Breaking news
Exclusive: DCNS will unveil the SMX OCEAN at Euronaval 2014: A Conventional (SSK) Barracuda.
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Naval
Industry News - France |
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Exclusive:
DCNS will unveil the SMX OCEAN at Euronaval 2014: A Conventional (SSK)
Barracuda |
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Navy
Recognition learned that DCNS will introduce a new submarine concept
at Euronaval 2014 which be held from October 27th to 31st at Paris Le
Bourget in France. The SMX OCEAN is based on a Barracuda hull, the next
generation SSN of the French Navy, fitted with a conventional propulsion
system (SSK) with AIP technology. |
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The SMX OCEAN concept to be unveiled at Euronaval 2014. Picture: DCNS |
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The
focus of DCNS engineers in developing this concept was put on endurance
and high sustained speed. We learned that the 4,700 tons SSK was designed
for an endurance of 14,000 nautical miles (3 months autonomy) and a
continuous transit speed of 14 knots for 1 week thanks to its Air Independent
Propulsion (AIP) system fitted with two fuel cells. The original nuclear
propulsion system of the Barracuda design was also replaced with six
diesel engines and three sets of Li Ion batteries. Two thruster pods are deployable at the bottom of the hull to allow the submarine to maneuver while the main screw is not in action (full stop). The X rudder design is the same as on the Barracuda and allows increased maneuverability. |
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The SMX OCEAN concept is fitted with an impressive load of up to 34 weapons for action in the four domains: anti-air, anti-surface, anti-submarine & action against land targets. |
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The
SMX OCEAN SSK is fitted with one large modular VLS tube that may launch
up to six MdCN vertically (much like the Virginia payload module developed
by GDEB for the US Navy’s Virginia class of SSN). The submarine
may also deploy F21 heavy torpedoes, SM39 Block 2 anti-ship missiles
and a submarine launched version of the Mica missile (A3SM
Underwater Vehicle Version) for self protection against air
threats. Finally a DCNS representative told Navy Recognition that the SMX OCEAN may deploy and recover a new UUV DCNS is working on, as well as deploy a UAV acting as remote sensor for intelligence gathering. Link to SMX OCEAN video interview |