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Advanced AIP and Submarine Diesels - Built in China?

May 23, 2017, 1:33 am
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Part using MHalblaub's insightful comments of May 20, 2017:

ADVANCED AIP

In the 1990s Spain decided to forego the advantages of working on submarines with France's DCNI  and attempted to go it alone with the S-80 submarine project. This appears to not have worked out too well. In 2013 Spain announced  serious project management errors leading to the S-80 unbuoyant and overweight. One reason appears to be integration mistakes which made the combined, hull and combat system overweight. Years of extra development (and billions overbudget) have followed.

Foregoing developments with DCNI might be partly explained by increasing Spanish closeness with Germany's TKMS particularly in attempting to develop advanced methanol reformer fuel cell (FC)/AIP.

Details are inexact. But it seems TKMS with Siemens has been working on reformer FC/AIP since 1995. Here is a 2010 German conference paper reflecting how far Germany has gotten in work for  reformer FC/AIP.

Spain's SENER company may have began to work on this technology with TKMS in 2001 (and perhaps earlier).

Again Spain has fared badly. An intended delivery dateof the first of class S-80 Isaac Peral was expected to be in 2021.  But IHS Janesreported in January 2017 that the AIP system would not be ready in time for the delivery of the first of class submarine.

Land-based Methanol reformer FC/AIP unit developed by SENER and TKMS not yet ready at TKMS’s shipyard in Kiel. (Photo courtesy SENER website)
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SUBMARINE DIESELS

MHalblaub indicated that MTU Series 4000 diesel engines may be ready for submarine use [on the first two or second two Type 218SGs for Singapore]. In 2014 the submarine version was tested. 

Australia's Armidale-class patrol boats [see sidebar here] are already running on MTU 4000 diesels. 

PETE COMMENT

MTU diesels for submarine, especially the Series 396s, have been widely used.
This includes for:
-  Scorpenes
-  All of the TKMS built subs (Types 206, 209, Ulas, 2012, 2014 and Dolphins)
-  Kockums Gotlands, and
-  Chinese Songs and Yuans.
-  If only 396s were built into the Collins subs..(instead of 3 x Hedemoras) LN
    
While China already enjoys the use of (Swedish designed?) Stirling AIP in its Yuan submarines... China may also benefit from dual-use diesels developed for submarines. 

A Rolls-Royce / China Yuachi factory in Yulin China will begin operating this year to produce up to 1,500 MTU 4000s annually - probably many for marine applications. Maybe many for the newest Chinese SSKs?

MHalblaub and Pete
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First picture of LIBs and LABs for Japanese submarines and LIB research graph

May 25, 2017, 2:57 am
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Just received May 25, 2017 

Precise details of yet to be deployed submarine batteries are usually tightly held secrets. But it appears Chinese websites have already published the following details.

Below may be:

-  the first pictures of Lead-acid (LABs) and Lithium-ion Batteries (LIBs) for Japanese submarines, 

The pictures and graph are in the original Japanese at 
http://www.mod.go.jp/j/approach/hyouka/seisaku/results/18/jigo/sankou/jigo05_sankou.pdf 

It was too difficult for Submarine Matters to cut, paste, put on website and fully translate the whole document.

However I converted PDF into WORD. This allowing part Japanese character translation using https://translate.google.com.au/?hl=en. 

LIBs

On the document, the Battery in center of picture, is probably an image of the Japanese Navy's (JMSDF's) new Lithium-ion Battery (LIB) which weighs 770 kg, with dimensions 444mm x 431mm x 1647mm. 

These LIBs will be used on 27SS the first Soryu Mk 2 see the Oyashio-SORYU Table. 27SS, being built at MHI, might be launched this year (2017) and may be commissioned in March 2020. The longer than usual trial-commissioning period is for testing such new battery technology.

- on left of battery document in blue are the LIB battery management system components.

------------------------------------------------------------------------


LABs

    
I was able to retrieve an image of the above LAB battery (in document it is on the right). This is most probably installed in all current Japanese submarines. This battery weighs 880 kg. 
Dimensions are 444mm x 432mm x 1665mm

A historical LIB Battery development graph (in Japanese)is included below the pictures.

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Separately Howies Marine has produced this interesting Youtube (below) of Japan's changeover from LABs + AIP to LIBs. The Youtube also broaches the subject of the US returning to a part diesel-electric (SSK) submarine service.


The big risk for Japan might be that even if the US re-introduced some SSKs (using LIBs) into the US Navy the US would return to building its own SSKs (not rely on Japan). The US might even sell SSKs in competition against existing SSK builders.

Pete
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Pakistan's 8 future submarines to carry the deadly Hangor name

May 30, 2017, 12:54 am
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More is being revealed about Pakistan's relatively large conventional submarine program. Large in terms of:
-  the future submarines will be 2,300 tons submerged (larger than the 1,800 ton average), and 
-  in numbers (8 future Hangor-class subs to add to the 3 already operational Agosta 90Bs and the 2 older Agosta 70s subs perhaps still used for training) 

Pakistan's (?) QUWA Group May 28, 2017 reported:  
-  the 8 future submarines will be called the Hangor - class . 
-  Pakistan's STM will lead an upgrade program for the 3 existing Agosta 90B submarines, which
   are air independent propulsion (AIP) equipped. 
-  Pakistan is also aiming to develop a new mini-sub.

Each of the 8 future Hangors is expected to cost only US$350-400 million. If true this will be far lower than the $500-600 million for (even non-AIP) European built submarines.

Without mentioning "Hangor class", wikipedia reports: Pakistani Navy officials have confirmed that AIP will on the new Hangors. "The type of AIP system has not been disclosed. China's Stirling AIP system has been speculated as the most likely solution though a Fuel-cell AIP has been deemed as more effective for the warm waters of Pakistan's coastal waters and the Arabian sea."China may not necessarily include AIP. AIP being a separate item often costing at least $100 million per submarine. European designed or new generation Chinese AIP could be plugged in during the builds or  retrofitted. 

Where's the money coming from?

Where the deeply in debt Pakistan is getting the money to buy 8 AIP equipped submarines is a mystery:

-  probably UScivilian and military aid, overt and covert, may not amount to much of it - given the 
   US would not be happy with Pakistan buying big-ticket Chinese weapon systems

-  military aid from Saudi Arabia might be more likely, especially if Pakistan is hosting Saudi crew
   training, construction and maintenance training, for the slowly and quietly developing Saudi
   submarine program

-  China would be cross-subsidizing the Hangors, thus achieving the low prices, because Pakistan is a
   strategic ally against mutual enemy, India. Pakistan also has some influence in minimising Central
   Asian Islamic terrorism occurring in China.

THE EARLIER PNS HANGOR 

The Daphné class PNS Hangor (I), with its Commander Ahmad Tasnim. (Photo courtesy Alchetron)
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The choice of "Hangor" for the future class would be on account to the success of the original Hangor. Submarine aficionados will recall that during the Indo-Pakistan War of 1971,  PNS Hangor torpedoed and sank Indian ASW frigate, INS Khukri. Hangor was a Daphné-class submarine that served in the Pakistan Navy from 1970 to 2006. So Pakistan sunk a frigate but lost the 1971 war.

Pete
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India snubs Australia. India 0, China+Australia 3!!

May 31, 2017, 6:54 am
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Its been a big week in India's attempt at Mahan-esque domination of the US-Chinese Ocean.

India:

-  having forced Sri Lanka to block a peace-loving Chinese submarine from entering Colombo
   freeport

-  has leaked its blocking of Australia, one of India's deepest, oldest, Commonwealth fiends, from
   participating in a naval exercise.

What gives? At least China is firmly capitalist, chock full of equal comrades and Australia's No.1 trade partner.

Definitely not cricket, or field hockey.


Why China is vastly outpacing India's economy and navy.
(Cartoon courtesy of Trump's New York Times).
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Dutch firm maybe breaking China's "No help Taiwan submarine" ban

May 31, 2017, 10:01 pm
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In a move involving considerable Dutch courage [1] the Netherlands' RH Marine company is to carry out some much needed electronics upgrades [probably including the combat system] to Taiwan's 2 Dutch built Chien Lung (aka Hai-Lung) class submarines.

It appears that Taiwan's Chinese-language Liberty Times commented "“This will also be helpful for the program to build home-grown submarines,” 

The Taiwanese "navy...stressed that the Dutch company’s participation in the upgrade program “is unrelated to [Taiwan's domestic submarine design and construction] program.”

[1] Pete Comment - for more than 20 years China has successfully blocked other countries designing and/or building new submarines for Taiwan. China is likely to be displeased with the Netherlands' company - unless there is some offsetting benefit for China.


On the RH Marine website. Perhaps this display could play a role in a submarine's combat system?
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Submarine Matters has written several articles (including this February 5, 2014 article) about Taiwan's dreams of foreign assistance to build or import new submarines. Years ago the Bush (Jnr) Administration promised Taiwan some new conventional subs - problem is (and was) the US no longer builds conventional subs.

Pete
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Is your AVG antivirus still working?

June 4, 2017, 2:31 am
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Is your AVG antivirus still working?
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Chinese Donations to Universities - Does it Benefit Some Current/Former Politicians?

June 5, 2017, 6:00 pm
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Mr Xiangmo Huang with Vice-Chancellor of the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) Professor Ross Milbourne in December 2013. Mr Xiangmo Huang, from China donated the $1.8 million in order to establish the "independent" Australia-China Relations Institute (ACRI). See more below in red.
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Survey Reports Lack of Australian Public Interest in Japan's Disputes or in Japan's Point of View. 

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) on January 6, 2015 reported results of a Survey that indicates most Australians would reject siding with Japan and the US against China should a conflict in the East China Sea arise. The ANZUS Treaty does not bind Australia to Japan. These perceptions and facts underline Japan's need to lock in a defence relationship with Australia - including Japan leveraging and Soryu submarine deal. See references to the Soryu below.

Few Australian know about or care about several disputes in the East China Sea involving South Korea, China, Taiwan and Japan. Possibly the most dangerous Japan versus China dispute is over the Diaoyu Island chain in the East China Sea - a chain known as the Senkaku Islands in Japan and the Diaoyu Islands in China. Taiwan also claims these islands, calling them the Diaoyutai Islands. Taiwan's capital, Taipei, is the closest capital city of the three countries to these islands, however as it has the weakest navy and weakest national strength Taiwan's claims are ignored.  

For the results of Australian Attitudes on ANZUS and the East China Sea see the six statistical Survey tables at http://www.uts.edu.au/sites/default/files/ACRI%20Poll.pdf. The Survey was commissioned and paid for by the Australia-China Relations Institute (ACRI). ACRI was established in December 2013 with a grant of $1.8 million from the Founder and Chairman of the Yuhu Group, Mr Xiangmo Huang, a citizen of China. Despite this direct funding ACRI is frequently described as "independent".

 ACRI commissioned UMR Research to carry out the Survey (see UMR's website here). 

It was announced on April 30,  2014 that Australia's former Foreign Minister, the Hon Bob Carr, would lead ACRI as the Director. 
The Survey indicated that of "more than" 1,000 Australians [Surveyed] 71% would prefer to remain neutral should a conflict arise. Only 15 per cent of respondents said they supported backing a Japan-US alliance. 4% said Australia should back China and 9% were unsure.

From a slightly different angle the survey found should the US President call and ask the Australian Prime Minister to join in supporting Japan, 68% said Australia should declare itself neutral and not make a military contribution. Only 14% of those surveyed said Australian troops should join allies US and Japan in war while 17% were unsure.

Pete
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Chinese Intelligence Presence in Australia

June 5, 2017, 7:00 pm
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COMMENT 

China’s Military-PLA Intelligence and also Civilian Intelligence (Ministry of State Security (MSS)) are doing an excellent job in Australia. This includes human intelligence (HUMINT) Case Officers. Such officers direct, or at least debrief, some in the following groups who live in or are travelling through Australia. Such intelligence collection groups might include some Chinese who are:

-  students (especially graduate, post-graduate level working in "dual-use" high tech areas)
-  academics, scientists (PhD on up) especially on high tech.
-  engineers, business people (targets as above)
-  journalists (usually official news agencies) also useful for influence spreading
-  pro-China Australian citizens (including some politicians)
-  "diplomats" and defence attaches (may be involved in directing and debriefing those categories
    above), See article below.
-  Chinese, China based government officials of all types active in directing and/or debriefing
    Chinese (or non-Chinese Aussies?) travellers/residents, who were/are/will be, in Australia.

Intelligence gathering is a standard assumption. Intelligence might more often be collected in fragments (ie. bit by bit collection from all sources and methods). This is in contrast to the popular assumption of fully paid-up, dedicated human agents/moles (often with false identities) in the John le Carré "Soviet bloc tradition". 

Other Chinese activities-objectives may include:

-  spreading pro-Beijing political influence through "Agents of Influence". More specifically China
   may influence Australian politics and perhaps compromise Australian politicians (recent 
   concern?), and

-  security monitoring by Chinese diplomats (helped by informants) of any/all of the Chinese groups
    while in Australia. This is monitoring particulary of Chinese deemed to be involved in:
   :  overseas Uyghur or Uighur ("East Turkestan) Xinjiang Independence Groups (some
      in China are involved in Islamic terrorism). See February 2017 report of Uighur militant
      jihadists from China’s Xinjiang Autonomous Region fighting for various causes in Syria
      = The Diplomat's“How Serious Is the Islamic State Threat to China?” of March 14, 2017
   :  anti-Beijing Government causes
   :  anti-Communist
   ;  pro-democracy
   :  pro-Tibet
   :  Falun Gong or
   :  some Christian influences).

China is not the only security/influence/intelligence threat to  Australia, of course. 

BACKGROUND AND ARTICLE

Regarding Chinese Government special political and intelligence activity in Australia, 2008 to the present. In 2008 Chinese diplomats organised and payed costs of at least 10,000 pro-Beijing supporters (Chinese students) (see photo above). The students travelled 100's of kms, from Sydney and Melbourne to Canberra (Australia's capital). This was for a 2 hour "spontaneous" loyalty demonstration. Pro-Tibet democracy protesters were crowded out and intimidated as were Australian police. The occasion was the pro-Beijing Olympics (2008) Torch Relay. Location was the usually Australian Federal Government controlled Federal Triangle, Canberra, 24 April 2008. 

Just imagine if the Australian Embassy tried to do the same "support" protest organising in Beijing? Tiananmen Square II? (Photo courtesy Getty images). 


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Andrew Greene, for Australia’s government financed news agency ABC Online, reported on 20 November 2016. http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-11-20/how-many-spies-does-china-have-in-australia/8041004:

“Chinese spies in Australia on the rise, former diplomat Chen Yonglin says”

“Chen Yonglin, the Chinese diplomat who sensationally quit his job [at the Chinese consulate in Sydney Australia, in 2005] more than a decade ago, has broken a lengthy silence to warn of a growing number of spies and agents working for Beijing in Australia.

Key points:

-  Chen Yonglin successfully sought political asylum in Australia after resigning his diplomat role
-  Warned more that 1,000 Chinese spies in Australia
-  Says "majority of Chinese community representatives" work for [Chinese] Government
-  In 2005, Mr Chen caused global headlines when he claimed China was operating a network of
   "over 1,000 Chinese secret agents and informants in Australia".

The former diplomat, who now works as a businessman, [Chen] has warned the number of secretive Chinese operatives has steadily grown since he stopped working for China's foreign service.

"There should be some increase after over 10 years because China is now the wealthiest government in the world, they should have money, they should be [able] to afford raise a huge number of spies here," he told ABC News.

He stressed the increase was mainly in casual informants who provided crucial pieces of intelligence to Beijing.

Since successfully seeking political asylum in Australia, Mr Chen said he had become growingly concerned about Beijing's influence in his new home.

He believes that of particular concern is last year's decision to approve a 99-year lease of the Port of Darwin to Chinese-owned company Landbridge [presumably this will be a great job opening for Chinese Military Intelligence, performing under cover in Darwin. Great job :]

[President Obama and the US Navy were very unhappy!]

"I think it's very stupid. It's common sense that Darwin Port is strategically important and against the northern invasion," he said.

Mr Chen has also hit out at activists who have recently taken to the streets to show support for China's military expansion in the South China Sea.

"A majority of Chinese community representatives work for the Chinese Government," he said. ENDS

TWO REFERENCES:

-  My On Line Opinionarticle of 5 May 2008 Embracing China involves risks for Australia about
   possible Chinese intelligence involvement in Chinese student mobilisation in Australia. In it I give
   some emphasis to Chen Yonglin's revelations about Chinese intelligence activities.

and 

-  A major Sydney Morning Herald article of 7 May 2009, Defence 'rejected' minister spy link
    concerns. 

Pete
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June 2017 Donor Report: Kockums’ Submarine Vertical Launch Plug

June 7, 2017, 8:18 am
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Close look at the submarine mid-section vertical multi-purpose locks (VMPLs) at IMDEX Asia, Singapore, May 2017.
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Hi Donors

I've just emailed Submarine Matters June 2017 Donor Report: Kockums’ Submarine Vertical Launch Plug out to you, as a WORD attachment. Please check your spam bin if you don't see it in your IN box.

Leadin to report:

It was interesting to see photos...of SAAB Kockums’ display of a 3 x vertical multi-purpose lock (VMPL) plug at IMDEX Asia 2017. The plug, perhaps 10m long and weighing 500 tonnes, may be an option on a future A26 derivative... 


...In 2015 Sweden entertained the idea of mounting a large horizontal multi-purpose lock in the torpedo room of future A26s... 

Regards

Peter Coates
Director
Submarine Matters International 
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Japanese Submarine Developments Continue

June 13, 2017, 6:47 pm
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The following are mainly from commentsmade May 26 to June 6, 2017 on hull research, new diesels, and Lithium-ion Batteries (LIBs):

Research on Alfa STYLE hull shape

The Japanese Ministry of Defense’s (MoD’s) ATLA research organisation is studying a significantly different prototype submarine shape (see last line in this MoD (in Japanese) document). The shape is similar to the old Soviet Alfa-class which had a streamlined fin/sail. Shape differs in having modern X-plane rudders. It was exhibited at the ATLA Technical Symposium 2016. 

It could be the Japanese are talking to TKMS which also features a highly streamlined fin/sail in the Type 212A (photo of model below). These fin/sail styles can provide improved hydrodynamic motion efficiency, noise reduction against passive sonar and the rounded shape may be  more stealthy against active sonar. 

New Diesels for the First of a New, Post Soryu, Submarine Class

29SS will be the first submarine of a new Japanese class (see this Table). It will probably be named after a famous ship in Japanese naval history. 29SS will charge Lithium-ion Batteries (LIBs) only and will likely be contructed at the MHI shipyard, Kobe with launch in 2023. It will be equipped with 2  advanced, more powerful, diesel engines and a high pressure air tank [for what?]. The diesel engines' possible modifications to increase power may be increased bore, stroke and/or charging pressure, and reduction in vibration/noise, etc.

The current Soryu diesel is KAWASAKI-12V/25/25SB
It is a V12, with bore 250mm, stroke 250mm, volume 147L, piston speed 10m/s, power 2280 kilowatts/minute [?] kWm, power/volume 15.4kW/L. This is considered adequate for the Lead-acid Battery (LAB) Soryu Mark 1.

The future diesels need to be more powerful to take advantage of the quick battery charging ability of LIBs. More powerful diesels might include:

-  Kawasaki-12PA6V-280CLV12, bore 280mm, stroke 350mm, volume 258L, piston
   speed 8.4m/s, power 3540kWm, power/volume 13.6kW/L or

-  Wärtsilä 26, 12V26 V12, bore 260mm, stroke 320mm, volume 204L, piston speed 10.7m/s, power 
   4080kWm, power/volume 20.0kW/L or

-  a Kawasaki modified MTU 4000?

Japan Choosing NCA formula LIBs?

On February 17, 2017 Submarine Matters reported on the two types of LIB (“NCA” and “LTO”) that Japan is considering for its new submarines. It may be likely that Japan prefers NCA (Lithium Nickel Cobalt Aluminium Oxide (LiNiCoAlO2)) produced by GS Yuasa (GSY). GSY’s cells have coatings that reduce the fire risk.
  

Note the Soviet Alfa class 1971-1990 (above) had a highly streamlined fin-sail (Photo courtesy findmodelkit). The fin/sail of the TKMS Type 212A (below) (Photo courtesy HobbyBoss) seems to owe much to the Alfa. Japan, when considering future hull shapes, might seek TKMS' advice on the fin-sail.


Future Submarine Matters articles this week will be:

-  June 15, 2017 on Sub Diesel Stresses & Requirements from comment on 10/6/17 10:16 AM and

-  June 16, 2017 carrying comments on Japan's future 29SS submarine and LIBs (GS Yuasa) etc.

Pete
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Robust Submarine Diesel Engines: Some Important Considerations

June 15, 2017, 2:13 am
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Mainly from an Anonymous Comment of 10/6/17 10:16 AM

Submarine experts (including submarine Vice-Adm (retired) Kobayashi [1] and Tadashi Sano, Ex-Director Submarine Design, KHI [2] ) see the following as important for submarine diesel engines.

1.  Submarine diesels must be robust enough to tolerate rapid starts and stops without warm-up periods [3] and without undue wear or breakdown. Rapid stop starting minimises:
-  diesel operating (indiscretion) time during snorting (recharging batteries - see history), and
-  improves the submarines high engine stress [4] manoeuvring performance in action (eg. after
   torpedos and/or Harpoon missiles are fired and then an Oyashio or Soryu accelerates into a deep
   dive)
Diesel engines are exposed to high heat differences as some engine parts heat up much more quickly than other parts. High dispersal of oils and lubrication are required.

2.  Another requirement are diesel engines compact enough to provide enough space:
-  for several types of maintenance during long missions, and
-  room for engines to use rubber/elastic rafts to minimise through hull vibrations/noise.

3.  A third requirement are diesels powerful and robust enough to quickly generate high pressures within the hull:
-  to exhaust/expel gas in the seawater, and
-  to expel gas out of the snorkel into the surface air.

4.  Other diesel requirements are:
-  the capability to match/balance intake and exhaust pressures (in a snorkel), and 
-  an efficient safety device to stop the diesel for stops, reversals or other high stress needs.
For example when snorting if either the tube drawing in air or the exhaust tube were blocked valves must be sensitive enough to stop before damage to the submarine or to the crew (avoiding atmosphere vacuum within the hull :( is done

Anonymous’ Comment

Submarine diesels are quite different from ship diesels. Sub diesels require superior material as well as very robust design capabilities. In submarine/shipyards submarine diesels need to be capable of easy dismantling:
-  in order for some engine parts to be passed through the submarine’s small hull hatches, and
-  for quick and easy maintenance in the yard.

[1] Ships Of The World, 7, 2017.No.862, page 104, “Today’s Submarine” by Masao Kobayashi, Ex-Commander, Japanese Submarine Fleet and former Vice-Admiral (JMSDF).

[2] “Perfect Guide of Mechanism in Submarine” by Tadashi Sano, Ex-Director, Sub Design, KHI.

[3] “Warming up on a ship” (in Japanese, but right-click mouse translatable)
Unlike trucks and small ship diesels, a large ship [or submarine] diesel takes time until the whole large diesel has evenly warmed up across all parts. Without a warm up period large temperature differences can remain long enough to break some parts. Distribution of warm air (from dockside starter motors) can warm many submarine parts successfully.
Coolant and oil should also be circulated by dockside or internal pumps. Dockside motors might also need to "turn" the engine to warm the cylinders. The larger the engine the longer the warm-up required, eg. 30 minutes for large ship diesels.

[4] http://www.dieselhub.com/tech/warm-up-cool-down.html
All turbochargers are lubricated via the engine's pressurized oil system, meaning that engine oil is constantly circulated through passages entering and exiting the bearing cartridge. While a vehicle is driving ([or submarine moving] and the turbocharger is functioning, it becomes hot - the temperature of the turbocharger is relative to load. When a vehicle has been driven and is abruptly shut off (and the oil flow to the turbocharger ceases), engine oil contained in the turbocharger absorbs heat from its surroundings. If the temperature of the turbocharger prior to shut down is great enough, the oil risks burning and will have a tendency to create deposits in and around the turbo bearings in addition to contaminating the engine oil supply [not good if you are crewing a submarine on an (almost always) isolated mission].


A nice roomy engine room - or is that for the tourists? These are opposed-piston Fairbanks-Morse diesel engines on USS Pampanito(SS-383) which is permanently docked in San Francisco and can be toured as part of the Maritime Museum. (Photo courtesy Wikimedia)
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Not so roomy looking engine room of an Oberon "O-class" submarine. The 2 x 1,840 hp Admiralty Standard Range V16 diesels (same as?) were still very reliable I hear! (Photo courtesy Sandy McCearn via Haze Gray & Underway).


Mainly Anonymous (with some extra translation from Pete)
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Australia should avoid another Orphan Diesel Engine on the future Shortfin

June 15, 2017, 8:04 pm
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Ztev Konrad made some good points in his June 16, 2017 comment 

Pete's response is:

A good comment - on the money .

The bottom of this site http://www.fairbanksmorse.com/marine/ indeed points to Fairbanks -Morsediesels being used for backup on Ohio, Seawolf and Los Angeles class nuclear subs. MAN diesels also on the F-M site here.

Virginia class diesels (bottom of another site) were described in 2004 as Caterpillar 3512B V-12 Twin-turbo charged engines.

The characteristics of backup diesels for nuclear subs might be different than for continuous long range use on conventional subs (SSKs). I'd be happier if F-M was still supplying diesels to SSKs rather leaving this market years ago.

Why did F-M leave that market? Was it part of the US avoid building diesel-electric propulsion subs at all costs policy?

I think regular tried and tested submarine Kawasaki, MAN or MTU diesels would be better for Shortfin rather than again specially developing "new orphan" engines like the Garden Island-Hedemoras (GI-H).

Yes Australia's inexperience (and trust in Kockums in the 1980s-90s) was readily apparent. ASC and the RAN no longer had Vickers or the UK RN (Parents of the Oberons) to protect Australia in the Collins project. GI-H's were one submarine class ORPHAN diesels which would have been good for the cold, short distance, Baltic, but remain a constant problem for Australia's warm wide ocean requirements. Tried, tested common-in-submarine-use MANs or MTUs should have been selected for the Collins instead.


Pete
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Inquiries begin concerning USS Fitzgerald and ACX Crystal Collision

June 17, 2017, 9:56 pm
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Inquiries begin following the 1.30am-2:30am (Tokyo, time) June 17, 2017 collision between:


-  destroyer USS Fitzgerald (8,900 long tons "full", 154m) now berthed at the US 7th Fleet Naval
    Base at Yokosuka, just south of Tokyo (see map below), and 

-  Philippine registered container ship ACX Crystal (39,565 tonnes deadwight, 222m) now berthed at
    Tokyo’s Oi wharf.  

The bodies of a number of US sailors were found, once water was pumped out (at Yokosuka) from the 2 crushed and flooded compartments of USS Fitzgerald.

Japanese authorities were looking into the possibility of "endangerment of traffic caused by professional negligence", Japanese media reported, but it was not clear whether that might apply to either or both of the vessels. 

It is most likely USS Fitzgerald's "Captain" Commander Bryce Benson, in hospital, is already being questioned along with relevant officers and crew who were on Fitzgerald's bridge. 

It is not clear:

-  how dark or foggy the conditions were? OR

-  if Fitzgerald was suffering relevant equipment, especially radar and AIS [1], technical
    breakdowns?


[1] AIS is the automatic identification system (part reliant on satellites) used for collision avoidance on ships. Very likely AIS was on both ships - but was it turned off on Fitzgerald for "hide Fitzgerald" exercise conditions?

PHOTO: USS Fitzgerald struck on the starboard side above and below the waterline. (Photo courtesy Reuters: Toru Hanai via the BBC)
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Map courtesy MarineTraffic, news agencies including BBC
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Pete
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Australia's only on Ship Battle Deaths of Vietnam War - US Aircraft Missiles

June 19, 2017, 4:37 am
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Australia's official Navy website writes (scroll 2/7s way down here ) in remembrance of a usually forgotten "friendly" fire tragedy just over 49 years ago:

"On 17 June 1968, [HMAS] Hobart was in the vicinity of Tiger Island [map below] when she detected an aircraft approaching her from the vicinity of Cap Lay. Although the aircraft was evaluated as friendly it continued to close and fired a missile that struck Hobart amidships on her starboard side. The warhead passed through the main deck, seriously damaging several compartments, while the body of the missile passed through the outer skin of the after funnel before ending up in the forward funnel. In its passage the missile killed Ordinary Seaman R.J. Butterworth [1] [only one year in the navy] and wounded Able Seaman J.R. Parker and Ordinary Seaman R.F. Davidson.

As Hobart's crew raced to action stations a second and third missile hit the ship. The second missile entered the transom without detonating, destroying the gunner's store before breaking up in the engineer's workshop and penetrating the after seaman's mess. 

The third missile hit the ship in the same area as the first, passing through one of the ship's fan spaces, the missile director equipment room and Tartar checkout room. Chief Electrician R.H. Hunt [2] was killed in this attack and several sailors injured. 

...En route [Hobart's crew] begain clearing away debris, finding and collecting pieces of the missiles which were later identified as being of US origin. It transpired that Hobart was one of several ships mistakenly attacked by US 7th Air Force jets on the nights of 16-17 June..." 

ROLL OF HONOUR ENTRIES 

[1] 

[2]

Ordinary Seaman Ray Butterworth. First to die from an American missile. (Photo courtesy Royal Australian Navy archives)
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(Photo on left) holes in HMAS Hobart caused by US aircraft missile splinter damage.
 (Map on left) Tiger Island. The vicinity in which Australia sailors on HMAS Hobart were killed by friendly American missiles (Photo and Map courtesy Royal Australian Navy archives)
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Pete
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Iran fires Zulfiqar ballistic missiles at targets in Syria - Region Nervous

June 20, 2017, 6:51 pm
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COMMENT

The US, Israel, Gulf States and Saudi Arabia are very nervous about Iran firing Zulfiqar ballistic missiles (see photo below) at Islamic State targets in Syria. The Zulfiqars have the range, from Iran, to hit some Saudi cities and oil installations and US bases in the region.

ARTICLES

1.  Interesting article from Tyler Rogoway, The Drive/THE WARZONE, June 20, 2017: [The 19th June 2017s] barrage of [Iranian] ballistic missiles on Islamic State affiliated targets in Deir ez-Zor Syria has reverberated throughout the region and the world. 

As we stated shortly after the strike, Tehran's unprecedented use of ballistic missiles was based on multiple factors, and sending a message to the US, Arab gulf states and Israel was clearly one of them. Now Iran is saying more ballistic strikes could come at any time.

Iran used some of its most modern missiles in the operation. Six solid-fuel Zulfiqar short-range ballistic missiles were fired at Syria. Accounts vary, but some sources state the attack failed in a tactical sense, with only one missile hitting its intended target. Iran claims 360 militants died in the strikes, while Israeli sources say three of the missiles didn't even make it to Syria at all...."

2.  Behnam Ben Taleblu, for The Military Edge, September 2016, provided some details on the Zulfiqar:  "Iran’s newest Zulfiqar is a solid-fueled short range ballistic missile (SRBM) that reportedly can reach 700 to 750 kilometers and is claimed to be accurate within 5 to 10 meters. 

The Zulfiqar is Iran’s latest variant of the Fateh-110 missile series — a family of single-stage solid-fueled SRBMs that Tehran has refined since the 1990s. First successfully flight-tested in 2002, the Iranians have upgraded the Fateh-110 platform at least half a dozen times since. All of them were built by Iran’s Aerospace Industries Organization (AIO) – an affiliate of Iran’s Ministry of Defense..." 

(Probably) A Zulfiqar short range ballistic missile (SRBM) about to be launched from its transporter trailor. (Photo cortesy BBC Persian news).
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Pete 
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North Korea's Kim Jong Un Apparently Wanted Dead or Dead

June 22, 2017, 10:38 pm
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ALEX LOCKIE for Business Insider Australia has written an excellent article, of June 23, 2017 concerning feelings of North Korea's Kim Jong Un that he is under threat of assassination by foreigners. Article begins:

“The US and South Korea reportedly have a special ops team 'to take out Kim Jong Un"

"Even though he’s the supreme leader of his country, Kim Jong Un has reportedly been living like a hunted man out of fear that the US and South Korea are collaborating on a special forces team to take him out in case of a contingency.
South Korean intelligence services told lawmakers recently that the moves of US and South Korean forces make Kim “extremely nervous,” according to the Korea Herald. Apparently, Kim has been riding in his subordinates’ cars and making fewer public appearances.
In March, South Korean media reported that the US Navy’s SEAL Team 6, the same group that pulled off the 2011 raid that killed Osama Bin Laden in Abbottabad, Pakistan had arrived in South Korea for a joint-training exercise.
...The US would not confirm the presence of Navy SEALs in South Korea, but it did announce the arrival of the USS Michigan, [an Ohio-class SSGN] submarine that sometimes carries special operations forces....”
See whole Business Insider Australia article.

COMMENT

Given Kim would have 10s to 100s of close-in bodyguards, deep bunkers in mountains and protected by (the outer concentric circle of) the whole North Korean military - it is unlikely that the US would attempt to insert a few gun toting CIA/Special Forces/SEALS to take Kim out.

More likely is the use of a huge bunker busting, GPS programmed bomb [1] (see photo and diagram below) or missiles to hit Kim in a fixed or moving position.

Happy-go-Lucky Kim III is the only man allowed to be fat in skinny, starving North Korea. He is wanted in a Bad Way by lots of people by lots of means. (Photo courtesy Korean Central News Agency via Business Insider Australia)
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[1] Look at the size of "Kim's cure" the GBU-57 (above) and the means of hitting Kim in one of his deep bunkers (diagram below). The GBU-57 is a Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) “designed to be delivered by the B-2 bomber” and weighs in at just under 14,000 kg. (Photo and Diagram courtesy The Aviationist)


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Russian ship and submarine cruise missiles fired at IS in Syria (footage)

June 24, 2017, 7:44 pm
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Six Kalibr missiles were reportedly fired at Islamic State in Syria on June 23, 2017 from 2 Russian warships and a submarine. This latest spectacular Russian salvo allegedly hit IS command posts and large weapons caches in the Syrian eastern province of Hama. 

Russian cruise missile launches are viewed by the US as threatening the US' rightful dominance over the Middle East. Put another way the missiles landed too close to the US' regional oil producing client states - Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, even Iraq, as well as US bases.




Pete
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Latest Table of Developers of LIBs and LABs for Submarine - Version 4

July 5, 2017, 4:08 am
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PETE'S COMMENTS

It is not diesel reformer or methanol reformer fuel cell (FC)/air independent propulsion (AIP) that will be the next revolutionary advance in conventional submarine propulsion. Lithium-ion batteries will be the next big advance.

The major test will be the first country to fully adopt LIBs for submarine. That country will be Japan, which may launch the first LIBs submarine (27SS First Soryu Mk. 2) this year or next year and then commission it in 2020 or 2021.

If there are no problems with Japanese LIBs for 5 years of operation South Korea and China (secretly) may then launch LIBs submarines in the mid 2020s. Naval Group (formerly DCNS), TKMS and Russia might later (in the late 2020s) launch LIBs submarines.

ANONYMOUSES TABLE

It is important to keep track of current lead-acid batteries (LABs) and LIBs suppliers. To do this Anonymous has revised the following Table (last published on May 18, 2017) with all the new entries, including new endnotes, marked in this highlight.

Table of Submarine LAB/LIB Suppliers Version 4

Company
Country
LAB for subamrine
LIB etc



Non submarine
Submarine
Atlas Elektronik
Germany


Lithium Iron Phosphate(LFP) [16]
(for TKMS subs [17])
EnerSys
USA
Backup for Nuclear subs. Main underwater propulsion for diesel subs [12]


Space applications [11]
No data
Exide Technology
USA
U205, Kobben, U206, U209, U212; Dolphin, Scorpene, Walrus, Näcken, Västergötland, Gotland, UIa, TR 1700, Agosta, Daphne, Redoutable, Rubis, Triomphant [2]
Onyx™ M70 Series LIBs use lithium cobaltaite (LCO)

No data
EverExceed
UK
•West European submarines: U209/U214/Scorpene/Agosta/Daphne.
Russian subs: Romeo/ Foxtrot/ Kilo
•Design development has been done also for classes U206, U212, Vastergotland (A17) (A19).
Nickel cobalt manganese oxide
(NCM), lithium iron Phosphate (LFP)[4]
No data
HBL Power Systems Ltd.
India
12.391 kWh to 40.300 kWh [5]
Kilo, Sorpene [6]
No data
Underdevelopment [7]
Sunlight Systems
Greece
•West European submarines: U206, U209, U212, U214, U209P, U210, Scorpène, Agosta, 6YOH, Sauro, Walrus, Kobben
•Eastern type submarines: Romeo, Foxtrot, Kilo [8]
LiSO2 batteries [10]
Radio sets, Mines, Locator beacons, Anti tank weapons, Night vision equipmen
Underdevelopment
GS Yuasa
Japan
Oyashio, Soryu Mark 1
Lithium manganese oxide (LMO)
Lithium nickel cobalt aluminum oxide (NCA)
Toshiba
Japan
None
Lithium-titanate (ITO)
Lithium-titanate (ITO)
Saft
France
•West European submarines
U206, U209, U212, U214, U209P, U210, Scorpène, Agosta, 6YOH, Sauro, Walrus, Kobben
•Russian designed submarines
Romeo, Foxtrot, Kilo
Lithium lithium cobaltaite (LCO) [3],

Energy density, 68, 84Wh/kg etc [9]
Underdeveloping
Kokam
South Korea
No data
Lithium polymer batteries for military use  (114-168Wh/kg) [13]
Underdevelopment
Lithium polymer batteries ?
Arotech
USA
No data
No data
Underdeveloping
Russia
Russia
Kilo uses Saft (France).
No data
Kalina submarines [14]  in collaboration with China
How about Saft?[15]


[1] http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160915005029/en/Top-5-Vendors-Global-Submarine-Battery-MarketEnerSys, EverExceed , Exide Technology, HBL Power Systems Ltd., and Sunlight Systems are the major lead-acid battery (LABs) vendors in the market. Companies, such as GS Yuasa, Saft, Kokam, Arotech, and Toshiba, are aggressively developing Li-ion batteries for submarines and investing in R&D to reduce the cost and match the LAB specifications for the submarines. The report also states countries, such as Japan, China, and Russia, are focusing on the Li-ion battery technology for the submarines. Russia is also planning to develop Li-ion battery technology for Kalina submarines in collaboration with China.

[3] Data in 2005



HBL is the largest defence battery manufacturer in India. All the products have been designed, developed and manufactured based on in-house technology. The Company supplies batteries for a wide range of applications - fighter aircrafts, helicopters, transport aircraft, submarine propulsion, light weight and heavy weight torpedoes, battle tanks, missiles and artillery fuzes among others.The Company has recently secured approval for Kilo class submarine battery and approval process for Scorpene class submarine is at an advanced stage of completion.

For many years, we had been asked why HBL did not make Lithium Ion batteries. We have now initiated a plan to manufacture prismatic Lithium Ion cells and batteries for specialized applications - not for consumer products. The project is likely to be implemented in the near term.

The design and development of more than 25 different cell types and the delivery of 60 battery shipsets to navies worldwide are the strongest evidences for our expertise and cumulative experience in the submarine battery sector. Indicatively, we have manufactured submarine batteries for: Greece, Italy, Egypt, Germany, Fance, Ukraine, Pakistan, Peru, Sweden, Poland, South Africa, Portugal, Korea, Netherlands, Equador

Energy density is 84Wh/kg for Ion’ Drive 630 (26kWh), 68Wh/kg for Ion’Drive® Motive 24 V 410 Ah

The most commonly lithium batteries used are manufactured based on Lithium Sulfur Dioxide (LiSO2) and Lithium-Ion technology. More specifically, LiSO2 batteries are constructed of a Lithium (Li) anode, a Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) cathode and their electrolyte is made of Acetonitrile in combination with Lithium Bromide.
(Radio sets, Mines, Locator beacons, Anti tank weapons, Night vision equipmen)t

EnerSys is the leading global supplier of lithium-ion batteries for space applications where space heritage, innovation, and a proven delivery track record come together to produce market-leading batteries.


Nominal capcity (160Ah), votage (20-29.4V) and weight (28kg) mean energy density (114-168Wh/kg)

"In December 2014, TsKB Rubin completed the research work" Kalina-Navy "as a result of which the advanced design of a promising multipurpose non-nuclear submarine with air-independent power plant (VNEU) and a lithium-ion battery (LIAB) was executed in accordance with the tactical and technical task of the Russian Defense Ministry," said Shlemov.

In April [2017], a seminar-presentation of developments and products of SAFT (France) under the name "Lithium-ion power systems for large underwater vehicles" was held at the St. Petersburg State Maritime Technical University. From the Russian side, specialists from a number of interested organizations took part in the seminar. From the French side SAFT representatives: Bertrand Dotfey, Sales Director, Cosmos and Defensive Systems Division; and Alain Coadou, Manager, New Defensive Systems, made a presentation.


Safety is paramount in the demanding technological environment of the submarine. ATLAS ELEKTRONIK and ALSE have succeeded in passing all tests based on the demanding safety standards of the German Navy needed to achieve certification and clearance for use on submarines of its new Lithium Iron Phosphate rechargeable battery. This was achieved by a deliberate choice for the safest Lithium Ion type battery chemistry available, Lithium Iron Phosphate, and a unique dedicated battery cell design by ALSE that achieves primary safety. This ALSE battery cell is then integrated by ATLAS into the exercise battery. A battery whose cells conform to primary safety standard does not contain any risks that necessitate extensive secondary safety measures. This ensures a maximum of safety beyond that of the legacy battery system and other offerings on the market.

TKMS has taken a major step in its development. With the acquisition of ATLAS ELEKTRONIK by TKMS this combines their strengths and offers their customers the full range of solutions from a single source.


TKMS adopting the systems of ATLAS ELEKTRONIK suggests TKMS will adopts LIBs too.

By Anonymous (with a few comments from Pete)
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Ex-PM Abbott doubts wisdom of Australia's future submarine choice

July 6, 2017, 9:45 pm
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Below are excerpts from former Prime Minister Tony Abbott’s June 29, 2017 Speech on Australia's  submarine selection decision http://tonyabbott.com.au/2017/06/address-centre-independent-studies-sydney/:

"When a Russian naval task force appeared to our north at the time of the Brisbane G20, I was told that neither of our two deployed submarines could shadow it. They simply couldn’t get there in time.

It was a stark reminder of the limitations of a strategic deterrent comprising just six conventional submarines of which two are in deep maintenance, two are in training, with only two available at any one time – and limited by an underwater cruising speed of just 10 knots.
...The whole point of the next submarine acquisition was to avoid the problems of the Collins – to find the submarine that could be brought swiftly into service with the least possible modifications – but what we have done so far risks an exact repetition.
We’ve based our proposed sub on an existing design but one that will need to be so extensively reworked that it’s effectively a brand new submarine and our intention is to build it entirely in Australia.
...A unique Australian boat is precisely what we wanted to avoid; but it’s exactly what we now face because of our insistence on a submarine that as well as being large, and long-range, was also conventionally powered.
The competitive evaluation process conclusively showed that there’s no such thing currently in existence. All the submarines on which the bids were based are excellent for their countries’ needs – but none, it seems, for ours.
The Japanese sub lacked range.
The German sub lacked size.
And the French sub lacked conventional power.
But instead of changing what we wanted, we’ve decided – again – to bring an orphan submarine into being.
Instead of taking a small Swedish submarine designed for the Baltic and seeking to double its size and range to make it suitable for the Pacific – as with the Collins – this time we’re proposing to take a French nuclear submarine and completely redesign it to work with conventional propulsion.
...The resulting sub will have less power, less range, less speed and less capability than the existing submarine on which it’s based and it will come into service about a decade later than would be optimal at a time when strategic circumstances are changing against us.
Hence the basic question: why should we spend years designing a sub that’s inferior to one we could potentially have now?
...a conventional sub takes at least a fortnight to go from Australia to the South China Sea through which passes more than 50 per cent of our trade.
...I stress: I do not want to interrupt the process of acquiring new submarines given that it had languished for so long.

The design process with DCNS should continue and so should the build if that remains our fully considered assessment of what’s best."
Next week Submarine Matters will republish Abbott's comments on the need for Australia to acquire "regionally superior" NUCLEAR attack submarines.
Tony Abbott (left) on a warship. Photo courtesy Australia's news(dot)com(dot)au.
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Anniversary, Sinking Rainbow Warrior, Australia and a French Submarine

July 9, 2017, 11:14 pm
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Joseph Fitsanakis for Intelnews, July 10, 2017, has authored an article marking the 32nd anniversary of an act of state terrorism (terrorism by a state). This was when French spies blew up a Greenpeace ship in the main harbour of a democratic, Western country, in 1985.

INTELNEWS ARTICLE


"French spy who helped bomb Rainbow Warrior tracked down 32 years later"

"French spy who infiltrated the environmentalist group Greenpeace and in 1985 helped bomb the organization’s flagship, the Rainbow Warrior [a bomb that sunk Rainbow Warrior and killed Dutch photographer, Fernando Pereira], has spoken to the media for the first time..."

PETE’S COMMENT

Further details to the bizarre Sink Rainbow Warrior Operation involved Australia and a French nuclear submarine.

Three other DGSE agents providing support for the Operation (Chief Petty Officer Roland Verge, Petty Officer Bartelo and Petty Officer Gérard Andries) sailed to New Zealand on the yacht Ouvéa.

Those three were arrested by Australian police on Norfolk Island, an Australian possession located between Australia and New Zealand. Not wanting to draw French anger Australia quickly decided to release the three French agents.

A few days after their release the three agents were picked up by the French nuclear propelled attack submarine Rubis. Rubis had sailed half way around the world from France specifically to be available as an extraction asset for the Sink Rainbow Warrior Operation.

It is odd, but familiar, how deluded military based intelligence agencies, like DGSE, can get.


The small trawler sized ship Rainbow Warrior (photo courtesy Greenpeace) was sunk in Auckland Harbour, New Zealand, in 1985, by a timebomb smuggled into New Zealand by France's external intelligence agency DGSE. An unsubtle piece of state-based terrorism which left this hole in the hull (below) - sinking the ship and killing Dutch photographer, Fernando Pereira.


Pete
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