Brazilian navy conducts propulsion tests of new diesel-electric submarine S40 Riachuelo.

According to information published by the Brazilian navy, from 16 to 18 October 2020, the Brazilian navy has completed another stage of the Submarine Development Program (PROSUB), with the propulsion tests of the new diesel-electric submarine S40 “Riachuelo” that were carried out in a maritime area located in the interior of Sepetiba Bay, on the south coast of Rio de Janeiro.
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Brazilian Navy diesel-electric submarine S40 “Riachuelo” during sea trails. (Picture source Brazilian Navy)

According to the Brazilian Navy, the acceptance trials at sea will continue until December 2020. After this phase, the combat system will be tested with the launch of F-21 torpedo and the submarine-launched SM39 Exocet anti-ship missile. In mid-2021, the S40 will be transferred to the Brazilan Navy for operational deployment.

In 2009, Brazil purchased four enlarged Scorpène-class conventionally-powered submarines for US$ 9.9 billion with a total technology transfer agreement, giving the country the knowledge for the design and construction of submarine hulls. The first Brazilian Scorpène-class submarine, Riachuelo, was launched on 14 December 2018.

The Submarine Development Program (PROSUB) project was initiated in 2012, with the Itaguaí base in Rio de Janeiro as the submarine development and manufacturing point. From 2010 to 2012, a group of 31 engineers, 25 officers and 6 civil employees received theoretical training by the DCNS (now Naval Group) in France. In 2018, more than 400 Brazilian engineers worked on the nuclear submarine project staff, originally formed by the group that received training in France.

The S40 “Riachuelo” is the first submarine of the Riachuelo-class, based on the Scorpene-class submarine designed by the French company Naval Group formerly DCNS. The submarine is powered by conventional diesel-electric propulsion systems including four Diesel and one electric engines. The submarine can sail at a maximum submerged speed of approximately 20 kt and have the ability to remain submerged for 21 days.It has a diving depth of more than 350 m.

The Brazilian Scorpene has a surface displacement of 1,870 t while its overall length is 72 m. It has a diving depth of 300 m and an autonomy of 45 days. The submarine has a crew of 31 people including 6 officers and 25 sailors.

The armament of the Scorpene-class submarine includes six 533 mm (21 in) torpedo tubes for 18 Whitehead Alenia Sistemi Subacquei Black Shark heavyweight torpedoes and SM-39 Exocet anti-ship missiles and 30 mines in place of torpedoes.