Soryu photos and diagrams on the way to winning (maybe)

S, in Comments [at October 24, 2015 at 11:26 AM], advised that Soryu SS-508 due to be launched next week (November 2, 2015) will include the newly developed TCM (Torpedo Counter Measures) MOD (Mobile Decoy) as well as a NAE (Noise Augmentation Emitter). Photos and diagrams appear difficult to find?

S indicated that from recent news "I feel that Japan may win the CEP." To which Pete says yes that is possible, but still long to wait. The winner may be announced next year or later. Alternatively the Australian Government might just eliminate one competitor and the two remaining competitors might then go through a tender process. 

The recent news, which looks favourable for Japan, is from News Corp and the The (Adelaide) Advertiser via The Australian.

The News Corp article http://www.news.com.au/national/japan-is-offering-secret-technology-to-win-submarine-contract/story-fncynjr2-1227571858283 included diagrams and photos from the Japanese Bid Team including 1 to 3:

1.  Japanese Bid Team members for the future submarine. From left: Rear Admiral Naoto Sato, Masaki Ishikawa from the Japanese government acquisition agency (ATLA) and Izumi Ishii from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) (Photo supplied via News Corp)

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2.  Japanese submarine technical advances (Diagram from Japanese Bid Team via News Corp)

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3.  Japanese postwar submarines by tonnage submerged and years built (Courtesy Japanese Bid Team via News Corp)

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The (Adelaide) Advertiser via The Australian http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/future-submarines-first-look-inside-soryu-sub-as-japan-ups-ante-in-contract-bid/story-e6frg6n6-1227579060243 included photos (4 to 7) taken inside Soryu submarine No. SS-507 (Jinryu) which was launched last year and is due to be commissioned in March 2016. 

(photo 4 above and 5 below) Soryu submarine SS-507's command center (Photo courtesy The Australian)

Future Australian Soryus will need to be larger for longer missions - which will require extra diesel fuel, food and water storage capacity. The combat system may be larger and/or need extra electricity to run it. The Japanese designers will use different hull coatings to tropicalise Australian Soryus from rust/corrosion in the warmer seas that missions take place.

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(photo 6 above and 7 below) Soryu submarine SS-507's mess deck (eating) area.

Design adjustments from the Japanese Soryu would include longer and wider bunks to accommodate the larger Australian frame. Some alterations for women on board noting Japanese crews are all male affairs. The kitchen will need larger ovens to bake more bread.

Mr Ikematsu, Director, International Cooperation Division, Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Agency (ATLA), Japanese Ministry of Defence (variously known as JMD, JMOD or plain MOD) emphasised the focus on involving Australian industry and opined choosing Japan would be less risky because Japan already builds large conventional submarines.

Final proposals from the three contenders are due by November 30, 2015. By early 2016 the Government may decide on a partner/winner and a build option. Alternatively the Australian Government might just eliminate one competitor and the two remaining competitors might then go through a tender process. 

Pete

South Korean HHI's HDS-400 Small Submarine Mystery

Above is South Korea's HDS-500 (aka KSS-500A). Does Hyundai Heavy Industry (HHI's) HDS-400 look like the South Korean design concept above? Or does HDS-400 look like the TKMS Type 300 design concept below? 

A TKMS Type 300 (for 300 tons surfaced) design concept. (Diagram courtesy Turkish Navy "ship bucket")

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It has been reported in late September 2015 at IHS Jane's Navy International and here, here and here that Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) is building a small submarine, known as the HDS-400, for a secret naval customer. Apparently one Kim Moon-ju, a Communications (Public Relations) Officer for HHI, would not divulge details of the customer. The HDS-400 reportedly weighs 400 tons (surfaced), is 40 m long, and has a maximum speed of 15 knots. Those specifications may suggest a submarine that can approach a well guarded enemy coast, insert or extract special forces or spies, or operate more securely in shallow seas. 

The main mysteries include who is the lucky naval customer and how is the HDS-400 propelled? 

One approach to answering such mysteries is to look at South Korea's small submarine record. I classify a midget or mini-submarine as 200 tons (surfaced) or less and a small submarine as over 200 tons. Since 2011 South Korea has been trying to market a design variously known as the HDS-500, KSS-500A and HDS-500RTN (when recently offered to Thailand). The HDS-500 design weighs 500 tons (surfaced), is 37 metres long and could be propelled by Lithium-ion Batteries (LIBs) alone with the LIBs charged from a generator on the wharf. No diesels means no noisy, exposed, indiscrete snorting is necessary. Or the HDS-500 could have diesel engines to charge LIBs.

Note that if the HDS-400 is launched before 2020 it might still rely on lead-acid batteries depending on how South Korea's and maybe Germany's LIB development programs are going. This recognises that South Korea has mainly relied on German Type 209 and 214 designs to date. A relationship that may partially continue.

If a 100 tons lighter HDS-400 is LIBs only this could widen its appeal both to the South Korean Navy as a customer or to a foreign customer.

Reasons the South Korean Navy may be an HDS-400 customer include:

-  need to trial the sub with realistic testing as it is an unusual size, battery only and new style LIB submarine.

-  if diesel engines charge LIBs it would be valuable testbed for subsequent LIBs on future larger submarines used by South Korea and perhaps by Germany. South Korea is developing a future larger submarine variously called KSS-3, KSS-III, D-3000 and KSS-3000 with perhaps a launch by 2025 timeframe which may be well aligned to use LIBs.

-  South Korea needs some mini-small subs to test ASW warfare forces and sensors. This is because its main opponent, North Korea, uses mini-subs frequently.     

-  South Korea's remaining two Dolgorae class mini-subs are still operational but were launched in 1990 and 1991. So they are nearing the end of their operational lives (2020) and need to be replaced if South Korea wishes to maintain a mini-small submarine capability. 

Reasons a foreign navy my be the first or later customer for the HDS-400 include:

A foreign customer need not be small as a small battery only (or LIB only) submarine could approach a coast that has a higher intensity of ASW sensors or shallower water than a standard size submarine of 1,000 tons upwards. Possible navies interested are many, including:

-  Turkish Navy that was considering TKMS Type 200 (diagrams below) and Type 300 (diagram above) designs in the past. Turkey has built and operates full size TKMS subs.

-  Vietnamese Navy - Vietnam will soon have all 6 Kilo subs in total  - in Comments for Submarine Matters recent Philippines article "Anonymous - from Europe" said "The Vietnamese Navy acquired several ["Yugo" class mini-subs of about 100 tons] from N-Korea to preserve the skills & knowledge and use them for Special Operations in the South China Sea ... rumors on Viet forums is that the VN-MoD has placed an order for 4 Hyundai HDS-400A. The first is under construction in S-Korea and there might be "ToT"? involved for the remaining units. The N-Korean midget-subs are nearing their service-life later this decade. This is an excellent opportunity for Philippine Navy to piggyback and place an order. VN can benefit from lower unit-prices. Those subs cannot win a war, but could very useful for recon, sabotage etc. Just like VN in 1990s they could be foundation a fleet of larger SSK later."
-  Taiwanese Navy. This might explain South Korea's secrecy. It would be easier to build and hand-over a submarine to Taiwan before China decides to publicly object. Just 400 tons makes an HDS-400 a defensive submarine.
-  the US Navy may want to trial the intelligence gathering and special forces value of a mini HDS-400 submarine. Also the US could use it in ASW exercises - given opponents North Korea and Iran widely use mini-submarines.

-  many other western-friendly navies that already have full size subs could be future customers

Western-friendly navies with limited budgets and/or have to operate in shallow water, include:

-  Royal Thai Navy

-  Philippines Navy

-  Sri Lanka

-  Bangladesh

-  maybe Myanmar/Burma

-  many in Europe, Africa, Middle East, Latin America

So, like the great Type 218SG mystery, the who is buying HDS-400 mystery? will eventually be revealed.

USEFUL WEBSITES ON MIDGET AND MINISUBS

This Wiki website mentions many other midget or mini-submarine consumer and producer countries. North Korea is a politically less popular supplier or on-seller. Yugoslavia, when it was one country, was a producer. Italy was a producer and still may be.

Covert Shores also has a wealth of detail and diagrams on midget or mini-subs.

Above and below are concept drawings of a TKMS Type 200 (200 ton surfaced) mini-sub design (Drawings courtesy Turkish Navy shipbucket)

Both the TKMS Type 200 and Type 300 designs can use strap on heavyweight (533mm) torpedos, one on each side, and/or lightweight (400mm or less) torpedos fired from torpedo tubes.

Pete

Philippines naval challenges - submarines less useful

China's claimed territorial waters run close to Luzon and right up to southern Palawan. This makes Palawan of major importance for Philippine naval reconnaissance resources.

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In Submarine Matter's article Philippines Increasingly Interested in Submarines of June 9, 2015, my  suggestion was an update of South Korea's Dolgorae class mini submarines (above). At 175 tons, with two torpedo tubes, crew of 14, Dolgoraes are affordable. Upfront purchase price, basing, maintenance and crewing all make sense given the Philippines budget. South Korea itself  produced its Dolgorae's in the 1980s-90s to accustom its Navy to submarine operations.

Recommendation of an update to the Dolgorae is also in the context of higher priotities for the Philippine Navy which mitigate against heavily investing in submarines. Such priorities for the Navy and Coastguard include:

-  handling natural disasters mainly in the form of regular typhoons (like Koppu right now) that cause destruction, starvation and disease. Naval resources are particularly necessary given the Philippines 7,000 isolated islands and many parts of the larger islands that have limited road access. Landing craft that can bring supplies to shattered coastal communities are in demand. The landing craft supplied to the Philippines include Australian Balikpapan class (up to 520 tons) and 2 US supplied Bacolod City class landing ships (4,265 tons maximum).

-  another major non-state challenge is secessionist Islamic and other movements on islands which may require the landing of infantry and equipment to counter these movements. Again landing craft/ships are useful. Also the two Makassar class landing platform docks with landing craft and helicopters can counter threats.

The Youtube features landing craft and especially landing platform docks. New corvettes and frigates may please some but are probably unaffordable given wider demands on limited budgets.

-  a third challenge is fishing and South China Sea islands disputes with China, Taiwan and other Southeast Asian countries. The landing ships and landing platform docks come in handy for projecting power, show the flag and resupply Philippine island garrisons. Coastguard cutters and similar size naval ships are also useful.

-  Philippine warships fighting against Chinese ships would be counter-productive. The Philippines supporting US and Japanese ships with information and port access might be more useful. 

-  Philippine Navy of Airforce aircraft flying within sight of "Chinese" Couth China Sea islands is one means of economically "showing the flag". S advised in Comments below on October 28, 2015 that according to Reuters Japanese Edition (06/Aug/2015), the Japanese Government is considering to offer the Philippines modified trainer aircraft TC-90 (Beechcraft King Air) instead of P-3C. This is because highly complex  operational needs including information analysis [and maintenance] is needed for P-3C [as well as very expensive maintenance]. In contrast the TC-90 is much easier and less expensive to operate. However, S advises that Japan's Public Finance Act, which prohibits gratuitously or cheaply transferring state owned property to foreign governments obstructs this deal. Therefore the Japanese Government is now considering various options including selling at a reasonable price or excluding this deal from Public Finance Act. The Japanese Government supports enhancement of friendlly countries’ maritime security in the South China Sea.

It is only to China's advantage that some Southeast Asian countries are involved in some island disputes among themselves in the South China Sea. Unity in the face of the common Chinese challenge would be better. Unity would also encourage US, Australian and Japanese solidarity against China.
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Pete

Russia selling land attack Klub Missiles to India, Kilo sub upgrade

A submarine launched land attack Klub ("Sizzler") cruise missile. Note that the more accurate designation for such a Klub is 3M-14E Klub S - DOD designation SS-N-30B. Basic length 6.2 m, 450 kg warhead. Range 300km. Russia is also selling SLCM land attack Klubs to Vietnam for use by Vietnamese Kilos.

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INS Sindhukesari is to be the first Indian Kilo sub to receive the land attack Klub upgrade. (Photo courtesy Indian Navy via IDRW-Org)

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REPORT

Following Russia’s October 8, 2015 demonstration that it can operate land attack cruise missiles over long distances a Russian upgrade to some of India’s Type 877 (older version) EKM (export model) Kilo submarines is interesting.

India's 9 working Kilos are known as the Sindhughosh class. They have had anti-ship capable Klub (NATO name is "Sizzler") missiles for several years. Now the Klubs on 4 Kilos will be augmented by or replaced by land attack capable Klubs.

The Indian Navy is signing the $771 million contract with Russia to extend the service life of the 4  to 35 years. Thirty years is the international average. The contract is with Russian shipbuilder Zvezdochka and will be sending the first submarine, INS Sindhukesari, for the refit in Severodvinsk Russia, in June 2016. Once INS Sindhukesari is refitted the Indian Navy will decide whether to upgrade the remaining 3 Kilos in India or again in Russia. If in India the 3 Kilos will be refitted with Zvezdochka’s assistance by India’s Reliance Defence and Aerospace company at the Pipavav shipyard in Gujarat.

The Russian Navy has done this 'second refit' to its own Kilo fleet.

Russia is also selling SLCM land attack Klubs to Vietnam for use by Vietnamese Kilos. 

ISSUES

1.  It is interesting that just 4 Kilos are to be refitted instead of all 9 servicable Kilos. This is noting the 10th INS Sindhurakshak suffered a catastrophic explosion/fire in August 2013 and is probably a write-off. First to be refitted, INS Sindhukesari, is one of the most recent 4 servicable Indian Sindhughosh class Kilos built. If modernity is the criteria then the other three to be upgraded might be INS Sindhukirti then INS Sindhuvijay, then INS Sindhurashtra.

2.  It is interesting how the land attack Klub program interplays with other Indian SLCM programs including BrahMos (300 km range) and Nirbhay (1,000 km) programs. Any of these SLCMs could be made nuclear tipped. Nuclear tipped Klubs may be a response to the possibility of nuclear tipped Pakistani SLCMs.

3,  If the land attack Klubs were nuclear tipped how would they relate to K-15 (700-1,000 km) shorter range SLBM plans?

4.  Under MTCR land attack Klubs would officially be limited to 300 km range but given Russia’s recent 2,000 km range Kalibr demonstration a longer range Klub may be India's more quiet wish.

5.  It is unclear with this October 2015 refitting plan cancels or is in addition to a July 2015 Indian Kilo refitting plan.

see October 19, 2015 report http://www.defenseworld.net/news/14343/Indian_Navy_Sign__771_Million_Contract_With_Russia_To_Refit_kilo_Class_Submarines#.ViXMHX4rIgu

A full list of Indian submarines is here https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_submarines_of_the_Indian_Navy

Pete

Indonesia-Russian talks, Amur submarines, fighters & reactors

KRI Nanggala (402) is the second of Indonesia's current Cakra class submarines. 
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Just about the boppyist Submarine Youtube Submarine Matters has ever run (this just happens to be the Bananarama version of Venus and aren't they nice :)  The Youtube shows the many phases of Improved Chang Bogo construction in South Korea. Two of three Improved Chang Bogo (Type 209s) for Indonesia are being built in South Korea. The third Chang Bogo may be built at PT PAL's shipyard at Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia. Notable parts of the Youtube include at: 1 minute - UUVs, including mine detection, 1min 20 secs - installing lead-acid batteries, 2m 30s - installing a Permasyn Motor, 4m 15s - some automatic welding equipment then inspecting weld work, 5m 15s - Indonesia's KRI Cakra (401), 6m 20s - installing diesel engines

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An Improved Kilo (Project 636) at top of diagram. Then two Amurs - the 1650 ton (surfaced) 1650 then the smaller 950 (theoretically squeezing in 10 VLS).
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Since 2007, if not earlier, the Indonesian Navy has considered buying between two and ten Russian Kilo submarines. Sometimes new Kilos are mentioned and sometimes used. However many times the Indonesian Navy wants Russian submarines the broader Indonesian Government (in which the Army is influential) presumably says no. It could also be that Western countries, including the US, dissuade Indonesia from getting too close to the Russians via submarine purchases. Submarines are high price items that would require substantial numbers of Russian naval and technical advisers in Indonesia.

Pressure to acquire more submarines may have been satisfied for the next few years by Indonesia's   order of three Improved Chang Bogo (Type 209s) from South Korea, with deliveries before 2020.

As well as the Chang Bogo buy part of the reason for not buying Kilos has been inadequate aid or lack of easy credit terms from the Russian Government. Low oil prices (Russia's main trade revenue earner) has often made it difficult for Russia and Indonesia to conclude a deal.

However the increasingly militant foreign/defence policies of President Putin may possibly override such financial concerns. Russia may even offer as yet unbuilt and unsold Amur submarines instead of the 30 year old Kilo designs. Indonesia might take the risk of being the first customer for Amurs. Also Amurs may suffer from Russia not yet producing a mature AIP system - a system Indonesia might prefer in expensive new submarines.  

Russia has supplied advanced Sukhoi fighter-bombers to Indonesia since 2003 but only in small numbers.

Russia Beyond the Headlines (RBTH) October 15, 2015 reported increasing negotiations between Indonesia and Russia in mid October 2015 http://asia.rbth.com/politics/2015/10/15/3_key_areas_in_russia-indonesia_ties_50049.html including:

"Defense

In September 2015, the Indonesian government said it would buy a squadron of Sukhoi Su-35 fighters to replace its outdated US made F-5 Tigers. Jakarta also plans to buy 5 Russian submarines.

Initially Indonesia looked at buying Kilo class diesel electric submarines, but later chose the more advanced Amur class submarine, which is the export version of the Lada class. 

Russia is ready to loan Indonesia $3 billion for these purchases.

According to industry analysts, Indonesia may also be looking to buy medium-range anti-aircraft [surface to air (SAM)] missiles. The country already has a number of Sukhoi fighter jets [Su-27s and Su-30s], Mi-17 and Mi-35 helicopters, BMP-3 amphibious infantry fighting vehicles, one BTR-80 wheeled amphibious armored personnel carrier and Kalashnikov AK-101 and AK-102 rifles.

Nuclear energy

In June 2015, the countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the construction of large nuclear reactors and floating nuclear power stations.

In an interview with RBTH Indonesia, [Indonesia's] ambassador to Russia, Djauhari Oratmangun, said nuclear power plants could help meet Indonesia’s growing demand for electricity...."

ANONYMOUS COMMENTS

Anonymous, over the last two days, has made some very interesting comments on these Indonesia-Russia negotiations:

"Indonesia's extravagant wish to buy 10 Russian Kilos was, as far as I can tell, driven by its Defence Minister [General (Ret.) Ryamizard Ryacudu] who seems to be a pretty hardcore Russophile. Cooler-headed Indonesian observers I talked with says that Indonesia may buy two Improved Kilo, but there is nothing concrete about that and it might be zero given the current Indonesian economic weakness.

The $3 billion in the RBTH article matches what Indonesian sources said, so that part seems correct.

Indonesian military officials and politicians, egged by Russia, have often stated that they are going to buy this or that from Russia without consideration on what they're going to use it for or how they are going to pay for it. There is a small but vocal Russophile faction, but most of the time the sane majority prevails and those statements were quietly ignored. However, once in a while they do throw a bone at the Russophiles to placate and retain their political support.

I rate the Su-35 procurement as likely, and the 5 Amur submarine procurement as unlikely. A half-half compromise of 8 Su-35 and 2 Amur is also possible. Militarily that is nuts, but hey, thats politics. Getting both is financially impossible and irresponsible. Even Russian credit doesn't stretch that far.

Russia also makes lots of noise about selling nuclear power plants to Indonesia. This is actually pretty plausible. Despite the Ring of Fire [earthquake-volcano zone] location, the physics of plate tectonics actually means that there are several geologically stable spots in Indonesia. Some of these spots are sufficiently inland or sheltered to be safe from tsunamis. 

Whether Indonesia will build utility scale nuclear power plants and who gets the contract remains to be seen though. I am quite certain that Indonesia will build them eventually though. Indonesia will run out of natural gas within 20 years and of coal within 50 years and despite all the talk about renewables, the actual growth rate of renewable energy use in Indonesia is not enough.

However, in the near term, the only confirmed plan to build a nuclear reactor in Indonesia is the 30 MW experimental reactor in Serpong to replace the 30 year old experimental reactor of similar rating (used to make medical isotopes and breeding new rice variants, among other things, but not actually connected to the power grid) that is reaching its end of service life. Russia is likely to get this project, but this is still far far away from an actual nuclear power plant. 

Russian media has this habit of talking big, but the actual realization is often much smaller and more uncertain than they make it to be."

Pete

Japan's Lithium-ion Battery Advantage, Expressions of Interest, Snorkel

This is a heavy duty Japanese made Lithium-ion Battery (LIB) of the type to be used in an energy storage facility in Chile (Photo courtesy GS Yuasa). GS Yuasa do not advertise LIBs for submarines but they would be in its "Industrial and Military" area.

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"wispywood2344" has estimated electric power capacity of Japanese Ministry of Defence-TRDI developed LIB and Japanese Navy conventional lead-acid battery (LAB) on my blog before.

The diagram above reflect the dimensions of a Japanese conventional LAB for submarine. According to http://blog.livedoor.jp/wispywood2344/archives/54874167.html when housing the unit cells by using this space of the battery depicted to the full, "it can house the Li-ion battery capacity of 155.52L per group module." The "wispywood2344" goes on to say "When the volumetric energy density of the submarine for a [GS Yuasa] lithium ion cell is that it is equivalent to "LEV50", its value will be 218Wh / L. Thus, the total capacity per group module will be 33.9kWh." The battery depicted may weigh 770kg (just a small part of what a submarine uses). Also see http://blog.livedoor.jp/wispywood2344/archives/55055062.html 

What all this means I cannot claim to know.

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Please connect this article with the text and reader Comments of Submarine Matters’ article Japan fine-tuning campaign for Australia Future Submarine, October 12, 2015.

COMMENT ON LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES (LIBS)

The Japanese Government and private industry have been methodically analysing the performance of Lithium-ion Batteries (LIBs) intended for use in submarines for more than a decade. LIBs may be the technology area that Japan has the greatest lead over its French (DCNS) and German (TKMS-HDW) competitors.

It appears that recent performance data on LIBs for submarine are kept very confidential by all 3 countries, on commercial and national security grounds. This makes it very difficult to ascertain whether any of the 3 have superior LIBs.

The US may also be developing LIBs that may be useful for submarine use. It is unknown whether the US Government (and US private industry) would exchange more LIB technical information with the US’s Pacific ally, Japan, or its NATO allies, Germany and France.

Japan's GS Yuasa makes LIBs for a wide variety of heavy industrial and military (including submarine) uses. The heat sink-weight of batteries and other measures should contribute to safety.

S’s TRANSLATION OF A JAPANESE DOCUMENT

In a Comment on October 12, 2015 at 10:33 PM "S" provided a translation from a 2007 Japanese Ministry of Defence report on LIBs  http://www.mod.go.jp/j/approach/hyouka/seisaku/results/18/jigo/sankou/jigo05_sankou.pdf  

“FY2006 Policy Evaluation Report (Result of Policy Implementation)” by Department of Finance & Equipment from Oct/2006 to Mar/2007

Project Name: Research on new main batteries for submarine

Policy System: I-4-(2)-2 Research (Development)

Abstract:

We studied high performance main batteries as main batteries for next submarine, which is alternative of current lead acid batteries, and got necessary technological data.

Budget: About 4,6 billion yen

Evaluation

1. Aim of Project

Lead acid batteries have drawbacks such as heavy weight, large volume, cumbersome treatment and long charging time. The aims of this project are to study lithium ion batteries with high energy density as main batteries for next submarine, and to demonstrate their feasibility and effectiveness.

2. Status of Achievement

Effect of Achievement

We established technology base of large lithium ion batteries with high capacitance for main batteries of submarine by achieving following technological terms (a-d). We obtained technological data on performance, safety and life of submarine main batteries, which would contribute to enhancement of stealth ability, motion performance and attack avoidance ability, extension of submerging period, and improvement of maintenance

(a) Energy density

By adopting lithium ion batteries, we realized new batteries with twice higher energy density per unit weight volume than that of lead acid batteries.

(b) Charging efficiency

We confirmed that lithium ion batteries showed more efficient charging and lower reduction in capacity at high efficient discharging than lead acid batteries.

(c) Safety

We confirmed that lithium ion batteries ensured designed safety in overcharging, overdischarging and external short circuit situations.

(e) Repeatable numbers of charge and discharge cycle

We confirmed that lithium ion batteries showed 1.5 times larger repeatable numbers of charge and discharge cycle than lead acid batteries, having excellent life time.

(2) Period of Achievement

We started research trial in 2002, finished laboratory testing by 2005.

(3) Profit

In this research, we have tried realization of lithium ion batteries with high capacity considering implementation and established new technology base in a short period.

["S" in Comments [October 12, 2015 at 5:22 PM] indicated (along the lines) that Japanese research on new main batteries for submarine revealed that the energy density of LIBs was twice that of LABs and lifetime of LIBs was 1.5 times that of LABs. 

But, from analysis of “Life Cycle Cost (LCC) Management Reports on 23SS (LABs-Soryu) (see Soryu Table) and 27/28SS(LIBs-Soryu)” and other budget papers, S concludes that the life time of current LIBs will be twice that of LABs [that is higher than "1.5 times"] and that prices of LIBs will be high. When adding 24-years of operational life of 22 Japanese submarines with 30-years operational life of the 8 Australian submarines, more than 300,000 LIB unit cells will be needed. There may be a reduction in the price of LIBs caused by mass production effects.] 

A good commentary on Submarine Lithium Ion Batteries is at Asia-Pacific Defence Reporter (APDR) October 2015 edition, Vol. 41, No.8, pages 46 to 48.

EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST "SEA 1000 JAPANESE GOVERNMENT & INDUSTRY"

Building a submarine is clearly a complex matter with 100,000s of parts and aspects.

Japan is liaising with Australian industry more closely and is seeking Expressions of Interest in the diverse areas for any future SEA 1000 contract – see http://gateway.icn.org.au/project/3720/sea-1000-japanese-government-industry.

An example under http://gateway.icn.org.au/project/3720/sea-1000-japanese-government-industry is "3. Building" item "06. Inspection Service" which asks those interested to "Express interest for any submarine inspection service opportunities". S has provided examples of "Inspection Service" as follows:

"According to NDS Z 2003 C (2) (Standards of Ministry of Defence: Non-destructive inspection of war ship steel and classification of its result), following non-destructive inspections are needed for steel; i) magnetic particle inspection, ii) dye penetrant inspection, iii) ultrasonic testing, and iv) radiographic testing. Qualification from level 3 to level 1 is required for each inspector."

For "3. Building" item "02. Welding" Inspection Service" it does not go down to the level of detail on whether Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) of pressure hull naval steel NS110 is required. By way of explanation at Comments [October 16, 2015 at 12:42AM] S advised "NDS Z 2004 C (Non-destructive inspection of weld zone of war ship steel and classification of its result) is commonly adopted steels including NS80 and NS110. NDIS0601 or JIS Z 2305:2013 (Non-destructive testing-Qualification and certification of NDT personnel) is adopted for the qualifications of an inspector. ISO 9712:2014, which is ISO version of JIS Z 2305:2013 will be adopted for an Australian inspector.

Some anonymous advice is "the MOD may release a list of subcontractors which is partially disclosed. Translation and understanding of NDS (MOD Standards) are also very important. There are so many things to do."

IMPROVED SNORKEL

The MOD has highlighted some of its research achievements in its "Technical Research & Development Institute, R&D, Department of Development" website at  http://www.mod.go.jp/trdi/en/research/gijutu_senpa_en.html . Highlights include Sonar System for Next-Generation Submarines, Heavy Weight Torpedo G-RX6 and Snorkel System for Next-Generation Submarines.

Snorkel System for Next-Generation Submarines shortened as Improved Snorkel comes with this diagram and description:

"In order for our submarines to cope with the future situation properly, we are also developing and implementing the snorkel power generation system which to be smaller size and higher power to make platform more silent and covert." (Photo and text courtesy Japanese Ministry of Defence)

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The most publicised advantage of the Improved Snorkel system for the future Soryu is its ability to operate in typhoons/major storms, often described as higher sea states.

An equally important, though lesser known innovation, is its higher power allowing snorts to be quicker, thus reducing the near surfaced danger period. The ability of LIBs to be charged more quickly than lead-acid batteries is a major advantage. The smaller size of the snorkel should reduce the chances of it being seen visually or by radar. 

In Comments [at October 15, 2015 at 12:42 AM] S advised (along the lines) There is very little information on the Improved Snorkel. S estimated air intake velocity for the big snorkel. The diameter is estimated from a picture of snorkel and the statement from the Japanese Navy the “snorkel of the Soryu is as big as a drum”. When that snorkel it operating to two Soryu standard 12V/25/25SB diesel engines the maximum intake velocity at full power operation is very fast (135km/h). Even in gentle rain, but not substantial wave conditions, kilograms of water will be introduced into the snorkel in an hour at a 135km/h intake velocity. The design of the Improved Snorkel system is a critical factor for quick charging the LIBs."

S added "By the way, acoustic stealth performance is not expected in snorkel operation. MAN diesels show 100-115DB of noise, I do not think that new KHI diesel engine will show drastic reduction in noise. Current 12V/25/25SB generates terrible noise in surface operation. Also huge amount of exhaust bubbles from the snorkel generates easy-to-detect noise.”

Comment

A stealthy snorkel system may disperse diesel exhaust better in the water so it is less easily chemically “sniffed” by manned aircraft, UAVs, surface craft or other sensors. Heat/infra-red signature or water disturbance by snorkel, exhaust or snorkel wake may be less. Snorkels can be better camouflaged for night, day and storm use. Snorkels can be better streamlined allowing a submarine to operate on snorkel more quickly through the water. Perhaps a snorkel can be made taller,  allowing “snorting” at a deeper-safer depth for the main sail and main hull of the submarine. 

Pete