KSS-III
SONAR System
To detect faraway enemies faster underwater, a submarine must have a high-performance SONAR system, which is equivalent to ears for humans.
The performance of the SONAR system is a critical factor directly linked to a submarine’s combat capability and survivability. KSS-III Batch-II is equipped with Korean-developed SONAR systems, including the horseshoe SONAR located in the bow, enabling effective target detection with minimized shadow zones across various frequency bands.
Weapon Handling and
Launch System
KSS-III Dosan Ahn Changho-class submarines are equipped with advanced weapon launching and handling systems. These systems support the effective operation of various weapon systems, including torpedoes, missiles, and mines. Fast launch, simultaneous launch, and rapid reload capabilities enable flexible responses in a wide range of operational environments.
Vertical Launch System
KSS-III Dosan Ahn Changho-class submarine is the only diesel submarine in existence that has a vertical launching system.
With its multi-cell VLS capacity, it can operate SLBMs (submarine-launched ballistic missiles) with heavy warheads, which is the main reason why KSS-III submarine came to settle its position as the key strategic asset to curb North Korea’s nuclear provocations as a means of KMPR (Korea Massive Punishment and Retaliation), the core of South Korea’s three-axis system.
Lithium Battery
The lithium battery system, which has superior energy density compared to the lead-acid battery system, has significantly increased the number of days KSS-III Batch-II submarine can navigate underwater continuously without cessation.
While the previous submarines with lead-acid batteries can sail at the maximum underwater speed for only about an hour, a submarine equipped with lithium batteries can sail three times longer. In addition, compared to lead-acid batteries, lithium batteries are easier to maintain and have longer battery life, thus reducing operation and maintenance costs.
Fuel Cell System
This system generates electricity through the electrochemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. Typically, a diesel submarine must perform “snorkeling,” where the submarine regularly floats near the surface to intake air inside and operate the diesel generator to recharge the discharged storage batteries during operation. This process is bound to generate noise, making the submarine lose its covertness and vulnerable to enemy attacks.
However, installation of fuel cell systems can significantly reduce the frequency of snorkeling and remarkably extend the number of continuous underwater operation days. The Korean fuel cell system installed on the KSS-III Dosan Ahn Changho-class submarine proved its reliability by breaking the world’s longest continuous operation record at the time during T&E.
