Presented on the DCNS Group' website on 29 October 2014 is
Three technologies to improve submerged endurance [for the proposed DCNS SMX Ocean]
http://en.dcnsgroup.com/news/major-dcns-innovations-improve-submarine-capabilities/
"To meet demand from customers for improved submerged endurance of conventional-propulsion submarines (SSKs), DCNS now offers dedicated hull sections known as Autonomy Boosting Sections. Whereas SSKs typically have a submerged endurance of about three days, DCNS now proposes three new technologies to extend this critical parameter to three weeks.
"To meet demand from customers for improved submerged endurance of conventional-propulsion submarines (SSKs), DCNS now offers dedicated hull sections known as Autonomy Boosting Sections. Whereas SSKs typically have a submerged endurance of about three days, DCNS now proposes three new technologies to extend this critical parameter to three weeks.
The complexity of two AIPs and one not fully mature battery type means some years of testing under operational conditions would be required prior to purchase. Three weeks submerged within what speed limitations? Fire risks of Lithium-ion batteries and large stores of oxygen, ethanol and hydrogen within the one submarine? Reliability, cost, safety and speed comparisons may beg the question (or produce the reply) why not go the tried and tested nuclear reactor route?
For a description of existing AIPs (and Spain's proposed AIP as well as Russia's) see AIP Technologies and Section, August 5, 2014 http://gentleseas.blogspot.com.au/2014/08/air-independent-propulsion-aip.html .
Also connect with France's DCNS announces the SMX OCEAN large conventional submarine http://gentleseas.blogspot.com.au/2014/10/revised-frances-dcns-announces-smx.html
Pete