FOREWORD
Italian submarine DGK represents the pinnacle of sophistication in submarine technology today. Integrating the latest in high-tech innovation, DGK excels in stealth, adaptability, and multi-mission capability.
DESIGN PRINCIPLES
Its success is rooted in a combination of ingenious design features, including a stealthy profile, modular hull construction, reliable onboard equipment, and user-friendly operational and maintenance features. Notably, DGK surpasses conventional SSKs in performance, particularly in shallow and very shallow water scenarios.
DETERRENCE – RETALIATION – INTERDICTION
The compact dimensions and exceptional quietness of DGK make it a formidable underwater target, avoiding detection even by advanced anti-submarine vehicles. It can safely operate submerged at 25-30
meters sea water, further enhancing its capabilities.
Operational superiority is achieved through the submarine’s ability to minimize emitted noise levels, exhibit low target strength, and effectively classify and locate targets through passive means. DGK boasts formidable anti-ship capabilities, especially in coastal waters, equipped with high-performance hydro-acoustic detection sensors, a robust passive tracking system, and a state-of-the-art command and control system.
MODULAR DESIGN FOR MULTI-MISSION CAPABILITY
The modular design of DGK enables multi-mission capability, featuring up to four heavyweight torpedoes, a payload bay for a variety of mission equipment, and ingeniously crafted ballast tanks to extend mission configurations. It can carry up to 5 tons of equipment including swimmer delivery vehicles, ROVs, AUVs, and mine-laying racks.
CONSTRUCTION AND LOGISTICS
Construction and logistical considerations contribute to the practicality of DGK.
Configured in sections with no compromise on structural integrity, DGK can be covertly transported by road, facilitating maintenance and repair of the meticulously designed on-board systems.
KEY FEATURES
Industrial automotive batteries are installed to facilitate the procurement cycle and ensure an increase in performance in line with industry trends without changes to the submarine configuration.
Thanks to the combination of an excellent L/D parameter value (Length/Diameter) and the X-rudder configuration for the stern hydroplanes, the craft has optimal maneuverability, essential for operations in littoral and restricted waters.
The stern free-circulating area of the hydrodynamic hull sees the positioning of the two aft ballast tanks, duly designed to guarantee buoyancy in the case of damage. There are three ballast tanks in the bow and this area accommodates the torpedo launching tubes and the passive sonar conformal array.