Agosta
French Agosta class patrol submarine of 1490 tons displacement launched in 1974. She is powered by two SEMT-Pielstick 16 PA4185VG diesel engines of 3600 hp and one electric motor 4600 hp and one cruising motor of 23 kW providing a top speed of 20 knots dived and a range of 13600 km snorkling. She carries a single crew of 58 personnel, including seven officers. Armaments consist of Aerospatiale SM 39 Exocet anti-ship missiles launched from four 533 mm bow torpedo tubes; ECAN L5 Mod 3 dual purpose and ECAN F17 Mod 2 wire- guided torpedoes; or 36 mines carried in lieu of torpedoes.
The Agosta 90B, a direct derivative of the Agosta class in service with the French Navy and other navies, features significant improvements in acoustic discretion and detection. Pakistan has ordered three Agosta 90B submarines equipped with the MESMA AIP propulsion system and Subtics combat system.
The first member of the conventionally powered Agosta family was designed in the 1970s as a precursor of the Rubis nuclear attack submarine. By late 1999 a total of 13 Agosta-class submarines had been ordered by France, Spain and Pakistan. The original design featured innovative architectural solutions and state-of-the-art equipment. More importantly, its inherent adaptability made it an excellent candidate for a thorough upgrade, in the early 1990s, resulting in the Agosta 90B. The upgrade - which focused primarily on the combat system - incorporates the latest sensors and computer technologies.
Agosta-class submarines are ideal for missions ranging from anti-shipping and anti-submarine warfare to surveillance, intelligence gathering, mine-laying, special operations and training. French, Spanish and Pakistani Agosta-class submarines have successfully undertaken a wide variety of missions, including long patrols and major multinational exercises, in times of peace or during crises. They have operated worldwide from the Caribbean to the Mediterranean and from the Sea of Oman to the China Sea.
