New German Sub Begins Final Sea Trials

From Defence Aerospace

"U 32" Submarine Leaves the Nordseewerke Shipyard For Final Tests

(Source: ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems; issued April 22, 2005)

HAMBURG, Germany --- The "U32" submarine left the shipyard in Emden on 20th April 2005 for its final sea-testing phase.

Extensive tests will be carried out until July 2005 in the deep water on the South Norwegian coast (Skagerrak) and in different shallow water regions of the Baltic Sea. After the tests have been completed, the "U32" will be handed over to the German Navy in July 2005 as scheduled.

The overall order comprises of a total of four units of the submarine class 212A, which are being collectively built and tested for the German Navy at Nordseewerke in Emden and at HDW in Kiel within the framework of the ARGE U212.

Two of these state-of-the-art, non-nuclear submarines with combustible fuel cells "U31" and "U33" will be constructed, put into operation and tested in different sea regions at HDW in Kiel, while the other two units, "U32" and "U34" undergo the same program at Nordseewerke in Emden.

Delivery of the four submarines is planned for 2005/2006.

The two ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems shipyards currently have a total of four submarines being tested at sea in the Skagerrak. In addition to the "U31" and "32", the submarines "PAPANIKOLIS" - submarine class 214 for the Greek Navy - and the "S 101" - submarine class 209/1400mod for the South African Navy - are also being put through their paces.

Just like class 212 A, the 214 possesses a combustible fuel cell, and with over 60 constructed submarines the class 209 with diesel-electric drive is the most successful submarine class of the last 30 years.

The submarine construction in both shipyards can only be compared with production in space technology, as modern submarines are technologically extremely complicated and are exposed to special pressures while in operation, especially when submerging.

The sea trials also include shallow-water tests, where the handling of the submarine and consequently the shipping technology are mainly under the microscope. The second big test is the deep-water test, where the sensors as well as the weapons and guidance systems are tested.