Tridente-class submarine
 | This article includes a list of references, related reading, or external links, but its sources remain unclear because it lacks inline citations. (January 2013) |
 NRP Tridente at the Lisbon Naval Base
| |
| Class overview | |
|---|---|
| Builders | HDW |
| Operators |  Portuguese Navy |
| Preceded by | Template:Sclass- |
| Planned | 3 |
| Completed | 2 |
| Cancelled | 1 |
| General characteristics | |
| Type | Attack submarine |
| Displacement |
|
| Length | 67.7 m (222 ft) |
| Beam | 6.35 m (21 ft) |
| Draught | 6.6 m (22 ft) |
| Propulsion | Diesel-electric, fuel cell AIP, low noise skew back propeller |
| Speed |
|
| Range | 12,000 nautical miles (22,000 km) at 8 knots (15 km/h) |
| Endurance | 45 days |
| Test depth | superior to 300 m (984 ft) |
| Capacity | 14 |
| Complement |
|
| Sensors and processing systems |
|
| Armament |
|
The Tridente-class submarines, also designated as U 209PN, are diesel-electric submarines based on the Type 214 submarine developed by Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft GmbH (HDW) for the Portuguese Navy.
This class of submarines was acquired by Portugal to replace the previous submarines of the Template:Sclass-, then being operated by the navy. Originally, HDW proposed the Type 209 submarine (U-209) during the competition, but decided to later enter a new proposal based on the Type 214. It is for this reason that the Tridente class is commonly designated as the U 209PN.
The class and its ships are the first to not be named after marine animals, thus breaking a tradition retracing back to 1913, when the first submarine entered service with the Portuguese Navy.
Ships
The Tridente-class submarines are wrongly classed in the "diesel-electric" class. Their propulsion is exclusively electric, with electric motors powered by batteries. These batteries may be charged while submerged by "fuel-cells" (inverse electrolysis) for which, this submarine carries a huge supply of liquid oxygen and hydrogen. Also, and solely as a second solution for recharging the batteries, this submarine carries two powerful diesel-electric generators (1.000 KVA) for use only when surfaced, or at snorkel depth .
Submerged, from Lisbon, Portugal, submarines of the class may reach the Cape of Good Hope and return, in 15 days.
| Pennant | Name | Laid down | Commissioned | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S160 | NRP Tridente | 2005 | May 2010 | In service |
| S161 | NRP Arpão | 2005 | December 2010 | In service |
Image gallery
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Tridente-class submarine in the Tejo River
External links
- Tridente class information at the Portuguese Navy website (in Portuguese)
- 209PN profile at the Portuguese Navy website (in Portuguese)
- Submarino de ataque (SSK) classe Tridente (tipo U-214) - Área Militar (in Portuguese)
- Acquisition history of the U-209PN class (in Portuguese)
- Article about the differences between the U209, U212, U214 and U209PN (in Portuguese)