Article Posted on : - May 14, 2012

MADRID (BNS): The Spanish Navy personnel have begun training for their new S-80 class conventional submarines being constructed by the country's shipbuilder Navantia.

The first phase of the training programme will last 122 days and is scheduled to finish by October-end.

This phase focuses on platform simulator, including description of the facilities, operational procedures, training, maintenance and operation of the underwater vessel, Navantia said.

The Spanish Navy has contracted Navantia to build four S-80 class submarines which are slated to be commissioned by 2014.

The new class of submarine will feature an advanced air independent propulsion system (AIP) and will have a maximum displacement of 2,400 tonnes. The sub will have a length of 71.05 m and will cruise at a maximum speed of 19 kn (35 km/h) in submerged condition.

The primary missions for the submarines will be anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, amphibious forces protection, intelligence gathering, and naval power projection.