These tests are “an extremely important milestone for the crew of commander Vale”, said Itaguaí Construções Navais (ICN), the local shipbuilder, which is in charge of the project with Naval Group.
Several systems such as the control of propulsion and rudders, combat system, tactical table, radar, periscopes, sonar and all the combat systems that are associated with the platform were successfully tested, confirming the submarine’s safety.
All tests have been carried out more than 8 nautical miles (approximately 15 km) from pier 12, its starting point of the Construction Shipyard (ESC), located at the Submarine Base of Madeira Island (BSIM).
The success of this campaign will enable the next steps: static immersion and dynamic immersion with the submarine in movement.
Launched on December 14 2018, the Riachuelo started its trials in September 2019, successfully completing its first static dive test on 20 November 2019.
Scorpène Submarine
Scorpène is the conventional submarine designed by Naval Group for the export market. It demonstrates both Naval Group’s ability to deliver best in class submarines and to conduct successful transfers of technology. Today 14 Scorpène submarines are in operational service or being built, for the Chilean Navy (2 units), the Malaysian Navy (2 units), the Indian Navy (6 units) and the Brazilian Navy (4 units).
The Scorpène design is adapted to fit each navy’s specific requirements. Thus, the Brazilian Scorpène is slightly longer to carry a larger crew, almost double the patrol range, and be able to cover greater distances.
Scorpène is ideally suited for action and operational effectiveness. Robust and enduring, it’s an ocean-going submarine also designed for shallow waters operations. Multipurpose, it fulfils the entire scope of missions such as anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare, special operations, offensive minelaying and intelligence gathering. Integrating improvements from French Barracuda-Class fast-attack submarine, Scorpène has cutting-edge capabilities.
Brazilian Scorpène characteristics
- Surfaced displacement: 1,600 – 2,000 t
- Length, overall: 72 m
- Submerged speed > 20 kts
- Diving depth > 300 m
- Autonomy > 45 days
- Crew: 35
- Weapons total payload: 18
- Weapon tubes: 6
- Operational availability at sea > 240 days per year
