Ancora ritardi per i sostituti del Walrus

[Totiano*]

Non sembra cosi semplice la sostituzione degli anziani sottomarini olandesi della classe Walrus, che dovrebbe esssere un battello convenzionale da circa 3000 tonnellate in grado di raggiungere rapidamente le Antille Olandesi. In questa gara da 3,5 miliardi di euro dovrebbero partecipare i francesi di Naval Group, i tedeschi di TKMS e gli Spagnoli di Navantia. Ecco l'articolo reperibile al link https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2019/11/another-short-delay-for-the-dutch-navy-walrus-class-submarine-replacement-program/

 

Quote

 

Another Short Delay For The Dutch Navy Walrus-Class Submarine Replacement Program

According to Dutch media AD.nl which first published the information yesterday, the long awaited « B-Letter » will announce which company or companies will be allowed to participate in the definition phase. Some imprecise words that could mean a further delay in this 3.5 billion Euros program. 

According to Naval News‘ source who has first hand knowledge of the matter, the B-Letter, which was set to down-select one (or more than one) finalist, was expected to come out in late October or early November. It appears now that the program is facing yet another delay (even-tough this one may be short). 

According to AD.nl, the latest development is leading to some political tensions: « How much longer do we have to wait ?, » asked Martijn van Helvert, from the Christian Democratic Appeal party. Visser asked for patience and pointed out that it is « an ongoing tendering process ». According to her, the delay is due to the Defense Industry Strategy (DIS) paper issued in November 2018. This document states that future purchases of defense equipment do not only look at the best product at the best price. There must also be « the greatest possible involvement of Dutch business ».

With that strategy in hand, the four providers were asked for further information in April, said Visser. « All of that must now be taken into account. I hope to send you the submarine letter this year, » she added. 

The Walrus replacement program calls for three (or four, the B-letter will give the final number) new submarines with deliveries starting in 2027. The Dutch Navy seeks a large conventionnal submarine of about 3,000 tons in displacement. It must be able to conduct long oceanic transit in order to reach the Dutch Antilles rapidly.

In addition to the Saab-Damen team, the other competitors for the Walrus Replacement Programme are France’s Naval Group (along with their local partner Royal IHC), Germany’s TKMS and Spain’s Navantia.

 

 

[Regia Marina *]

Battello convenzionale da 3000t quindi non AIP?

Certo che un battello diesel-elettrico da 3000 tonnellate è un bel pesce grosso rispetto ai 212 che in immersione non raggiungono le 2000.

Potrebbero seguire l'Australia con il progetto U-216 da 4000 t (solo che quelli è AIP).

 

[Totiano*]

Saràsicuramente AIP ma, a seconda del cantiere, potrebbe dover scegliere le Fuel Cell o lo Stirling (il MESMA lo rifiuteranno a priori, penso)