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Vampire
Free Worlds League
Lieutenant Colonel
Joined: 05-Feb-2002 00:00
Posts: 912
Location: Spain
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 Posted: 23-Apr-2003 08:05 Post subject: Achtung! U-boat! |
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from Strategypage.com
April 10, 2003: On April 7th, the first submarine propelled by a fuel cell made its maiden voyage. The Type 212 sub carries supplies of hydrogen and oxygen, which are combined in nine PEM (polymer electrolyte membrane) fuel cells, each of which produces up to 50 KW of electricity, and water as a waste product. This type of power plant generates no heat or noise and is probably the most difficult to detect sub in the world. There is also a diesel engine for surface cruising, and six torpedo tubes. The 1500 ton boat, the German U-31, can travel silently underwater for 15-20 days. Currently, only nuclear subs can stay under that long. Crew size for the Type 212 is 27. Max underwater speed is 36 kilometers per hour, and 21 surfaced. Germany is building four boats of this class. Greece and Korea have placed orders. While cheaper than nuclear propulsion, the U-31 is still expensive, costing about $330 million.
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As hair raising this development is for navies all the world over, it has a bright side, maybe we will be able to say farewell to nuclear submarines, one of the worst environmental nightmares there is.
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Jade_Dragon
8th Sword of Light
Sho-sho
Joined: 05-Feb-2002 00:00
Posts: 1325
Location: United States
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| Posted: 23-Apr-2003 11:44 Post subject: RE: Achtung! U-boat! |
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So this is an advanced type of battery?
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The JadeDragon
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CO_17thRecon
Kell Hounds
Major
Joined: 10-Sep-2002 00:00
Posts: 1297
Location: United States
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| Posted: 23-Apr-2003 11:55 Post subject: RE: Achtung! U-boat! |
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Neg. Although my understanding is minimal, the cells combine hydrogen and oxygen in a form of fusion and get a small amount of energy and a small amount of water as a result. The tricky part is the explosive nature of the fuels. It's nice to see the technology being finally put to use though.
And if my understanding is wrong, may I be horribly crushed from above somehow. 
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Jarylan Blackwell
"What the...?! Where did you get THAT?!"
"Creative aquisition."
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Ares
Clan Jade Falcon
Star Colonel
Joined: 20-Feb-2002 00:00
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| Posted: 23-Apr-2003 12:28 Post subject: RE: Achtung! U-boat! |
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Currently, the quietest class of submarines in existence is the U.S. Ohio class of nuclear-powered fast attack subs. It's nicknamed the "Black Hole" because it actually sucks in sound from the surrounding ocean and produces none of it's known.
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Sir Henry
Team Bansai
Senior Tech Specialist
Joined: 04-Feb-2002 00:00
Posts: 4899
Location: United States
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| Posted: 24-Apr-2003 07:49 Post subject: RE: Achtung! U-boat! |
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It's amazing what a little Sound absorbing material can do.... And some shock absorbers... 
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Sir Henry
A Dragon in the disguise of a bunny, is still a Dragon.
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Jade_Dragon
8th Sword of Light
Sho-sho
Joined: 05-Feb-2002 00:00
Posts: 1325
Location: United States
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| Posted: 24-Apr-2003 09:16 Post subject: RE: Achtung! U-boat! |
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If it is not a battery why include the diesel engine for surface running?
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The JadeDragon
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Nightmare
Lyran Alliance
Kommandant-General
Joined: 03-May-2002 00:00
Posts: 2214
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| Posted: 24-Apr-2003 09:53 Post subject: RE: Achtung! U-boat! |
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More power? More speed? The classic backup that even atomic subs have?
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CO_17thRecon
Kell Hounds
Major
Joined: 10-Sep-2002 00:00
Posts: 1297
Location: United States
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| Posted: 24-Apr-2003 10:10 Post subject: RE: Achtung! U-boat! |
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Quote:
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On 2003-04-24 09:16, Jade_Dragon wrote:
If it is not a battery why include the diesel engine for surface running?
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It's still new technology, and I don't want to be in the middle of nowhere and find out that the fuel cells have failed and we have no backup.
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Jarylan Blackwell
"What the...?! Where did you get THAT?!"
"Creative aquisition."
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Jade_Dragon
8th Sword of Light
Sho-sho
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Location: United States
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| Posted: 24-Apr-2003 16:46 Post subject: RE: Achtung! U-boat! |
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It moves slower on the surface that underwater so speed is not the reason for the diesal engine. Probably backup for the new tech failure.
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