Nahang-class submarine
| File:IRIS 921 Nahang submarine model.jpg | |
| Class overview | |
|---|---|
| Name | Nahang |
| Builders | Marine Industries Organization |
| Operators | Islamic Republic of Iran Navy |
| Succeeded by | Ghadir class |
| Completed | 1 |
| Canceled | 2 |
| Active | 1 |
| General characteristics | |
| Type | Midget submarine |
| Length | ≈ 25 m (82 ft) |
| Beam | ≈ 3 m (9.8 ft) |
| Draft | ≈ 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) |
The Nahang (Persian: نهنگ, lit. 'Whale') is an Iranian-made class of midget submarine designed for shallow water operations. Only one prototype of this class is known to be completed, although its characteristics have remained unclear.
History
[edit | edit source]Iran had shown interest in midget submarines in the 1980s.[1] According to the Conway's All The World's Fighting Ships, Iran assembled a midget in Bandar Abbas that was completed in 1987 in an unsuccessful attempt.[1] Iran reportedly purchased a second midget of another design from North Korea, delivered in 1988.[1] It is alleged that by 1993, nine midget submarines –able to displace 76 tons surfaced and 90 tons submerged, with a top speed between 8 knots (15 km/h; 9.2 mph) and 12 knots (22 km/h; 14 mph)– were imported from North Korea.[1]
The existence of Nahang was first known in April 2006.[2] On 6 March 2006, Iranian state television announced that Nahang 1 has been commissioned into the Southern Fleet.[3] Later that year in late August, she participated in the third phase of Zarbat-e Zolfaghar wargame.[4]
Two other submarines in the class were allegedly planned, but building further units is considered unlikely.[2]
In April 2017, Bellingcat reported that for the first time in years, satellite imagery suggests Nahang had been deployed for a mission.[5]
Description
[edit | edit source]There is not much confidently known about characteristics of the class.[2] According to Jane's Fighting Ships, the class displaces 100 tonnes (98 long tons) when at the surface and 115 tonnes (113 long tons) while submerged.[2] Alternate estimates for surfaced and submerged displacement are 110 tonnes (110 long tons) and 127 tonnes (125 long tons) respectively[6] while the number given goes as high as 500 tonnes (490 long tons).[7]
Jane's mentions the approximate dimensions as 25 m (82 ft) for length, with a beam of 3 m (9.8 ft) and a draft of 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in).[2] 8 knots (15 km/h; 9.2 mph)[6] and 13 knots (24 km/h; 15 mph)[8] are top speeds reported for the submarine. Nahang is reportedly unarmed and not fitted with torpedoes,[2][9] however there are contradicting reports suggesting it has a pair of 533mm torpedo tubes in drop collars and can carry and lay four MDM-6 or EM-52 naval mines.[6] Nahang may be utilized as a mothership for swimmer delivery vehicles[2] and a platform for special operations.[9]
The submarine has no sonar on the report of Jane's,[2] but another account suggests that she is equipped with active/passive sonar on her bow.[6] The machinery installed for propulsion is unknown.[2] Other apparatus reportedly installed include a mast with electronic warfare support capabilities (similar to Russian-made 'Stop Light' type) and surface search and navigation radar.[6]
See also
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- List of submarine classes in service
- List of naval ship classes of Iran
- List of military equipment manufactured in Iran
References
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- ^ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value)., ProQuest 458674805
- ^ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value)., ProQuest 458658135
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- ^ a b c d e Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ^ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value)., ProQuest 1040836482
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