A pair of South Korean shipyards, usually fierce competitors, have been associated with a proposal from $ 20 billion to $ 24 billion to sell Canada 12 of the last submarines in the country, known as KSS-III. The launch was made in A detailed and uninquented proposal to the Federal GovernmentDelivered at the beginning of March just before federal elections.
CBC News recently received exclusive access to Hanwha Ocean and Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI), as well as senior Defense officials of South Korea.
Canada has asked the shipyards worldwide expressions of interest in the construction of the new underwater fleet of the country. Companies in Germany, Norway and Spain responded in addition to the South Koreans. However, Hanwha Ocean and HHI took another step and presented a very detailed proposal that not only proposed the sale of the KSS-III, but the establishment of specialized maintenance facilities in both coasts.
Here are five things that you should know about the KSS-III and the proposal of South Korea.
Missiles, torpedo capabilities
The KS-III is a diesel-electric attack submarine, capable of firing torpedoes and ballistic missiles launched by submarines (SLBM). Displaces about 3,600 tons. The South Korean Navy plans to build nine of the ships in three lots. A total of three submarines have been launched and two have entered the service. They have an estimated speed of approximately 12 knots on the surface and 20 knots while they are submerged, with a cruise range of 19,000 kilometers. CBC News saw the first two of the second lot of KSS-III under construction at the Hanwha Ocean Yard.
Fed lithium ion battery
Instead of trusting traditional lead-acid batteries, the KS-III extracts its energy from lithium-ion batteries, which were developed by Samsung Sdi. Hanwha’s ocean officials in a background informative session claim that the new batteries allow a faster cruise speed and longer submerged times. The company states that the boat can remain under water for more than 21 days, which would be essential for Canada in the Arctic. Korea is only the second country in the world to feed their subs with lithium -ion batteries. Japan was the first.
Systems developed outside us
Hanwha’s ocean officials say that the combat management system that controls the KS-III is designed by all Koreans, a key point given the recent concerns expressed that the command and control system chosen for new Canada frigates is carried out in the United States. They say that Canada, if you buy the submarine, would have the option to integrate your own system, one compatted abroad or the existing Korean system. I could also buy Korean manufacturing torpedoes and missiles, instead of trusting the weapons of the United States or Europe.
While OTTAWA rethinks US weapons contracts, Southern Korea weapons manufacturers want to replenish the exhausted army of Canada with everything, from obuses to submarines. Murray Brewster de CBC obtained exclusive access to a company from a company to become the new high -tech Arsenal in Canada.
Highly automated
Each of the KS-III incorporates a high degree of automation and would work with a standard crew size of 33 sailors. Although, there is room to embark up to 50 crew members. There are three mallets, which emphasized the Ocean officials Hanwha that would allow mixed gender teams. The proposal presented to Ottawa includes a detailed crew training plan that would see Canadian sailors received from basic and tactical training in Korea while ships are built. The plan would be for a Canadian crew to sail the boat and be ready to perform operations almost immediately.
Delivery before the deadline of the Navy
The Royal Canadian Navy has established 2035 as the deadline for the delivery of its first new submarine to replace the old Victoria class. Hanwha’s ocean officials said Canada could have four submarines at that time, with the first delivered between 2030 and 2032. The rest would follow intervals established by the Canadian government every two years. The schedule provides that a contract is signed next year. The proposal also includes the notion of building one or two maintenance facilities in Canada, perhaps one in each coast. But that would be a decision of the Canadian government and the cost would be additional to the initial purchase of $ 20 billion to $ 24 billion ships. Hanwha’s ocean officials said deliveries would be on time and budget without surprises.
