Navantia Installs First Air-Independent Propulsion System in Spanish Navy Submarine
Cartagena, Spain – Navantia has officially commenced the installation of the first air-independent propulsion (AIP) system on the Spanish Navy’s S-80 Plus-class submarine, the Cosme Garcia (S-83). This marks a significant milestone as the S-83 is the third of the four submarines in the S-80 class and the first to integrate this advanced technology.
The Spanish Navy plans to enhance its fleet further, with the Isaac Peral (S-81) and Narciso Monturiol (S-82) vessels also set to receive the AIP system during their respective first major overhauls. The S-81 was commissioned earlier this year in 2023, while the S-82 is anticipated to enter service in 2026. The Cosme Garcia is expected to be commissioned in 2028.
According to statements from Navantia, this cutting-edge AIP system is capable of operating at any depth and under a wide range of operational conditions. It allows for adaptability across various naval missions, making it the most advanced AIP system available on the market today.
The AIP technology enables the submarine to recharge its batteries efficiently while submerged, utilizing a fuel cell that generates electricity from hydrogen produced by processing bioethanol and oxygen. As a result, the submarine can maintain underwater operations for weeks—two to three times longer than conventional submarines—minimizing the risk of detection by radar and visual means.
The journey for the S-80 class submarines began in 2004 when the Spanish government awarded a contract to IZAR for their construction, with an initial delivery expected within seven years. However, design challenges led to substantial delays, with the first delivery only occurring in 2023.
The S-80 Plus submarines have been redesigned, featuring an additional length of 10 meters (33 feet), bringing them to a total length of 81 meters (266 feet), and increasing their weight to approximately 3,000 tons. The submarines boast an impressive endurance of 50 days and can reach surface speeds of 10 knots (19 kilometers per hour), with submerged speeds of up to 19 knots (35 kilometers per hour). Each submarine is designed to accommodate a crew of 32, with space for an additional eight personnel, and is equipped with six 21-inch (533 mm) bow torpedo tubes capable of launching torpedoes, mines, and Harpoon anti-ship missiles.
The introduction of the AIP system and the enhanced operational capabilities of the S-80 Plus class underscore Spain’s commitment to bolstering its naval defense resources in the face of evolving maritime challenges.
