Type 212 Class Submarine (Italian Todaro Class)

Description:

Builder: Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft GmbH (HDW) - Fincantieri SpA

Users:
Deutsche Marine (German Navy)
Marina Militare (Italian Navy)

Built: 1998-Present
In Commission: 2005-Present

The Type 212 class is a non nuclear submarine featuring a unique Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system in the form of Compressed Hydrogen Fuel Cells. Similar to the Gotland Class' AIP sterling system, the Fuel cells allow for silent, slow cruising speeds. A diesel engine can be used when high speed is necessary. The submarine can operate without surfacing for up to three weeks, further pushing the AIP class of submarines toward a path to potentially rival their Nuclear counterparts.

Originally developed to replace the type 206, a project which would ultimately bring together the German and Italian navies for the purposes of operation in the shallow waters of the Baltic and Mediterrainian seas respectively. The X-plane design proves well suited for this, alledgedly allowing operation in water as shallow as 17 meters (55 feet). These advantages in shallow water operation make it well suited for use in deploying Special Forces through SEAL Delivery Vehicles.

While the silent, vibration free propulsion system has given the 212 major advantages in stealth, other elements of the design further reduce detectability. The hull transitions smoothly into the sail, reducing the noise caused by passing water when submerged. Non-magnetic materials are used in both external and internal construction, preventing detectability by Magnetic Anomaly Detectors along with the detonation of magnetic naval mines.

Though the Type 212 is the first class of submarine to successfully utilize Hydrogen based propulsion, the concept was considered as early as WW1. Holding the idea back was the risk of explosions inherent in using Hydrogen. To ensure the safety of its crew, the Type 212 stores its hydrogen in tanks outside the crew compartment, sitting between the pressure and outer hulls. This ensures that at any given time only a small amount of hydrogen is present within the vessel.

Alongside Torpedoes and short range missiles, the Type 212 also has short ranged Surface to Air Missiles being developed known as the Interactive Defense and Attack System for Submarines, or IDAS. The role of the missile is primarily intended for Anti-Submarine Warfare aircraft, especially Helicoptors. It is also being developed for use against medium sized surface and coastal targets as well. Notable is the fact that the IDAS system is the first functional weapon system to allow Submarines to engage air threats without surfacing.

Even more unique are plans to install a 30mm autocannon for use of supporting diving operations, giving warning shots, as well as dealing with smaller surface targets. Reminiscent of the days when the old U-boats carried deck guns, only with the weapon being deployable from under water through a retractable mast. That same mast is also being planned for the purpose of deploying Recon UAVs as well.

Source(s):
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Type212submarine
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IDAS_%28missile%29
http://www.hisutton.com/World%20survey%20of%20AIP%20submarines.html

Features:

• Fully functional control surfaces, including X-plane tail.
• Full range of maneuvering, unlimited dive.
• Near 1:1 Scale to the real thing.
• VTOL-Engine based Simulated ballast control, giving an alternate method of depth control that can be used while stationary.
• 7 Bladed rotator engine based on the one developed by Toscio56, fully functional throttle with speed tweaked to the real thing.
• Mast deployed gun for shooting boats too small to be worth torpedoes.

Instructions:

1) Pitch for Pitch control, pitching beyond one tick on the artificial horizon is not recommended due to loss of speed. Keeping within that threshold will ensure efficient dept control.

2) Roll for turning, done entirely through yaw.

3) VTOL For ballast control, can change depth at any speed.

4) AG7 To deploy Muraena gun.

5) Trim to Swivel Muraena gun.

6)FireGuns to Fire the gun (like any other!)

7) Use ballast to get below the surface, as the pitch can have issues diving. Once below the surface the pitch function should work just fine.