Dolphin Class Submarine
The Type 800 Dolphin-class is a diesel-electric submarine developed and constructed by Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft AG (HDW), Germany for the Israeli Navy. It is based on the export-only German 209-class submarines, but greatly modified and enlarged, and is thus not designated as a member of the 209 family. The Dolphin-class boats are the most expensive single vehicle in the Israel Defense Forces and are considered among the most sophisticated and capable conventionally-powered submarines in the world. The Dolphin-class replaced the aging Gal-class submarines, which had served in the Israeli navy since the late 1970s. Each Dolphin-class submarine is capable of carrying a combined total of up to 16 torpedoes and SLCMs. The cruise missiles are believed to have a range of 1,500 km (930 mi) and may be equipped with conventional warheads or, some believe, a 200kg nuclear warhead. The latter, if true, would provide Israel with an offshore second strike capability.
Read more about Dolphin Class Submarine: Boats, Armament and Systems, Operations and Deployment
Famous quotes containing the word class:
“There is a struggle between the Oriental and the Occidental in every nation; some who would be forever contemplating the sun, and some who are hastening toward the sunset. The former class says to the latter, When you have reached the sunset, you will be no nearer to the sun. To which the latter replies, But we so prolong the day.”
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)