The following vague, difficult to identify, photos are what the Argentine Navy positively says are parts of Armada [Navy or Fleet] de la República Argentina (ARA) San Juan.
San Juan exploded/imploded on November 15, 2017 probably due to the ignition of hydrogen gas produced by sea water coming into contact with San Juan's 100 tonnes of lead-acid batteries. The ignition, gas explosion, then burst San Juan's pressure hull into thousands of pieces. Seawater rushed in (implosion) at the same instant as explosion.
The photos were taken deeper than 800m by an unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) sent by the ship Seabed Constructor owned by US company Ocean Infinity. Notice that the first photo gives a Depth ie. "DPT" of "-945.83m".
About the photos below. In Phys.Org November 18, 2018 scrolling a quarter way down:
The photos are in the Buenos Aires Times, November 17, 2018
http://www.batimes.com.ar/news/argentina/first-photos-from-the-deep-the-wreckage-of-the-ara-san-juan.phtml:
Pete
San Juan exploded/imploded on November 15, 2017 probably due to the ignition of hydrogen gas produced by sea water coming into contact with San Juan's 100 tonnes of lead-acid batteries. The ignition, gas explosion, then burst San Juan's pressure hull into thousands of pieces. Seawater rushed in (implosion) at the same instant as explosion.
The photos were taken deeper than 800m by an unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) sent by the ship Seabed Constructor owned by US company Ocean Infinity. Notice that the first photo gives a Depth ie. "DPT" of "-945.83m".
About the photos below. In Phys.Org November 18, 2018 scrolling a quarter way down:
“[Argentine Defense Minister Oscar] “Aguad met earlier with family members to show photos taken by an underwater
robot. They showed a propeller, the sub's bow with torpedo-launching tubes and
an upper section of the vessel lying on the ocean floor.”
The photos are in the Buenos Aires Times, November 17, 2018
http://www.batimes.com.ar/news/argentina/first-photos-from-the-deep-the-wreckage-of-the-ara-san-juan.phtml:
Part of the propeller.
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San Juan's bow, showing its six torpedo tubes.
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An upper section of San Juan.
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HI Pete,
ReplyDeleteI think the families would want to raise the submarine but given the depth that the wreck is in, it would be next to impossible.
As for the future of the Argentina Navy's submarine program. If they want to continue operating submarines and with their Tight BUDGET, I think they should have a LONG Talk with Russia and China on the Type-035 Ming class SSK, Song class SSK, Type-039 Yuan class SSK, S-20 or even from Russia with the Improved Kilo class SSK or the Amur class SSK.
Hi Nicky K.D Chaleunphone
ReplyDeleteArgentina's political position as a Western democracy (in the US dominated Western Hemisphere) mean Argentina would very unlikely buy submarines from Russia or China.
More likely the TKMS 209, Naval Group Scorpene, Saab A26 or Navantia S-80 - all in the 2020s. Saying that I don't know if Argentina can afford AIP from anyone.
Regards
Hi Pete,
ReplyDeleteGiven Argentina's economic/budget issues, I would not be surprised if the Russians offer Improved Kilo or Amur class. Even the Chinese could make a deal with them on the S20 Submarines.