SSK Scorpene Diesel Electric Submarine (DCNS France)

SSK Scorpene Diesel-Electric Submerine for Royal Malaysian Navy was designed in Perdana Class Submarine, based on Malaysian configuration. Scorpene submarines for RMN was jointly developed by DCNS (France) & Navantia (Spain). The first Scorpene, KD Tunku Abdul Rahman were built in Cherbourg Shipyard, France (DCNS). Second submarine, KD Tun Razak built in Cartagena Shipyard, Spain by Navantia.
Stern sections were built by Navantia, bow sections was built by DCNS.
Chile ordered the first Scorpene Submarine, O'Higgins Class (based on Chile configuration) and received it in 2005 and the second Submarine, Carerra in 2008.
The Scorpene submarine for Chile & Malaysia are in the same variant, CM-2000 (basic version without AIP).

Scorpene submarine can perform anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface warfare (ASuW), reconnaissance and intelligence, mine laying and special operation mission.   

Scorpene Diesel-Electric submarine designed using latest technologies from French nuclear-power classes submarine particuarly on acoustic discretion & combat system performance. Scorpene submarine designed in two configuration, CM-2000 basic version without AIP & AM-2000 version with MESMA AIP. It can category as medium-size submarines using state-of-the-art technology in submarine design & construction.
Excellent endurance become one of the few medium-size submarine designed suitable for extended ocean patrol duties. It's modular design can fulfill customer requirements.
Submariners from Royal Malaysian Navy have been training in the naval training centre of DCI/NAVFCO France since 2005.


Main Features:

Submarine length is 66.4m with 6.2m wide beam and draft of 5.4m. Pressure hull diameter of 6.2m, surface displacement of 1,670 tonnes.
The max speed of Scorpene is 20 knots during submerged & 12 knots during surface. It can accommodate 31 crews and can do a mission for 45 days.
Its maximum diving is 300m deep.


Combat Management System, Weapons & Protection System

Scorpene fixed with SUBTICS Combat Management System using 6 multi-function common consoles and centrally situated tactical table.

Scorpene submarine was fitted 6 (533mm) units torpedo tubes (bow located) that can launch Black Shark heavyweight torpedo, F17 & Mk48 torpedoes. It also can launch Exocet SM-39 anti-surface missiles. It can store 18 torpedoes / missiles at one time. The submarine also installed with infrared radiation detector & active / passive sonar detection. Sonar suite includes long-range passive cylindrical array, an intercept sonar, active sonar, distributed array, flank array, high resolution sonar for mine detection and obstacle avoidance and towed array.


IMPROVEMENT

Scorpene submarine can upgrade for Air Independent Propulsion (AIP). MESMA anaerobic system AIP will improve Scorpene ability to operate under water for sustained periods without having to surface. But its still not the same league as nuclear submarine which can submerged indefinitely. This improvement will reduces 'indiscretion time' on the surface where the sub can be spotted by radar & easily detect by underwater sensors.
CM-2000 Scorpene (without AIP) can operate underwater for 4-6 days without surfacing / snorkeling for oxygen to recharge it's batteries.
AM-2000 Scorpene (with AIP) able to operate up to 18 days, depending on variables like speed etc. India and Brazil Scorpene ordered AIP version of Scorpene.
MESMA AIP approach is closely closed-cycle steam turbine derivative of French nuclear-propulsion experience using non-nuclear steam generation. A conventional cycle turbine alternator is powered by steam generated from the combustion of ethanol & stored oxygen at pressure of 60 atmospheres. The pressure-firing allows exhaust CO2 to be expelled overboard at any depth without exhaust compressor.

For MESMA AIP installation, 8.3m AIP compartment needed for additional & 305 tonnes hull section weight additional for existing Scorpene.

Others AIP systems includes Kockums Sterling-cycle AIP fitted on Gotland class & Sodermanland class submarine. Republic of Singapore Navy acquired ex-Sweden Gotland class submarines fitted with Sterling AIP. HDW Siemens use PEM (Proton Exchange Membrane) for U-209, U-212 & U-214 Class AIP's version. Consortium Thyssen Nordseewerke "Spectre" CCD (closed-cycle-diesel) system that uses liquid oxygen, diesel fuel & argon gas for RDM submarines with AIP.