The first Scorpene-class submarine of the Brazilian Navy, Riachuelo (S-40) has successfully passed its first static immersion trials on 21st November. It is an essential step that enables the testing of the density as well as the stability of the submarine. This first immersion is conducted by ICN, Nafco and Naval Group trio.
Within the scope of the trials, following the same procedures as for French submarines, propulsion was not used, so to move the submarine was towed to trial area by two tugboats. The trial was conducted toward the southern area of Itacuruçá Island, Sepetiba Bay, at around 4, 5 nautical miles from the Itaguaí Naval Complex. At the area, a buoy was set in the bottom, to which the submarine will remain tied throughout the test.
The Riachuelo static immersion consists of a slow controlled water intake operation in the submarine ballast tanks until it is fully submerged. The entire process lasted approximately 4 hours, precisely because the test is performed without using its propulsion.
Static immersion was the first in a series of acceptance tests, which will take place at sea, which will be conducted from December this year.
Scorpene Class Submarines :
The Scorpène-class submarines are a class of diesel-electric attack submarines jointly developed by the French Direction des Constructions Navales (DCNS) now Naval Group and the Spanish company Navantia, and now by Naval Group.
The propulsion system of Scorpene-class submarines consists of 4 x MTU 12V396 SE84 series diesel engines coupled with Kermount Industries 580kW generators. Sensors and processing will be made up of an acoustic surveillance system, digital-assisted attack, and dedicated analysis and monitoring hardware. The sonar system will be provided by Thales.
The Scorpene-class submarines are armed with six 533mm torpedo launching tubes, 18 heavy weapons, tube-launched MBDA SM-39 Exocet anti-ship missiles and precision-guided weapons. The weapons are carried in weapon launching tubes and can be easily reloaded at sea.
