Type 214 submarine
The Greek Papanikolis at HDW
- 8 × 53.3 cm torpedo tube ∅
The submarines of the class 214 are conventional hunting submarines with air-independent propulsion system, developed by the German HDW - Werft ( HDW). The boats are built by HDW and shipyards in South Korea, Greece and Turkey since 2001.
The Class 214 goes back to the submarines of the Submarine Class 209 and Class 212 submarine - A. Like the 209 class, which is being built since 1960, the Class 214 is intended exclusively for export. So far, Greece four, nine South Korea, Portugal and Turkey have two ordered six units.
- 3.1 Pakistan
- 3.2 Australia
Technology
The Class 214 was provided similar to the Class 212 A with an air-independent, based on fuel cell drive system. The submarines of the class A 212 and 214 are thus the quietest conventional submarines in the world. Thanks to the drive are inserts of several weeks under water possible. As with the 212 Class A sonar system CSU 90 is also installed.
User
Greece
Delays
The contract to build three boats for the Hellenic Navy was signed on 15 February 2000, a fourth boat was ordered in 2002.
The first boat was christened on 22 April 2004 at HDW in the name Papanikolis. The remaining three boats will be built at Hellenic Shipyards in Skaramagas.
In December 2006 it was announced that the Papanikolis had to struggle with technical problems. According to the report, the boat had massive problems with cavitation, overheating of the fuel cell and strong roles in surface running. It was further reported that the Greek navy did not decrease the boat and also other problems with the fuel cell, the vibration of the periscope, seawater leaks in the hydraulic system, as well as problems with the sonar complaining.
In March 2008 it was announced that Greece almost owes the German developers of HDW 500 million euros from the construction of four boats. HDW explained all the problems of Papanikolis to have fixed and complained that Greece refuse only reason to remove the boat to push the price.
In October 2008, the Papanikolis has been tested and found that all the problems have been fixed. Although a certificate issued by the Institute of certification of the Bundeswehr, the Greek navy continued to refuse to accept the boat and put into service. Therefore, HDW has supply contracts finally terminated in September 2009.
The second boat, the Pipinos, ran in February 2007 from the stack.
In spring 2010, the differences were settled. The Papanikolis and the other three boats were but taken over by the Greek Navy and placed in service. In addition, we ordered two more submarines of the class to compensate for the aborted modernization Class 209. Thus, a total of six boats of the class to be purchased 214 of Greece. The Papanikolis has been transferred in November 2010 by a Greek crew from Kiel to Greece.
Investigations
On February 5, 2011 it was announced that the Munich public prosecutor's Ferrostaal AG because of the U -214 deal between Greece and Germany against the manager of HDW distributor. There was a suspicion of embezzlement and bribery in the amount of 55 million euros. In connection with the former Greek Defence Minister Akis Tsochatzopoulos was arrested in April 2012. During the investigation period, several managers and the CEO of the company resigned. Before his resignation, he had admitted that in return for the conclusion of the submarine contracts with Portugal and Greece payments were done. In 2011, Ferrostaal agreed to pay a fine of 140 million euros ready and publicly apologized.
Portugal
Portugal ordered 2004, two U- boats of the type U- 209PN, which are de facto is the type U- 214. The misleading name based on the fact that a U-209/1500-Entwurf was offered at an early stage of the tender, but was later changed to the U -214 design.
Two units with the name Tridente NPR and NPR Arpão were built in Kiel by the German shipyard HDW -. Both boats have now been handed over to the Portuguese Navy and put into service.
South Korea
South Korea, which has ordered three submarines of the type U -214, with the Son Won- il, the first active user of the type U- 214. The Son Won- il was taken over by South Korea to active duty on December 27, 2007. The boats are built at Hyundai Heavy Industries. On 8 January 2009, it was announced that contracts for six more submarines were signed.
Turkey
On July 22, 2008, six submarines of the modified type U- 214TN were purchased from Turkey. The submarines will be built in Turkey, the first to go into service in 2015.
Prospective
Pakistan
Pakistan, too, was interested in submarines of the class 214 The country planned to buy three boats and complete in their own country. The delivery is controversial, as Pakistan is a nuclear power and never joined the NPT. In addition, there were reservations about the domestic situation and respect the fact that a launching platform was sought at sea for cruise missile Hatf VII Babur type. On 20 July 2009 it was announced that Pakistan has the intended order abandoned in favor of an offer from France.
Australia
In 2011, the public was aware that Australia has the submarine class 214 pulled shortlisted for the proposed modernization of its own submarine fleet. Competitors for the bulk order are in addition to the Howaldtswerken - German shipyard in Kiel, the state shipyards DCNS of France and Navantia of Spain. However, the Australian Navy has also taken on the search for a replacement for the U- boats of the Collins class, the U216 as an 'extended version' eye.