U212
IOC: October 2005
Total Production: 10
Total Program's Cost: USD$3.0 billion
U212A
Unitary Cost: USD$500 million
Also Known As
Type 212A
Origin
Germany
Contractor/s
Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft GmbH
ThyssenKrupp AG
Applications
U214
Torpedoes:
DM2A4 (12)
Protection Systems:
FL 1800
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Description:
The U212-class submarines have been designed to be powered by hydrogen fuel cells instead of traditional atmosphere-dependent propulsion systems. The new submarines will be quietest than previous German models and will be able to stay submerged for longer periods of time. The fuel cells will provide to conventional submarines some features only available for nuclear-powered vessels.
The fuel cell propulsion system based on hydrogen allows the boat to cruise submerged for weeks, typically a diesel-powered submarine can remain submerged for only two days. Fuel Cells generates no noise and no exhaust heat. The Portuguese and Greek Navies have ordered the German hydrogen fuel cell propulsion system for three of their U209-class submarines on order or already in service.
The U212-class is an evolution of proven U209 submarines. The new submarine will be armed with the DM2A4 torpedo and will perform shallow water and open sea missions. It will feature six 533mm torpedo tubes and 12 torpedoes or 24 mines.
German Federal Office of Defence Technology and Procurement and ARGE 2. Los 212A consortium signed a contract for the construction and delivery of two further U212A class boats to the German Navy on 22 September 2006. These submarines were set to be equipped with hydrogen fuel cell based air independent propulsion systems and non-magnetic steel hulls. In addition, the surface and underwater sensors will be improved over the current U212s as well as the communications system that will support network-centric operations. Deployment of special operations forces is another capability provided to these two additional boats.
The 4 U212 submarines ordered by the German Navy are being built by the ARGE 212 consortium. The Italian Navy has also ordered 2 U212 submarines being built at Fincantieri shipyard. The first U212 submarine achieved operational capability and was commissioned in the German Navy by 2003.
Specifications
Accommodation: Crew 27
Number of Weapons: 12
Dimensions: Beam 7 m, Height 11.5 m, Length 57.2 m
Weights: Full Displacement 1,800 t, Min Weight 1,450 t
Performance: Max Range 12,800 km (6,911 nm), Top Speed 10 mps (20 kt)
Other: Torpedo Tubes 6
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Notes
(*) lead contractor
IOC: Initial Operating Capability
FOC: Full Operating Capability
CEP: Circular Error Probable
Comm: Commissioning Date
Meters (m) Kilometers (km) Nautic Miles (nm) Inch (in) Yard (yd) Foot (ft) Millimeter (mm)
Pound (lb) Kilogram (kg) kN (KiloNewton) Ton (t)
Meters per Second (mps) Kilometers per Hour (kph) Knot (kt) Miles per Hour (mph)
Liter (l) Galon (gl)
Year (yr) Minutes (min) Second (sec)
Shaft-Horse-Power (shp)
Last Updated: Sunday, March 07, 2010
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Italy / 4 
