First new navy sub ‘numbered’

Jun 16, 2004
Author: P&S

The first of three new German-built submarines for the South African Navy was ‘christened’ in Kiel this week by Ruth Mompati, who is mayor of the little town of Vryburg in the North West Province.

The submarine has been designated the pennant number S101 and will receive a name only on arrival in Simon’s Town next year. In the meantime the type 209-1400 diesel-electric sub will undergo extensive sea trials and crew training in German waters.

The type 209 submarine displaces 1,454 tonnes and is 62m in length and is capable of a speed of 10 knots surfaced and 21.5kn underwater. The ship can dive to a depth of 250m.

She carries a crew of thirty and is conventionally armed with eight 21-inch torpedo tubes and carried 14 torpedoes.