A26 Next Generation U-boat [NGU]
Following termination of Project Viking, FMV was assigned the task of initiating preliminary planning for a submarine Type A26. During 2005 FMV carried out a pre-definition phase covering analysis of functions and requirements and the generation of an overall concept in which experience gained chiefly from the projects Submarine 2000 and Viking were taken into account. This preliminary planning work was due to continue until the beginning of 2007. The intention thereafter was that, given the placing of suitable contract, a start will be made on the design phase. Discussions with international partners have been held during 2005 with the aim of identifying opportunities for collaboration in the field of submarine development. In August 2005 a Memorandum of Understanding was signed with Germany concerning collaboration in the field of "Underwater Warfare".
The nordic VIKING Project is dead, the A26 project was therefore ordered by the Swedish military. All developments of the A26 the new generation of submarine (NGU defence Swedish) will take place at ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems Swedish company Kockums in Malmö. The successor of the Gotland class (A19), as of 2006 the new sub is developed under the name A26 with the same deplacement but built with flexibility and international missions in mind. The yard Kockums was in talks with up to 3 other nations (Singapore mentioned) in participation to cut the costs of the development of next generation subs.
The major design changes:
- Added stealth features in notably the hydrophone area
- Flexible load-up of number of crew (17-31) and equipment. (elint, special ops, traditional attack sub, information superiority, network based command centre etc)
- Ocean longivity, faster speed, longer range.
- Reduced maintenance, less logistics. More hours at sea.
- Machine gun 25-30mm (optional, likely a RWS)
- Personell protection, rubber shock protection
- Autonomous underwater vehicles
- Latest version Sterling AIP propulsion.
- Requirement to move 1000's of nautical miles, stay in that area for weeks, and return. Transit speed ocean (sweden-usa and back) 9knots, normal operational speed submerged 20+, surfaced 10+.
In December 2007 the Swedish Government approved initiation of the design phase for a new generation of submarines and has authorised placement of the order for this phase by the Swedish Armed Forces. "This is a highly welcome announcement, that is good for Kockums and its employees, as well as for the Swedish Navy. Development work will now be able to continue, and this is important. The announcement also clearly signifies Sweden's intention to continue its commitment to its submarine force, which has been so successful," says Kjell Göthe, Kockums' head of corporate communication, commenting on the news.
The following extract is taken from the Swedish Government press communiqué: "The Swedish Government has approved placement of an order by the Swedish Armed Forces for the design phase of a Nästa Generations Ubåt (NGU - next-generation submarine). Actual procurement of such a vessel is dependant on a decision to be taken during 2008 concerning Swedish Government approval for initiation of construction."
"The Government believes that development of the NGU concept could offer the Swedish Armed Forces a means of maintaining a cost-efficient submarine force in the foreseeable future. Domestic development of such a vessel could prove more economical than procurement of a corresponding platform on the international market. Domestic development of the NGU would also ensure retention of the majority of Sweden's naval shipbuilding expertise, securing the country's ability to maintain the submarines and surface combat ships that are currently in service."
"Following completion of feasibility studies, the project will now move on to the design phase. A long-term analysis of the future submarine requirement will be conducted by the Implementation Committee for Efficiency Optimisation in Defence Materiel Procurement."
The outer hull manufactured by de-magnetised steel, which reduces the risk of triggering sensors for electromagnetic reconnaissance and so-called magnetic mines. In the inner hull was hung up on platforms with rubber dampening. In this way are faring ratings and equipment at massive underwater explosions. One of Kockums strengths are motor design. AIP-technological heart is the quiet Stirlingmotorn driven by a mixture of liquid oxygen and diesel fuel in a combustion chamber under high pressure. Design with an air independent propulsion means that you can stay in underwater mode for several weeks. Conventional submarines capable of only up to a week at best.
Given the long passes in submarine mode, it is important to ensure good working environment for the crew. The new A26: an will be well thought-out and comfortable cabins with a built-in entertainment system for movies and music. Opportunities for physical training in gym. An advanced climate system designed according to the same principle that provides bryngelson and his colleagues in space with fresh air.
Main Data [as of 2009]
- Evolution from the proven Swedish A19 Gotland Class submarine
- Replacement of two type A17 (Södermanland)starting about 2015
- Kockums received official RFQregarding 'Design Phase'
- Start design work late 2009
- Displacement ~ 1600 tonnes
- Pressure Hull ~ 6.2 m
- Length~ 63 m [205 ft]
- Crew ~ 20 men
- Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) System [The latest version of the proven and reliable Stirling AIP System will be used]
- Littoral Operations with Ocean Transit capability
- Air Independent Propulsion -Stirling Propulsion
- Optimised Signatures for the Littoral Threat Area
- Mission Adaptable Payload
- Network Connectivity
- Flexibility -Open system architecture
- Modular Design -Adaptable for future upgrades
- Cost Efficiency
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