Quote:
Originally Posted by Penguin
Is there really such a big difference in the aspect of noise ? 
All I know is how they try to minimize sounds on the 212-class, and they do a pretty good job IMO, but I have no comparision to a nuc sub. |
The 212 is a sort of Odd Ball submarine. She uses fuel cells which are as quiet as batteries in use but still need to be recharged with the diesels. The fuel cells are for operations at low speeds while the batteries are for high speed combat manuring. Think of the 212 as a super battery boat. The Soviets experimented with this on a Whiskey boat and found its performance good but not worth the expense at the time.
The Gotland uses a modified diesel call a Sterling Cycle Engine. Basicly oxygenated fuel is pumped in to run it.
The Scorpene class uses a turbine fueled by ethanol and O2.