Navantia has started testing of the Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system on the S-83 Cosme García, the third submarine in the S80 series for the Spanish Navy at its Cartagena shipyard.
The AIP, which is already installed in a 12-metre section weighing approximately 400 tonnes, is undergoing its final validations after the completion of prior equipment installation work.
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The section of the S-83 fitted with the AIP has been placed in a specialist test facility referred to as IPS3.
At this site, a multidisciplinary team from the Submarine Business division has prepared and conducted the inspections required to start the current phase of trials.
Initial steps in the testing process have included loading liquid oxygen and bioethanol into the system.
The AIP utilises these inputs to generate hydrogen for its fuel cell, allowing the submarine to propel itself while submerged.
In contrast to earlier systems that stored hydrogen onboard, this third-generation AIP creates hydrogen on demand from liquid fuel, addressing previous operational restrictions.
Navantia has stated that air-independent propulsion will enable the S80 submarines to remain underwater for weeks at a time, whereas current conventional submarines equipped with lead-acid batteries are limited to several days submerged.
The ongoing tests are intended to permit necessary system adjustments before the AIP-fitted section is integrated into the remainder of the submarine’s pressure hull.
Validations are taking place on a test bench designed to simulate both ends of the vessel and replicate real operating conditions, such as diving depth and underwater speed.
According to Navantia, these activities “make it possible” to carry out functional adjustments and demonstrations, including AIP power generation under a range of scenarios, which will support optimisation of the planned harbour testing schedule.
The current phase in which the AIP is tested within the submarine section marks what Navantia describes as a new milestone for the system and the overall S-80 programme.
The company noted that S82 is presently undergoing harbour trials, while S83 and S84 are at different stages of construction in Cartagena.
Navantia’s S-80 programme covers the construction of four advanced submarines for Spain’s naval forces.
The AIP technology used allows electricity to be produced while submerged, making use of stored oxygen and bioethanol, and as stated by Navantia, enables the vessels to operate for extended intervals without surfacing.
