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| Science & Technology |
| Video: Swedish HMS Gotland Silent Submarine. |
| 2010-01-04 |
| The Gotland class attack submarines of the Swedish Navy are modern diesel-electric submarines. They are the first submarines in the world to feature a Stirling engine air-independent propulsion (AIP) system, which extends their underwater endurance from a few days to weeks. This capability had previously only been available with nuclear powered submarines. As of 2008 the Gotland-class attack submarine is one of the most modern submarines of the Swedish Navy in service, mainly designed for submarine missions such as anti-shipping operations, ASW-missions, forward surveillance, special operations and mine-laying tasks. It is a non-nuclear vessel running on an Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system with low signatures, extreme shock resistance and a powerful combat system. Together with other features this results in a submarine able to carry out the missions listed above. Automation and computerized steering allow a single operator to steer the submarine in depth and course. Only a small crew is required, leading to good accommodation standards and low operating costs. |
| Posted by:Besoeker |
| #1 One was leased (with crew) to the USN from 2004-2006 for ASW training. |
| Posted by: Pappy 2010-01-04 21:24 |