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Challenger-class submarine
R.S.S. Chieftain
RSS Chieftain
Class overview
Builders: Kockums
Operators: Naval Ensign of Singapore Republic of Singapore Navy
Succeeded by: Archer class
Completed: 4
Active: 4
General characteristics
Displacement: Surfaced: 1,125 t (1,107 long tons; 1,240 short tons)
Submerged: 1,400 t (1,400 long tons; 1,500 short tons)
Length: 50 m (164 ft 1 in)
Beam: 6.1 m (20 ft 0 in)
Draught: 5.1 m (16 ft 9 in)
Propulsion: 1 shaft 2× Pielstick diesel
ASEA electric motor
Speed: Surfaced: 15 kn (28 km/h; 17 mph)
Submerged: 20 kn (37 km/h; 23 mph)
Complement: 23
Sensors and
processing systems:
FAS
Armament: 4 × 533 mm (21 in) torpedo tubes
2 × 400 mm (16 in) torpedo tubes

The Challenger class is one of the submarine classes of the Singapore Navy. They are extensively modernized versions of ex-Sjöormen class submarines.

History[]

In 1995, the RSN acquired a Challenger class (formerly known as Sjöormen class) submarine from the Swedish Navy and another three in 1997, making them Singapore's first underwater platforms.[1] It is believed that the Challenger class were purchased to develop the required submarine operations expertise before selecting a modern class of submarines to replace them, since all the boats are over 40 years old.[2]

Ship Name Launched Commissioned Status
RSS Challenger (ex-HMS Sjöbjörnen) 26 September 1997[3] in active service, as of 2011
RSS Conqueror (ex-HMS Sjölejonet) 28 May 1999[3] 22 July 2001[3] in active service, as of 2011
RSS Centurion (ex-HMS Sjöormen) 28 May 1999[3] 26 June 2004[4] in active service, as of 2011
RSS Chieftain (ex-HMS Sjöhunden) 22 May 2001[3] 24 August 2002[5] in active service, as of 2011

Modernisation[]

The Challenger class submarines have undergone the Riken modernisation programme tailored to the specific operational conditions of the Singapore Navy. As the submarines were designed by the Swedish for operations in the Baltic Sea, various modifications were required to suit them to tropical waters. A comprehensive tropicalisation programme was carried out for all four submarines, which involved installing air conditioning, marine growth protection systems and corrosion-resistant piping.[6]

RSS Challenger

RSS Challenger undergoing sea trials

References[]

Bibliography
  • Conway's All the World's Fighting Ships 1947-1995

External links[]



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