Hashmat Class (Agosta 70)

DESCRIPTION

These submarines were built in France, initially for sale to South Africa. After the 1977 United Nations arms embargo they instead were sold to Pakistan. They are of the same design as the French AGOSTA class and are Pakistan's largest and most modern submarines.

These double-hull submarines are known for their quiet operation and large battery capacity, which at 320 cells is twice that of the HANGOR-class submarines (French DAPHNE design) also in service with Pakistan. These subs use two SEMT-Pielstick 16PA4-V185 diesel engines rated at 3,600 bhp. At-sea endurance is 45 days. The submarines are highly automated, requiring only a few crew members more than needed to operate the smaller HANGOR class.

In 1984-1985 these submarines were fitted to carry the Sub-Harpoon anti-ship missile. The Sub-Harpoons are fired from the torpedo tubes. (The French AGOSTA class carried the SM 39 Exocet.)

STATUS

Both units are in active service; they were sold to Pakistan in 1978. Three newer versions, Agosta 90Bs, are currently under construction for the Pakistani navy. They will be armed with SM 39 Exocet missiles and torpedoes.

Intended South African names were ASTRANT and ADVENTUROUS, respectively.

BUILDER(S)

Dubigeon, Normandy (Nantes)

AGOSTA 70 COMBAT SYSTEMS

• 4 torpedo tubes 21.7 in (550 mm) bow
• heavyweight torpedoes and anti-ship missiles.
• 20 F-17P ASW torpedoes
• SGM-84 Harpoon SSM launched from torpedo tubes.
• 20 Stonefish Mines
• 1 DRUA 33 surface search radar
• 1 DSUV 2H passive search medium frequency sonar
• 1 DUUA 1D active high frequency sonar
• 1 DUUA 2A/2B active/passive search and attack sonar
• 1 DUUX 2A hull-mounted passive ranging sonar
• 1 ARUR, 1 ARUD sonar intercept EW