navantia

New generation conventional oceanic submarine, with completely Spanish design and construction. It stands out for its anaerobic propulsion AIP called BEST (Bio-Ethanol Stealth Technology), third generation, which consists of a bioethanol reformer to produce hydrogen, which in turn reacts with oxygen in a fuel cell generating electricity. This system allows to extend its autonomy in immersion up to three weeks, which substantially reduces its level of detectability.

It is a highly automated submarine that, thanks to the latest generation platform control system developed by Navantia Sistemas, allows it to be operated by a reduced crew (32 sailors and 8 seats for the boarding of additional personnel), capable of reaching a diving speed greater than 19 knots, and a maximum immersion level greater than 300 m. It is approximately 80 m long, 7 m in diameter and has a submerged displacement of about 3,000 tons.

It also incorporates a combat system developed by Navantia Sistemas in collaboration with the US company Lockheed Martin, with the unique ability (for NATO and EU) among conventional submarines with similar characteristics, to launch tactical ground attack missiles.