The Spanish Navy has received six internal slide valve lengths for the weapon handling and launch system (WHLS) for the first of the new Spanish S-80 submarines from Babcock International.
The six substantial slide valve lengths, delivered for the first submarine, provide the path for water into the torpedo tube to allow the discharge system to launch the weapon, and are capable of providing a pressure-tight boundary when in the shut position.
The 2,400t S-80 submarine, being built by Navantia, can carry various weapon types including torpedoes, missiles and mines, which will be handled and launched by the WHLS.
The WHLS equipment being supplied by Babcock features a modular system and semi-automated weapon handling and stowage system as well as six torpedo tubes providing positive air discharge of multiple weapons using rotary air-turbine pumps.
The manufacture and delivery of the slide valves marks the start of the hardware supply phase for the first of class submarine.
Additional hardware to be supplied during the phase will include air turbine pumps, inboard lengths, bow shutters and intermediate guides, firing air equipment, torpedo tube hydraulics, launch control system, weapon stowage and weapon handling control systems.
