SMX-21 - 2002

The multirole, reconfigurable SMX-21 submarine concept was first displayed by DCN (now DCNS) at the 2002 Euronaval show in Paris in October 2002. The twin-hulled design, with a hull that displaces only 2,700 tons, is similar in configuration to the Typhoon-class SSBN though with a flatter body, with both separate hulls being contained within a single outer pressure hull. The wide body of the submarine is designed to allow extensive storage space between the hulls for non-penetrating masts and slot-in reconfigurable slanted launcher 'Mission Packs' without imposing on the accommodation and propulsion sections as a conventional layout does.

Packs can be configured to meet a variety of mission requirements, with each pack containing a mix of up to 10 weapons such as torpedoes (both lightweight and heavyweight), missiles for AAW and ASM tasks, and cruise missiles with a land attack capability. Total Mission Pack load out is 30 weapons, though the boat also has conventional bow tubes to fire both torpedoes and missiles and a forward bay on the underside of the submarine for mine delivery.

A DDS is mounted externally for use as stowage space for a special forces delivery system and carriage of recoverable UUVs and expendable unmanned platforms. Other features of the design are pump-jet propulsors and innovative control surfaces, while sensor systems also include retractable towed linear arrays combined within a fully integrated combat management system.

SMX-21 mission equipment with modular configuration, according to the different tasks required to carry different armed or vehicle. The hull of the SMX-21 resembles the Russian typhoon-class nuclear ballistic missile submarine parallel double-shell structure, the overall appearance of a flat oval-shaped, and the use of dual-jet pump. DCN claimed that this design can create the largest available space within the hull. The general single submarine telescopic mast and other equipment need to penetrate the pressure shell, resulting in reduced hull strength. In parallel under the double-shell structure, this equipment can be arranged between the pressure shells without the need to penetrate, making the hull strength and the available space within the ship increased. The two pressure housings operate independently of each other, and even if one of the housings fails, the other housing can be operated after being isolated. SMX-21 is highly automated and requires only 30 people to operate.

SMX-21 weapons system also jump off today's submarine torpedo tube configuration, not only the front of the main torpedo tube, the pressure shell can also be installed on both sides of the four weapons launch module, a total of 10 can be loaded Different weapons, including torpedoes, anti-ship missiles, land attack cruise missiles, submarine anti-aircraft missiles and even small underwater unmanned vehicles (UUV), different weapons using different launch tubes into the module, can be mixed configurations. Replacement is very convenient. In addition, the bottom of the hull also has a transmitter, and can accommodate nine mines. Including torpedo tubes and external launch modules, the ship can carry up to 30 weapons in total. In addition to weapons, SMX-21 sail on both sides of each have a pick-up port, can carry special forces loaded mini-submarines or reusable underwater unmanned vehicles, can be underwater detection, mine calibration, or special operations.