The first of four S-80 Plus is due to be launched in 2021. It will probably need 2 or 3 years of tests/fine tuning before being commissioned around 2024. Three more will be built - to make 4 for the Spanish Navy. (see diagram below). The S-80 Plus was/is part of push to a larger more comfortable sub, with longer range and ability to carry more heavywight munitions (torpedos, ASh missiles, mines). For a 3,400 tonne sub it only has a small crew of 32 - so must be a lot of automation and living space per crew member.
Much has been written about Spain’s under construction S-80, now S-80 Plus (aka Isaac Peral) class. Spanish Wikipedia ismuch more detailed. Previous S-80 and/or S-80 Plus articles here at SubMatts were published on:
Jan 20, 2014, Aug 5, 2014 (on AIP), May 17, 2016, Feb 28, 2017 (AIP), May 23, 2017 (SENER), May 16, 2018, May 17, 2018, Feb 11, 2020 (Part 2) and
Feb 21, 2021
Below this article are some interesting comments by Anonymouses Feb 22 to 27, 2021
SPANISH ALCOHOL REFORMER AIP
The main problem with buoyancy that killed off the S80 design was not the weight of the combat system but the addition of heavy, complex Ethanol reformer AIP. This unique AIP has been many years in development and is the main problem causing the S-80 Plus delay. The main builder Navantia and customer, the Spanish Navy, were (in hindsight) too ambitious. There were too many firsts, packing so much into the S-80 Plus including the first full US combat system integrated into a “EuroSub”.
Anonymous advises (words to the effect) there are three companies in Spain involved in Alcohol Reforming for the Subs AIP:
1. Abengoa EtOH reformer [Pete comment: “EtOH” means Ethanol Alcohol which we call just “Ethanol”]: this company was awarded the S-80 AIP Reformer. Many problems, but it seems as it is (hopefully) going ahead.
2.- Tecnicas Reunidas ETOH: very competent and experienced Spanish engineering company, with huge oil refinery projects (in the Gulf States , Asia, etc). Contracted by the Spanish Navy as "PLan B" in case Abengoa fails..
3. SENER CH3OH [CH30H means Methanol] reformer: SENER engineering company is very competent in military projects and world leader in Naval engineering. This company has an agreement with TKMS Germanyto collaborate and promote the Methanol reformer for AIP. They are suggesting that a Methanol reformer could be an alternative to an Ethanol reformer.
The Spanish Navy and Navantia are fully focused on Ethanol reforming as it is, in fact, a fully Spanish development, either by Abengoa or by Tecnicas Reunidas.
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According to Anonymous the first two S-80 Plus (S-81 and S-82) will be deployed fitted for, but not with the AIP (confirmed here). This is so AIP development won't continue to delay launch. The first S-80 Plus “Isaac Peral” S-81 is expected to be launched in the Northern Spring 2021 [around April?] depending on Covid!! and then S-82 after that. S-83 and S-84 will be delivered with the full AIP.
MISSION ENVIRONMENT
Anonymous advises (words to the effect). Spain has two very challenging (potential ASW) scenarios: Morocco and Algeria. Both countries are just south of Spain across the Mediterranean and both are involved in an arms race.
Algeria, for instance, now has now six Kilo Subs from Russia. 2 old 877 Kilos and 4 Improved 636 Kilos - see Algerian Navy.
Morocco is exploring the issue of submarines for the Moroccan Navy.
PETE COMMENT
As part of Spain’s NATO duties it is highly likely its subs will do electronic monitoring and special forces insertion of African coastal countries. Monitoring of non-NATO subs. Also electronic monitoring (making use of AIP) of more distant Latin American and Middle East counties is possible. Monitoring non-state threats (eg. counter-terrorism, drug, arms and people smuggling) is likely.
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