During the SAHA EXPO 2024 defense exhibition, held last week in Istanbul, the Turkish company DATUM Submarine Technologies, based at Istanbul Technical University, presented the TRANÇA mini-submarine project.
According to Naval News, the small-sized submarine is designed with increased mobility requirements in mind: TRANÇA can be transported on low-frame trailers and launched using cranes, which eliminates the need for permanent bases or specialized support units.
TRANÇA mini-submarine Project, Turkey
Naval News
TRANÇA mini-submarine Project, Turkey
Naval News
Dr. Munir Kansin Ozden, founder of DATUM, emphasized the multipurpose purpose of the development: the submarine will be able to perform not only covert operations, but is versatile enough to serve as a test platform for naval technologies.
"For example, new sonar systems, communications systems and weapons such as the SUB-ATMACA anti–ship missile and ORKA torpedoes can be integrated and tested on this submarine before deployment to larger platforms," Dr. Ozden said.
He also recalled the problem faced by the naval forces in many countries: significant requirements for the number of personnel and their professional skills for the safe operation of submarines. Dr. Ozden noted that mini-submarines such as the TRANÇA can offer a more efficient alternative, especially in terms of crew numbers and training.
"For example, a group of only eight operators can operate two TRANÇA attack submarines simultaneously. After completing the mission, these operators can be quickly transferred to another region to perform another mission, which provides unparalleled flexibility and efficiency," explained the founder of DATUM.
In his opinion, such a streamlined approach not only reduces the operational burden on the Navy, but also ensures a rapid strategic response in several theaters of war.
With a length of 20 meters, the width of the TRANÇA is 2.8 meters, the height is 3.6 meters. The displacement is 60 tons. The diving depth is 250 meters, the maximum speed under water is 12 knots. The cruising range is 400 nautical miles on battery charge (2000 miles when using a snorkel).
The personnel consists of four operators and six combat swimmers.
Equipped with two 533 mm torpedo tubes, TRANÇA submarines will be able to use heavy AKYA torpedoes and SUB-ATMACA anti-ship missiles adapted for underwater platforms, the development of which has not yet been completed.
