STM 500
The STM 500 is a Turkish mini submarine of the 500-tonne class under construction since 2022. The shallow-water diesel-electric submarine is being built by Turkish defense company STM with completion of the first vessel not expected until 2026.[1]
As of June 2022[update], the customer for the project had not yet been publicly released.
History
[edit]The STM-500 was announced in 2021 at the 10th Naval Systems Seminar in August 2021 as a lower cost and more cost effective subsurface warfare option.[2] Construction began in 2022. It is expected to require four years to complete construction, and up to six years to fully complete the project.[1]
Description
[edit]The STM-500 will displace approximately 500 tonnes, have a crew of 18, and be able to transport a squad of 6 special forces personnel. It is being designed to have an endurance of 30 days and a maximum dive depth of 250 meters.[1]
- Specifications
Specifications as of 2022 include:[1][3]
- Displacement: 485 tonnes surfaced, 530 tonnes submerged
- Length: 42 metres (138 ft) Beam: 8.5 metres (28 ft)
- Diameter: 4.2 metres (14 ft)
- Speed: 5 knots (9.3 km/h; 5.8 mph) cruise 18 knots (33 km/h; 21 mph) max
- Endurance 6,500 kilometres; 4,000 miles (3,500 NM) on diesel power 139 kilometres; 86 miles (75 NM) on batteries
- Propulsion power: 1.5 megawatts (2,000 hp)
- Power generation: 2x diesel generator with Lithium-ion battery storage and optional air independent propulsion system
- Crew: 22 + 8 additional space for special forces personnel
Weapons include up to eight "modern heavy-weight torpedos or guided missiles, delivered via four torpedo tubes.[1] Torpedoes can be fired simultaneously. The sub will be able to carry and launch underwater drones.[2]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b Forster, Ed (2 January 2022). "Turkey Sells Mini-Submarine STM500 After the Commercial Success of Bayraktar Combat Drones; These Cheaper Weapon Systems Are More Affordable". Headlines & Global News. Retrieved 27 June 2022.
- ^ "www.stm.com.tr".
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