RSS Invincible

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RSS Invincible
RSS Invincible in TKMS drydock.jpg
RSS Invincible in drydock of the TKMS yard in Germany.
History
Naval Ensign of Singapore.svgSingapore
NameInvincible
Ordered2017
Builder ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems, Kiel, Germany
Cost$900 million
Launched18 February 2019
AcquiredExpected 2022
General characteristics
Class and type Invincible-class submarine
Displacement
  • 2,200 tonnes (2,200 long tons) submerged
  • 2,000 tonnes (2,000 long tons) tonnes surfaced
Length70 m (229 ft 8 in)
Beam6.3 m (20 ft 8 in)
Installed power2 × 120 kW PEM fuel cells
Propulsion Air-independent propulsion
Speed
  • 15 knots (28 km/h; 17 mph) (Submerged)
  • 10 knots (19 km/h; 12 mph) (Surfaced)
Complement28
Armament8 torpedo tubes

RSS Invincible is the lead ship of the Invincible-class submarines. She was launched on 18 February 2019 in Kiel, Germany. [1]

Design

The customised design is oceangoing and larger than the Challenger and Archer-class submarines operated by the Singapore Navy. The design is expected to be influenced by the export Type 214 submarine or Type 216 submarine, which have been designed for the potential needs of several other navies (Australian, Canadian and Indian). [2] [3] Features will include AIP and a combat system designed by both Atlas Elektronik and ST Electronics. The Invincible class also features an "X" rudder "which offers enhanced manoeuvrability in confined littoral waters, as opposed to the Type 214's cruciform rudder arrangement.

Type 218SG Republic of Singapore Navy Invincible-class submarine rendering. Type 218SG RSN Invincible class submarine rendering.png
Type 218SG Republic of Singapore Navy Invincible-class submarine rendering.

The X rudder is used on the Type 212 submarine and its larger and newer derivative, the Dolphin 2-class submarine built for the Israeli Navy which is almost identical in size to the Invincible-class submarine (Israel and Singapore have deep military ties and frequently procure the same weapon systems across their military platforms).

The subs are believed to have Horizontal Multi-Purpose Airlock, which can be used to launch either torpedoes, divers, or special forces assault teams, and also have the capability to launch cruise-missiles while submerged [4] with an option for Vertical Multi-Purpose Airlock, for launching missile vertically, like the Tomahawk, Blue Spear or Naval Strike Missile [5]

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References

  1. hermesauto (2019-02-18). "Invincible, first of Singapore's biggest and most advanced submarines, launches in Germany". The Straits Times. Retrieved 2020-07-27.
  2. Singapore: German Subs’ Strategic Value
  3. Singapore Buys New Class of German Attack Submarines
  4. Roblin, Sebastien (2017-06-06). "Why Germany's New Super Stealth Submarines Could Take on Any Navy". The National Interest. Retrieved 2020-02-25.
  5. Pete (2019-02-22). "Submarine Matters: What Singapore's Type 218SG Submarines Might Be Used For (Part 2)". Submarine Matters. Retrieved 2020-02-25.