Silent submarines – detection impossible

Successful submarines, each in a class of its own: thyssenkrupp Marine Systems has a consolidated experience in the design and construction of non-nuclear submarines.

Decades of experience along with a steady stream of innovative ideas and concepts are the basis for the success of our Kiel-based submarine shipyard. The delivery of submarines for coastal and blue water deployment to the navies of more than 20 countries is clear evidence of our success. HDW Class 209 submarines, for example, can be found in every ocean in the world. In fact, no other class of diesel-electric submarine has been built more often in the Western World .

From the earliest days of submarines the goal has been to prolong diving time. Air-independent propulsion (AIP) systems have made this possible for non-nuclear boats. AIP systems significantly increase a submarine's underwater range and reduce the risk of discovery . The AIP system developed and deployed in Kiel, the HDW fuel cell plant, has no moving parts. That makes detection of such a submarine virtually impossible. HDW Class 212A, 214 and Dolphin AIP submarines powered by an HDW fuel cell plant were the first to undertake extremely long dives independent of external air sources. These classes have set new standards in terms of signatures, range, automation, weapons control, external communication, crew comfort, and convenience.

By combining submarine expertise from basic research and development to design, manufacture, outfitting, testing and in-service support we ensure that everything you get from thyssenkrupp Marine Systems comes first hand from a single source.