PAPANIKOLIS is an outstanding performer:
Excellent Stability and Rolling Behaviour
It has to be clearly noted that the Class 214 submarine has no stability problem in any sea conditions.
The stability of the Class 214 has been proven in a diving and inclination test according to the applicable governmental building standards and the test showed the surface stability values exceeding the required performance level by nearly 50%.
Moreover, the submarine is fully operational in all respects, under water as well as when in surface transit. The so-called technical problem of PAPANIKOLIS is a completely normal behaviour of any ship on the surface, including for example containerships.
The Air Independent Propulsion System: Outstanding World Class Technology
The fuel cell based Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system with its decisive contribution to the superior submerged operation of PAPANIKOLIS is a latest-state-of-the-art development: More silent, longer diving, faster driving, more compact. With this AIP system, PAPANIKOLIS sets standards never reached before.
The fuel cell modules installed on PAPANIKOLIS are based on the well-proven modules installed on submarines in operation with certain NATO navies. The world record in submerged operation time for conventional submarines was achieved in spring 2006 by a Class 212 submarine of the German Navy. HDW and Siemens can assure that the fuel cell modules installed on PAPANIKOLIS will be as reliable.
PAPANIKOLIS: Extreme New Signature for Quietness
PAPANIKOLIS has an outstanding performance in terms of acoustic signatures.
As part of the tests of the submarine, extensive acoustic measurements have been made at the two official test ranges of the German Government. As is normal practice, the submarine has thereafter been fine-tuned and adjusted by using the results of these measurements.
The results of the final acoustic measurements were in all areas (including the propeller) within the contracted values and are additionally meeting almost all of the extremely tough performance criteria specified for the German Navy Class 212A submarines.
The ISUS Combat System: New Standards and New Horizons
The ISUS (Integrated Sonar Utility System) system is the latest generation of a fully integrated combat system, tailored to the requirements of the Hellenic Navy and the most sophisticated system ever installed onboard a submarine.
In addition to traditional combat system capabilities, ISUS also integrates several other systems, such as navigation, radar and platform systems. In a special test program for PAPANIKOLIS in August 2006, a 36-hour test was successfully performed, meeting all specified contractual performance criteria clearly.
The Periscope: Fully in Function, Even Under Extreme Conditions
For operational reasons, the periscope of the Class 214 boat is longer than usual. In order to further minimise vibrations, comprehensive modifications were carried out. These have led to substantial improvements and no further problems have been observed.
The Hydraulic System: New Findings Led to Perfect Performance
There was never a water inrush into the boat. A minor leakage of water into the hydraulic system was immediately noted and perfectly repaired. The hydraulic system has been continuously running without restrictions.
ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems is fully committed to the excellent development of Hellenic Shipyards in the framework of this huge European shipyard group. We are sure that Hellenic Shipyards is and will be in the future a reliable partner for national and international navies and other clients.