The 'Carrera' is the First Submarine Built in Spain for Export
(Source: Izar; dated Nov. 24, web-posted Nov. 29, 2004)
CARTAGENA, Spain --- Izar has launched the submarine 'Carrera' for Chile, the first submarine built in Spain for a foreign country.
The event was attended by the Minister of Defense of Chile, Jaime Ravinet de la Fuente, and the Commander of the Chilean navy, Admiral Vergara, whose wife Maria Ximena Iturriaga sponsored the ship.
The delivery of 'Carrera' will take place next year in Cartagena, after it has completed its sea trials.
Carrera is the second submarine of the Scorpene program for Chile, a joint effort between the French DCN shipyards group and Izar. It is also the first for which Izar is responsible not only for the construction of the stern section, but also for the assembly of the prow and stern sections.
The Scorpene is a conventionally-powered submarine of latest generation, capable of carrying out oceanic as well as coastal missions. Its commercial success is explained by its low maintenance costs and its low manpower requirements, as it is crewed by only 32 personnel.
It is an extraordinarily quiet submarine, with considerable eavesdropping capabilities. It is equipped with six launch tubes and carries 18 conventional weapons, either torpedoes or missiles.
This submarine is able to operate at depths of more than 300 meters thanks to the resistance of its hull, built in a special steel offering high elasticity. Submerged, the Scorpene design can reach a speed of 20 knots.
The solidity of the hull is due to its designersÕ accumulated experience in the construction of nuclear submarines Additionally, Izar in Cartagena has long experience in the construction of submarines.
Currently, IzarÕs Cartagena shipyard has in its order book two submarines for Malaysia, also of the Scorpene class, whose construction is on schedule, in addition to the four S-80 submarines for the Spanish Navy.
These contracts guarantee the activity of the shipyard until end of 2014.
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