Because, Pak, there is a difference between ‘high submerged endurance’ and ‘high endurance’ as friend Burger is talking about.
High endurance, as discussed here is a function of patrol endurance and range. Again though differences exist between different geographical patrol areas. HDW list a patrol endurance of 12 weeks and a 12,000 mile surface transit range for U214 which is staggering considering its 1800 ton displacement. That is in the northern hemisphere though.
Head down to more temperate southerly waters though and air conditioning has to be used more heavily, for both human and systems happiness, putting a significantly increased drain on the battery and requiring larger fuel stowage, and correspondingly a larger hull, to accomplish the same performance.
Were I selecting an SSK for open ocean patrol tasking I’d be talking to the Japanese about their Oyashio design myself. This is mainly based on the price they’re paying for the units (over half a billion $US per unit) and the rumours of the sophistication of the sensor fit. If they are what the rumours have said then these hulls may be the closest thing to an SSN level of sensor capability to sail without a reactor!. Yes please!.
Similar things were said about the Upholder/Victoria class boats and, now the Chicoutami problem has been identified as a singular known fault and nothing design related, if the Oyashio price tag was deemed a bit excessive these look like a pretty decent package in terms of range/endurance and weapons/sensor capabilities.
interesting reply mr Jones! I agree with you too..but i am shocked with the figure of that German sub!!
The Canadian Victoria subs look good, does it have AIP (sorry can’t help it, tis the buzz word ya know)
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