STM 500

The STM 500 is a Turkish mini submarine of the 500-tonne class under construction since 2022. The shallow-water diesel-electric submarine is being built by Turkish defense company STM with completion of the first vessel not expected until 2026.[1]

As of June 2022, the customer for the project had not yet been publicly released.

History

The STM-500 was announced in 2021 at the 10th Naval Systems Seminar in August 2021 as a lower cost and more cost effective subsurface warfare option.[2] Construction began in 2022. It is expected to require four years to complete construction, and up to six years to fully complete the project.[1]

Description

The STM-500 will displace approximately 500 tonnes, have a crew of 18, and be able to transport a squad of 6 special forces personnel. It is being designed to have an endurance of 30 days and a maximum dive depth of 250 meters.[1]

Specifications

Specifications as of 2022 include:[1][3]

  • Displacement: 485 tonnes surfaced, 530 tonnes submerged
  • Length: 42 metres (138 ft) Beam: 8.5 metres (28 ft)
  • Diameter: 4.2 metres (14 ft)
  • Speed: 5 knots (9.3 km/h; 5.8 mph) cruise 18 knots (33 km/h; 21 mph) max
  • Endurance 6,500 kilometres; 4,000 miles (3,500 NM) on diesel power 139 kilometres; 86 miles (75 NM) on batteries
  • Propulsion power: 1.5 megawatts (2,000 hp)
  • Power generation: 2x diesel generator with Lithium-ion battery storage and optional air independent propulsion system
  • Crew: 22 + 8 additional space for special forces personnel

Weapons include up to eight "modern heavy-weight torpedoes or guided missiles, delivered via four torpedo tubes.[1] Torpedoes can be fired simultaneously. The submarine will be able to carry and launch underwater drones.[2]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d e Ozberk, Tayfun (27 June 2022). "Turkey's STM Begins Construction Of 500-Ton Submarine 'STM500'". Naval News. Retrieved 27 June 2022.
  2. ^ a b Forster, Ed (2 January 2022). "Turkey Sells Mini-Submarine STM500 After the Commercial Success of Bayraktar Combat Drones; These Cheaper Weapon Systems Are More Affordable". Headlines & Global News. Retrieved 27 June 2022.
  3. ^ "www.stm.com.tr".


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