Main>Articles>Military Stuff>Scorpene SSK

Scorpene SSK
In early 2002, the Ministry of Defense signed a contract with DCN of France to provide 2 new Scorpene-class submarines as well as 1 single ex-French Navy Agosta 70 submarine. In return, France will allow Malaysia Airlines to conduct more flights to France. Construction is also underway for a Royal Malaysian Navy submarine base in Teluk Sepanggar, Sabah. This submarine base is rumored to be highly advanced (submarines will not be visible from air when docked) and will protect the submarines from sea and air attack.
The Scorpene SSK is one of the most advanced diesel submarines available today. In terms of performance, its hull, constructed of high yield stress-specific steel will allow it to dive up to 300m, deeper than most diesel subs and as many times as needed. It will be able to achieve an average of 240 days at sea each year. A lot of effort has been made to reduce the Scorpene's sound signature. Almost all equipment are mounted on elastic mountings to avoid vibration noise from being radiated into the surrounding water. Noisier equipment even have double-elastic mountings. This measures will allow the Scorpene to avoid detection by hostile vessels while operating.
With the use of automated machinery, the crew complement was kept to a minimum of 31 men with a standard watch team of nine. This is almost half the crew of other submarines. In addition to that, the submarine can accomodate a number of special operations crew. The life support systems of the submarine can ensure the survival of the crew for seven days during emergencies. Apart from that, there is a connection point for diving bells or rescue vehicles.
The Scorpene has two diesel generation sets providing 1,250kW of power. At the top of the hull immediately above the diesel generator sets is a Dutch Breach machinery shipping hatch. The submarine has an elastically supported 2,900kW electronic engine. It is also highly probable that the RMN Scorpenes will be equipped with the MESMA AIP (Air Independent Propulsion) system that will enable it to stay submerged for protracted periods, thus reducing chances of detection by hostile forces. The MESMA system burns liquid oxygen and ethanol to power its turbines.
The Scorpene will incorporate a variety of sonar systems including a long-range passive cylindrical array, an intercept sonar, active sonar, distributed array, flank array, a high-resolution sonar for mine and obstacle avoidance and a passive towed array. All these will work together to allow the submarine to detect enemy vessels, especially submarines at great distances. A SUBTICS combat management system will integrate all the offensive and defensive equipment of the submarine with its sensors to allow the crew to operate the submarine effectively.
It has six 21inch torpedo tubes mounted on the bow that can launch a variety of torpedoes. A total of 18 torpedoes and missiles or 30 mines can be stored. The SM39 Exocet anti-ship missile with a range of over 50km can be launched from the torpedo tubes. Once expelled from the tube, it will travel to the surface inside a container. Upon reaching the surface, the container will right itself and the Exocet missile will be launched. This allows the Scorpene to engage hostile vessels from outside their defensive perimeter, thus avoiding the risk of being attacked.

Back