Of German origin, the IKL Type 209 submarines designed in the mid-60s by the German engineer Ulrich Gabler (which by the end of the 2nd World War had type models designed XXVI and XXVII), were designed as attack submarines for export. built by Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft AG (HDW) in Kiel and Thyssen Nordseewerke GmbH (TNSW) of Emben were a great success since it built more than 60 units were exported to the navies of Argentina , Brazil, Colombia, South Korea, Chile, Ecuador, Greece, India, Indonesia, Peru, Turkey and Venezuela.
Figure 1. Profile Class submarines IKL 209 / 1200 the Armada Argentina (Author: Adrian Duenas / Published in: www.histarmar.com.ar)
The Navy Argentina took a major technological leap by deciding to incorporate modern IKL 209, giving rise to the fourth generation of submarines to replace the old GUPPY assigned by the U.S. in the '60s. Another significant development was that the contract stipulated with the Germans buying 2 units to be assembled in shipyards Tandanor Argentine (Argentina were transported in three sections), which gave the country an important know-how construction material ship of this type.
Photo 1. The ARA Salta (S-31) moves on the surface during maneuvers by the Navy Argentina (Source: www.histarmar.com)
Incorporated into active duty in the Submarine Force were baptized as ARA Salta (S-31) and ARA San Luis (S-32) . Among the technological improvements on GUPPY units can include sonar systems to operate in active mode and passive (sonar Krupp-Atlas CSU-3 and Sintra Alcatel DUUX 2 CN) and the weapon system consisting of fiber-optic guided torpedoes SST- 4 Germans.
****************************** ***************** SHEET ************
In 1975, the brand new 209 IKL submarines are tested by the Navy, conducting a patrol of 50 days immersion total, regardless of any external support. During this campaign teams are evaluated, tested maneuvers and exercises with the SST-4 torpedoes. The "San Luis" also carries a photo reconnaissance of the coast of East Falkland of the Malvinas Islands , Argentine but British possession since 1833.
Photo 2. The ARA Salta reveal your candle in the restless waters of the Beagle Channel (Source: www.histarmar.com.ar)
In 1982 the ARA San Luis participate actively in the Falklands War, carrying out a war patrol of 40-day-most part of dive-time in which torpedoes made three releases (two SST-4 and MK-37) without obtaining confirmation impact on English ships. The Royal Navy, specializing in antisubmarine warfare, never despite being able to detect permanent alert for the threat posed to the Task Force. At that time ARA Salta, his twin, was in reparations issue "navigation noise and vibration" that have become a prey easily detectable and was therefore out of the conflict. Operated during the war but trying to find the origin of their disabilities hydrophone and, at the news of the failed launches of the SST-4 torpedoes from its twin, also conducted tests of its weapons system, which also yielded a negative balance .
Photo 3. The ARA San Luis (S-32) moored in Puerto Belgrano Naval Base (BNPB) . Note the background the unmistakable silhouette of the aircraft carrier ARA May 25 (Photo: Walter Pascuzzo / Photobucket)
Shortly after the end of the Falklands War, German engineers reviewed the weapons systems to correct failures evidenced in the face operational.
Between 1989 and 1995 the ARA Salta received an upgrade in their motors, batteries and systems to extend its operational life and continues to this outstanding service in the Naval Base Mar del Plata (BNMP) .
Photo 4. The ARA Salta at the base of operations for the Submarine Force located in the city of Mar del Plata (Source: www.zonamilitar.com)
war veteran "San Luis" instead was moved to reserve status this year and April 23, 1997 was declared obsolete, with a really uncertain future, be sold or turned into a museum. However, the Navy decided to preserve in Argentina facilities Astillero Domecq Garcia in reserve status. For this special treatment was performed maintenance on his helmet.
Photo 5. The ARA San Luis in the shipyard Domecq García in 2009, having been painted with antirust to preserve its hull and sail (Author: Carlos Mey / www.histarmar.com.ar)
Some reports that during the current year "San Luis" enter the Argentine Naval Industrial Complex (CINAR) , consisting of the Alte shipyard. Segundo Storni and TANDANOR for repair and return to active duty. The plan would be to modernize the standard U-209/1400 (it was conceived as U-209/1200), extending his helmet with a section below (like the 209 Brazilian), changing its propulsion system, and providing it with new technology. These works would be completed by 2015 recently.
To see video of the performance of ARA San Luis during the Falklands War do here .
Sources:
www.elsnorkel.com
www.fuerzasaeronavales.com www.histarmar.com.ar
Other
