BACKGROUND
The Strategic Defence Review issued in February 2003, considered the S-80 Submarine a priority programme. This document takes into account the need to procure submarine units to maintain the freedom of action and mobility of the Force with two submarines operating simultaneously in two theatres: one in a far away scenario and another close by. The units will have an air independent propulsion system with land-attack missile capability and important elements for intelligence gathering.
Preliminary studies were carried out between 1989 and 1991. In the year 1997 the programme started following the PAPS method. (Phased Armaments Programming System):
Changes in the world strategic situation recommended a review of operational requirements to adapt the submarine to new scenarios and demands. New “Staff Requirements” were approved by the Spanish Chief of Naval Staff in July 2002.
The main changes included the air independent propulsion system (AIP) and land-attack capability.
In March 2004 the Shipbuilding Order was signed between the Ministry of Defence/Spanish Navy and IZAR to build four S-80 Submarines. The main milestones are:
Silhouette Submarine S-80
Dimensions
Propulsion
Weapons
Complement
Cross-section of the S-80 Submarine
The mission of the Combat System is to acquire, assess and provide all necessary information for the fulfilment of the mission, as well as controlling the weapons and their launching systems.
From the design point of view, the Combat System is completely integrated. It operates from multi-function console tables with an open, modular and distributed architecture and an extensive use of COTS. From the multi-function console tables the following systems can be controlled: all ship sensors including the information gathered; command and control functions like track management and decision making aids; and weapons launching systems including wire-guided torpedoes.
The S-80 Combat System includes:
Mission profile
S-80 missions include the following tasks:
S-80 submarines must face the following threats both in the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea:
Cross-section of the S-80 Submarine
The following are the main capabilities of the S-80 submarine: