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The Swedish company Saab has revealed a number of details about the A26 submarine, calling it "the world's first fifth-generation submarine." Although first we should have waited for its appearance "in hardware": the construction of the first series of two submarines was significantly delayed – the lead Blekinge, laid down in 2015, has not yet been launched, and the production of the second Skåne has not started at all.
According to Saab, developed for operations in the Baltic Sea, a shallow water area with difficult acoustic conditions, the A26 has comprehensive detection protection achieved by suppressing acoustic, magnetic, radar, electrical, infrared and visual signatures.
The geometry of the housing and the external coating reduce the reflected signal power without compromising hydrodynamic efficiency, and the adaptive demagnetization system minimizes magnetic radiation. The electrical signatures are controlled by an advanced corrosion protection system and automatic field control.
The VNEU uses reserves of liquid oxygen and diesel fuel, which burn in a sealed cycle with minimal vibration and noise. Compared to other types of VNEU, in particular those powered by fuel cells, the Stirling engine is more economical, easy to maintain and compatible with modular upgrades.
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The A26 has a terminal in the bow for moving cargo and various equipment. Due to this, it will be able to accommodate unmanned underwater vehicles, swimmer delivery vehicles and special forces. The A26 is able to lie on the seabed without external tanks, which is made possible by its robust, pressure-resistant hull. The X-shaped rudder provides increased maneuverability in confined spaces or in shallow water.
The A26 is equipped with electronic surveillance and communication systems capable of collecting, classifying and transmitting data with the active participation of AI during their processing. The submarine is capable of conducting an "underwater information war", which includes both working with enemy communication channels and protecting the underwater infrastructure.
The displacement of the A26 is 1,925 tons above water and 2,100 tons underwater, length 66.1 m, width 6.75 m, draft 6 m. The power plant consists of 2 diesel-electric engines and 4 Kockums MkV V4-275R Stirling AIP units that operate a single-shaft propeller drive. The autonomy in the underwater position is up to 45 days, while for 18 days it can work exclusively on the VNEU. The speed in the underwater position reaches 6 knots on VNEU or 11 on diesel traction. The standard crew consists of 17-26 people, and in the presence of special forces up to 35 people.
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The armament includes four 533-mm TA capable of using heavy Torped 62 or Torped 63, and two 400-mm TA for light Torped 47 (SLWT). The modular payload system allows the use of cruise missiles or bottom-mounted munitions.
The sonar system includes Atlas Elektronik nose and side antenna arrays, sonar arrays for intercepting high-frequency signals, Kongsberg SA9510S mine detection sonar and Safran Series 30 optocoupler masts for observing the water surface.
The A26 has several export configurations. The Oceanic version is the basic model and is designed for long-range patrols designed for more than 30 days underwater. The Pelagic variant is optimized for coastal defense, the length of the submarine is 50 m, and the autonomy is 20 days. The Extended Range modification has a length of more than 80 m, an autonomy of more than 50 days, and a range of more than 10,000 nautical miles. The C71 expeditionary variant is also offered for operations over 13,000 miles away.
