
  36. ^ "Germany: Merkel government greenlit controversial arms deal with Egypt". dw.com. 16 December 2021.
  37. ^ "Merkel's last-minute approval sees German arms exports peak". dailysabah.com. 25 December 2021.
  38. ^ "German Government Approved Additional One Type 218SG Submarine to Republic of Singapore Navy". militaryleak.com. 28 December 2021.
  39. ^ "Singapore MINDEF to buy two additional Type 218SG submarines from German TKMS". naval-technology.com. 16 May 2017.
  40. ^ "Invincible, first of Singapore's biggest and most advanced submarines, launches in Germany". straitstimes.com. 18 February 2019.
  41. ^ "Speech by Minister for Defence, Dr Ng Eng Hen, at the Launch of the First Type 218SG Submarine". mindef.gov.sg. 18 February 2019.
  42. ^ "New Type 218SG submarine "Invincible" built for Singapore Navy starts factory sea trials". navyrecognition.com. 2 September 2020.
  43. ^ "TKMS Started Construction of 2nd Batch Type 218SG Submarines for Singapore". navyrecognition.com. 17 January 2018.
  44. ^ "Singapore starts construction of second batch of Type 218SG submarines". navaltoday.com. 16 January 2018.
  45. ^ "COVID-19 delays new submarines, but delivery of F-35 fighter jets on track: Ng Eng Hen". channelnewsasia.com. 29 June 2020.
  46. ^ https://www.ln-online.de/der-norden/bei-probefahrt-feuer-an-bord-von-u-boot-in-kiel-TIHBNDSYLV7A4KUQZO3MMBQ67U.html
  47. ^ "Singapore's first new submarine christened at Thyssenkrupp shipyard". defensenews.com. 19 February 2019.
  48. ^ "Singapore's first Invincible-class submarine commences trials as pioneer crew begin training". janes.com. 3 September 2020.
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