RNLN Walrus subs get enhanced escape system

摘要

The Royal Netherlands Navy (RNLN) has begun equipping its four Walrus-class submarines with a personnel escape system developed by German submarine-builder Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft (HDW) and UK-based Advanced Marine Innovation Technology Subsea (AMITS). The HABETaS system procured by the RNLN, as launch customer, consists of an ascent hood inflation controller and a flood and vent controller (both inside the submarine's escape towers) matched to escape suits supplied by German company Texcon. The Walrus-class submarine HrMs Brulnvls left the naval base at Den Helder equipped with an opera- tional HABETaS system at the end of October. Personnel escape systems consisting of air locks and onboard gas supplies have been available since the 1950s but until now were limited to a maximum escape depth of 180 m, according to HDW. In addition, high gas consumption during the flooding and compression phase of the air lock meant there was sometimes insufficient gas for an entire crew to evacuate from relatively shallow depths.