Type 214 (class)

Type 214 (Class) History

The export-oriented Type 214 diesel-electric attack submarine is a further development of the earlier Type 212 submarine developed by Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft GmbH (HDW) in Germany. The new design uses an "air-independent propulsion" (AIP) system based on hydrogen fuel cells, an improvement over traditional diesel-electric propulsion systems.

Currently, the 214 series is in service with the navies of Greece, Portugal, South Korea and Turkey. A total of 23 ships are planned for the series, of which about 15 have been completed to date (2020).

Construction is underway through various shipyards including HDW in Germany, Hellenic Shipyards Company in Greece, Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI)/DSME in South Korea and Golcuk Naval Shipyard in Turkey.

The class has a surface displacement of 1,700 tons and a submerged displacement of 1,860 tons. The hull is 213.2 feet long, 20.7 feet wide, and has a draft of 19.7 feet. With a crew of 27 on board, the boat has enough stamina to sail at sea for 84 days before needing resupply (up to 3 weeks underwater without snorkeling). Performance specifications include a maximum diving speed of 20 knots and a surface speed of 12 knots. The range on the water is up to 12,000 miles, but that number is significantly reduced when driving underwater for extended periods of time.

The hull was tested at depths of over 800 feet.

Propulsion is via a diesel-electric arrangement with 2 x MTU 16V-396 diesel engines and 2 x Piller Ntb56. 40 charging generators, an electric motor "Permasyn" from Siemens and 2 HDW PEM BZM120 fuel cell modules make up the AIP system.

Weapons are 8 x 533mm torpedo tubes, four of which are capable of firing US anti-ship missiles "Harpoons".

Thales Deutschland Kiel supplies SPHINX-D (4kW) pulse/tactical LPI radar.

Vessels like the 214 series are powered by conventional means rather than expensive, dangerous nuclear propulsion systems, often used for defense and reconnaissance missions. They are capable of "deep water" work (as opposed to pure coastal defense duties) and can be called in independently or as part of the main force.

This weapon is typical for ships of this type and size. The limited number of crew also indicates the relatively compact shape of the ship.

As of 2020, the Greek Navy has contracted a total of 6 ships, of which 4 have been delivered. South Korea has a total of nine ships (as sons of the Wonyil class), making it the largest operator in the series.

The Portuguese Navy proudly owns two Type 214 ships, followed by the Turkish Navy and its deployed six ships.

For the ROK Navy, the Type 214 is an important part of the three-way anti-submarine attack force, which includes the Changbao Advanced (based on the German Type 209) and the newer Dosan Ahn Changho-class ships.

Specification

Basic

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Dimensions

Weight

Performance

Performance

Armor

Wing