GENERAL DATA:
length 65 meters (approximately 215 feet)
height 13 meters (approximately 43 feet)
diameter, pressure hull 6.3 meters (approximately 21 feet)
displacement (surfaced) 1,700 tons (approximately)
compliment 27 (plus 8)
the pressure hull is made of ferromagnetic steel

PROPULSION PLANT:
propulsion motor Permasyn motor
fuel cell systems PEM fuel cell modules (2 x 120 kW)
diesel generators 2 x 16 V 396
propulsion battery voltage range 600 - 900 V
the submarine is equipped with a low-noise, skew-back propeller

ARMAMENT:

• eight full-size swim-out tubes in the bulkhead for all kinds of torpedoes
• four of the tubes are equipped with a weapons expulsion system for missiles
• eight additional torpedo reloads are positioned for fast reload

INTEGRATED SONAR & WEAPONS CONTROL SYSTEM:

• multi-purpose consoles for weapon command and sonar control
• cylindrical array sonar for medium frequency passive detection
• flank array sonar to cover transition from med. to low frequency
• towed array for low freq. in medium self-noise environment
• passive ranging sonar base for calculation of target data
• active sonar for determination of target range and bearing

PERISCOPE SYSTEM:

• optronic mast
• attack periscope

MAIN TASKS:

• anti-surface ship and anti-submarine operations
• surveillance, observation and reconnaissance tasks
• covert mine-laying and intelligence operations
• training and combat operations in a common task force

This is the world's newest and most modern non-nuclear submarine; made by HDW (Howaldt/Deutsches Werft) in Germany - the 214 Class. Please note that these submarines can reportedly operate underwater for more than two weeks on their air-independent propulsion system. Think about how that works. Also, they can dive very deep but naturally, the depth of dive is highly classified.

When we are in North Germany again in September of 2002, we will get an update and in-depth explanation of the 214 Class - OR we will be briefed on an even newer Class of submarine. Come along - bring your cameras and camcorders. You will be on the cutting edge of submarine technological developments.