
Specifications
Year: 2022
Status: In-Development
Ships-in-Class: 2
Named Ships: Unnamed Boat #1; Unnamed Boat #2
Roles: Hunter; Direct-Attack;
Status: In-Development
Ships-in-Class: 2
Named Ships: Unnamed Boat #1; Unnamed Boat #2
Roles: Hunter; Direct-Attack;
Complement: 27
Length: 206.7 ft (63.00 m)
Width: 21 ft (6.40 m)
Height: 19.7 ft (6.00 m)
Displacement (Surface): 1,930 tons
Displacement (Submerged): 2,400 tons
Length: 206.7 ft (63.00 m)
Width: 21 ft (6.40 m)
Height: 19.7 ft (6.00 m)
Displacement (Surface): 1,930 tons
Displacement (Submerged): 2,400 tons
Propulsion: Conventional diesel-electric arrangement featuring diesel engines for surface running coupled with an electric motor for submerged travel.
Speed (Surface): 16 kts (18 mph)
Speed (Submerged): 22 kts (25 mph)
Range: 6,952 nm (8,000 miles; 12,875 km)
Speed (Submerged): 22 kts (25 mph)
Range: 6,952 nm (8,000 miles; 12,875 km)
Operators: Sweden (ordered)
By March 2015, the Swedish Government committed to the venture, now recognized as "A26", and is intent on purchasing two new all-modern diesel-electric attack platforms built to the same standard by Saab Kockums AB (Saab Group). The boats will possess a displacement of 1,930 tons and have a length of 206.7 feet, a beam of 21 feet and a draught of 19.8 feet. The diesel-electric propulsion scheme will use the Stirling API system for underwater silent running and onboard stores will allow the boats to remain at sea for up to 45 days at a time before requiring resupply. The hull will be capable of depths down to 655 feet and the crew complement will number between 20 and 30 persons.
The proposed armament scheme is consistent with previous modern Swedish submarine designs, a mix of 4 x 533mm (21") torpedo tubes and 2 x 400mm (16") torpedo tubes (all bow facing). The boat will also have provision to carry naval mines as needed. There is also possible support for an 18-cell Vertical Launch System (VLS) to fire the American Tomahawk cruise missile is also planned.
The A26 will be completed with a modular design as its centerpiece, allowing a single boat framework to be customized to Swedish Navy needs while keeping operating costs minimal. Five major sections will make up the hull of the submarine to include its bow, sail and three aft sections. This allows each module to be built independently and be tested, modified, and/or replaced as needed with the new/revised section simply being reinserted into the submarines design flow. The submarine can, therefore, be customized to meet future demands as they arise and will more than likely be able to maintain a long-running career as a result.

Much thought has been placed in the submarine's acoustic signature to help the boat maintain an advantage in the undersea hunting game while long-term maintenance is to be kept at a minimum to reduce in-dock times for maintenance, repairs and general overhauls. Beyond this is attention being paid to making the A26 a long-endurance attack submarine capable of deep water ocean operation - moving the Swedish fleet away from its usual coastline duties.
Of note is that the bow of the submarine has a multi-mission porthole which can house a mini-submersible to provide an extended set of "eyes" underwater - useful when supporting rescue operations or special forces actions.
Externally, the boat exhibits a conventional submarine arrangement. The sail, of a rather unique and low-profile design, sits ahead of midships and contains the needed sensors and communications equipment as well as the dive planes. The tailplanes (including the rudder) are arranged in an "X" pattern aft and is consistent with previous Swedish Navy submarine designs. The multi-bladed propeller unit sits just outside of the tailplanes.
To date, the A26 has had something of a prolonged and somewhat troubled development history centered between logistical, industry and political meandering issues all-the-while time slips away from the existing in-service Swedish submarine fleet. The Swedish Navy is planning on having its two A26 submarines online on or around 2022 and these will most likely begin their careers operating side-by-side with the existing Gotland-class boats. The current (2017) Swedish submarine fleet numbers five boats (3 x Gotland-class and 2 x Sondermanland-class).
Of note is that the bow of the submarine has a multi-mission porthole which can house a mini-submersible to provide an extended set of "eyes" underwater - useful when supporting rescue operations or special forces actions.
Externally, the boat exhibits a conventional submarine arrangement. The sail, of a rather unique and low-profile design, sits ahead of midships and contains the needed sensors and communications equipment as well as the dive planes. The tailplanes (including the rudder) are arranged in an "X" pattern aft and is consistent with previous Swedish Navy submarine designs. The multi-bladed propeller unit sits just outside of the tailplanes.
To date, the A26 has had something of a prolonged and somewhat troubled development history centered between logistical, industry and political meandering issues all-the-while time slips away from the existing in-service Swedish submarine fleet. The Swedish Navy is planning on having its two A26 submarines online on or around 2022 and these will most likely begin their careers operating side-by-side with the existing Gotland-class boats. The current (2017) Swedish submarine fleet numbers five boats (3 x Gotland-class and 2 x Sondermanland-class).
Armament
PROPOSED:
4 x 533mm (21") torpedo tubes
2 x 400mm (16") torpedo tubes
Possible support for Tomahawk cruise missiles in an 18-cell Vertical Launch System (VLS).
Air Wing
None.