Germany launched a modern hydrogen fuel cell submarine
This latest submarine, despite its combat mission, uses the most advanced "green" technology. The submarine, type U212A, the side number U-35 (S185), is essentially the very first submarine, which uses only hydrogen fuel cells as its driving energy.
The German firm Howaldtswerke Deutsche Werft (HDW) began working on the 212 project in 1988 year. Three-section submarine hull. Shooting systems, torpedo tubes, submarine crew, central post, rechargeable batteries are located in the nose. In the aft part are the power plant modules themselves. Themselves as fuel cell blocks are located in the connecting cone section. One of the design features of the German submarine is the location on the fence of the cutting of horizontal rudders and X-shaped rudders at the stern, which provides the best controllability of the boat in a submerged position.
The special hydrogen energy element, which was developed by the German naval shipyard HDW, gives the submarine independence from nuclear energy and diesel-electric engines, which are used in modern submarines. The use of a hydrogen fuel cell has made it possible to reduce harmful emissions to the environment almost to zero and to use the energy and fuel available aboard the submarine in a highly efficient manner.
But, in addition to this, the submarine has a number of "strategic" advantages in comparison with other submarines.
So, thanks to hydrogen fuel cells, the submarine U212A can be submerged much longer than atomic submarines. In addition, due to the high efficiency of the installed hydrogen engine and the use of special screens made of non-magnetic alloys and ceramics, the submarine does not emit heat and does not emit noise.
Representatives of the Bundeswehr believe that the new submarine, armed with 12 controlled heavy torpedoes, is the peak of perfection in new German underwater technology.
Main submarine performance characteristics:
The length of the submarine 56 meters, width - 7 meters.
Displacement in submerged 1830 tons, in surface 1450 tons.
The speed of the submarine in a submerged position 20 nodes, in the surface - 12 nodes.
Power reserve 8 thousands of miles.
The maximum depth of immersion 700 meters.
The crew of the submarine 27 man.
The submarine is armed with 12 guided heavy torpedoes and 24 mines.
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