View source for Heroine-class submarine

{{Short description|Variant of the German Type 209 diesel-electric attack submarine (commissioned 2005)}}
{|{{Infobox ship begin |sclass=2}}
{{Infobox ship image
 | Ship image =SAS Charlotte Maxeke with HMS Portland MOD 45157758.jpg
 | Ship caption =SAS ''Charlotte Maxeke''
}}
{{Infobox ship class overview
 | Name=Heroine class
 | Builders =[[Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft]]
 | Operators =[[South African Navy]]
 | Class before ={{sclass|Daphné|submarine|4}}
 | Class after =  
 | Subclasses = 
 | Built range =3
 | In commission range = 
 | Total ships building = 
 | Total ships planned = 
 | Total ships completed =3
 | Total ships cancelled = 
 | Total ships active =3
 | Total ships laid up = 
 | Total ships lost = 
 | Total ships retired = 
 | Total ships preserved = 
}}
{{Infobox ship characteristics
 | Hide header = 
 | Header caption = 
 | Ship type =  [[Type 209 submarine|Type 209/1400]] [[submarine]]
 | Ship displacement =  {{cvt|1,454|t|LT|lk=on}} submerged
 | Ship length =   {{convert|62|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
 | Ship beam =  {{convert|7.6|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
 | Ship draft =  {{convert|5.8|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
 | Ship propulsion =  Diesel-electric, 4 diesels, 1 shaft, {{cvt|6100|shp|lk=on}}
 | Ship speed =*{{convert|10|kn|lk=in}}, surfaced;
*{{convert|21.5|kn}}, submerged
 | Ship range =* {{cvt|11,000|nmi|lk=in}} at 10 knots surfaced
* {{cvt|8,000|nmi}} at 10 knots [[Submarine snorkel|snorkeling]]
* {{cvt|400|nmi}} at {{convert|4|kn}} submerged
<!-- Was "|range_surf=*max. 11,000 (surfaced),
*8,000 (snort) |at_surf=10"; reverted back to 30 October 2007 value. -->
 | Ship endurance = 
 | Ship test depth =  {{cvt|500|m|ft}}
 | Ship complement =  30
 | Ship sensors ='''Sonar''': STN Atlas CSU-90; hull mounted and flank arrays
'''Radar''': Surface search I-band
'''Optics''': Zeiss non-hull penetrating optronic mast
 | Ship EW ='''ESM''': Grintek Avitronics , intercept + radar warning receiver
'''ELINT''': Saab S/UME-100 tactical electronic support measures
 | Ship armament =*8 × {{cvt|21|in|mm|0}} [[torpedo tubes]],
*14 [[AEG SUT 264 torpedo]]es; optional [[UGM-84|UGM-84 Harpoon]] integration
 | Ship notes = 
}}
|}

The '''Heroine class''' are a variant of the [[Type 209 submarine|Type 209]] diesel-electric attack [[submarine]] developed by [[Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft|Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft (HDW)]] of [[Germany]], currently in service with the [[South African Navy]]. The class is composed of three vessels.

==Background==
South Africa placed a contract for three Type 209 1400-Mod submarines in July 2000 on Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft (HDW) and [[Nordseewerke|Thyssen Nordseewerke]]. The Type 209 1400-Mod boats displace 1,450t surfaced and 1,600t dived. The Type 209 1400-Mod submarines replace the French-built {{sclass|Daphné|submarine|1}}s, {{ship|SAS|Spear}}, {{ship|SAS|Assegaai}} and {{ship|SAS|Umkhonto}} which were decommissioned in 2003.<ref name=ITweb>{{cite web|url=http://www.itweb.co.za/sections/business/2008/0802051036.asp?S=IT%20in%20Defence&A=DFN&O=google|title=SA gets third submarine|publisher=ITweb|first=Leon |last=Engelbrecht|date=2008-02-05|access-date=2008-10-23}}{{Dead link|date=July 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

The first submarine, {{ship|SAS|Manthatisi|S101|2}}, was built by Howaldtswerke at Kiel. It was launched in June 2004 and commissioned in November 2005.<ref name="navy.mil.za">{{Cite web |url=http://www.navy.mil.za/equipment/submarines.htm |title=Submarines |publisher=South African Navy |access-date=2012-10-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120710033617/http://www.navy.mil.za/equipment/submarines.htm |archive-date=2012-07-10 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The second and third submarines were built by Thyssen Nordseewerke in Emden. {{ship|SAS|Charlotte Maxeke|S102|2}} was launched in May 2005<ref name="navy.mil.za"/> and commissioned in March 2007. The third submarine, {{ship|SAS|Queen Modjadji|S103|2}}, was launched in 2006<ref name="navy.mil.za"/> and handed over in February 2008.

The submarines' homeport is [[Naval Base Simon's Town|Simon's Town naval base]] near [[Cape Town]].

As of 2019, two of the submarines were reported to be in need of "urgent and complete" refits. The recommended approach was to move to a contracting phase in 2020. The [[Armscor (South Africa)|Armscor]] annual report to parliament indicated that should the refits not take place, the submarine capability would not available after FY2022/23.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.defenceweb.co.za/featured/sa-navy-frigate-and-submarine-midlife-upgrades-on-hold/|title=SA Navy frigate and submarine midlife upgrades on hold|date=22 October 2019}}</ref> As of March 2021, the contracting phase had still not been initiated and no dates had been announced for any upgrades of the submarines.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.defenceweb.co.za/featured/midlife-upgrades-for-san-platforms-on-hold-pending-funding-armscor/|title=Midlife upgrades for SAN platforms on hold pending funding – Armscor|date=March 2021}}</ref>

In August 2021 it was reported that ''Charlotte Maxeke'' was being refitted at the Armscor Dockyard. Funding in the amount of R189 million had reportedly been made available to ensure the completion of the refit during the 2023/24 financial year. Funding for the refit of ''Queen Modjadji'' was not available, though the reported focus of the Navy was to prioritise essential maintenance and repair of SAS ''Manthatisi'' (which had been last refitted during 2013/14) to ensure "expedited operational availability."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.defenceweb.co.za/featured/refit-of-sa-navy-frigates-and-submarines-stalled-by-lack-of-funding/ |title=Refit of SA Navy frigates and submarines stalled by lack of funding |website=Defence Web |last=Martin |first=Guy |date=20 August 2021 |access-date=29 October 2021 }}</ref> As of April 2023, ''Manthatisi'' had completed a Docking and Essential Defect (DED) maintenance period and was undergoing post-maintenance trials. ''Queen Modjadji'' was undergoing preservation and pre-refit planning activities, in preparation for a refit.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.military.africa/2023/04/south-african-navy-allocated-r1-4-billion-to-refit-fleet/ |title=South African Navy allocated R1.4 billion to refit fleet |website=Military Africa |last=Lesedi |first=Sarah |date=13 April 2023 |access-date=12 September 2023 }}</ref>

===Naming===
The submarines are named after powerful South African women. ''Manthatisi'' is named after the female warrior chief of the [[Batlokwa]] tribe.<ref name=Navy1>{{cite web|url=http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index2.php?option=com_content&do_pdf=1&id=460|title=Fact file: Heroine-class diesel-electric submarine|publisher=[[South African Navy]]|first=Leon |last=Engelbrecht|date=2008-10-13|access-date=2008-10-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110719151058/http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index2.php?option=com_content&do_pdf=1&id=460|archive-date=2011-07-19|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Charlotte Maxeke'' is named after the female political activist [[Charlotte Maxeke]], who campaigned for equality in the early 20th century.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.info.gov.za/speeches/2007/07050311151001.htm |title=M Lekota: Welcoming of SAS Charlotte Maxeke |website=www.info.gov.za |access-date=22 May 2022 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20121225014701/http://www.info.gov.za/speeches/2007/07050311151001.htm |archive-date=25 December 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref> ''Queen Modjadji''  is named after the South African [[Rain Queen]].<ref name="Navy1"/>

==Submarines in class==
{| class="wikitable"
|-
!Prefix
!Ship name
!Pennant no.
!Laid down
!Launched
!Commissioned
!Status
|-
|{{center|SAS}}
|[[SAS Manthatisi|''Manthatisi'']]
|{{center|S101}}
|May 22, 2001
|June 15, 2004
|November 3, 2005
|Active
|-
|{{center|SAS}}
|[[SAS Charlotte Maxeke|''Charlotte Maxeke'']]
|{{center|S102}}
|November 12, 2003
|May 4, 2005
|March 14, 2007
|Active
|-
|{{center|SAS}}
|[[SAS Queen Modjadji|''Queen Modjadji'']]
|{{center|S103}}
|November 11, 2004
|October 31, 2007
|March 14, 2007
|Active (non-operational, awaiting refit as of 2023)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.military.africa/2023/04/south-african-navy-allocated-r1-4-billion-to-refit-fleet/ |title=South African Navy allocated R1.4 billion to refit fleet |website=Military Africa |last=Lesedi |first=Sarah |date=13 April 2023 |access-date=12 September 2023 }}</ref>
|}

==Characteristics==

===Performance===
The submarine has a crew of 30. The hull has a length of 62m, breadth of 7.6m and height of 5.8m. It has an approximate maximum diving depth of 500 meters.<ref name=Navy1/>

The Type 209/1400 submarine has a maximum speed of {{convert|10|kn|km/h|abbr=on}} surfaced and {{convert|22|kn|km/h|abbr=on}} dived.<ref name=Navy1/>

===Command and control===
[[File:US Navy 110210-N-5085J-521 The Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate USS Stephen W. Groves (FFG 29) participates in exercises with the South African na.jpg|thumb|SAS ''Charlotte Maxeke'' participating in joint United States and South African Naval exercises]]
The Atlas Elektronik ISUS 90-45 integrated combat information system provides navigation, automatic sensor integration and management as well as fire control functions for the submarine.<ref name=Navy>{{cite web|url=http://www.navy.mil.za/archive/0808/080819_Fleet_review/heroine_submarines.htm |title=SHIPS DATA OF HEROINE CLASS SUBMARINES |publisher=South African Navy |access-date=2008-10-23 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080917205630/http://www.navy.mil.za/archive/0808/080819_Fleet_review/heroine_submarines.htm |archive-date=2008-09-17 }}</ref>

===Weapons===
There are eight 533&nbsp;mm bow torpedo tubes and the submarine can carry up to 14 torpedoes. The SA Navy have acquired [[Atlas Elektronik]] [[SUT torpedo]]es for these submarines.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6636:fact-file-aeg-sut-264-heavyweight-torpedo&catid=79:fact-files&Itemid=159 |title=Defenceweb.co.za Fact file: AEG SUT 264 heavyweight torpedo (Note: This article incorrectly identifies the manufacturer as AEG, it is actually Atlas Elektronik. The AEG acronym seems to be derived from "Atlas Elektronic Gmbh". AEG is a home appliance manufacturer.) |date=15 February 2010 |access-date=2011-03-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110719152811/http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6636:fact-file-aeg-sut-264-heavyweight-torpedo&catid=79:fact-files&Itemid=159 |archive-date=2011-07-19 |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Sensors===
'''Optical'''

The submarine is fitted with two periscopes, a conventional, hull-penetrating SERO 400 attack periscope and a non-hull-penetrating OMS 100 optronic mast (search periscope), both supplied by Carl Zeiss (now Cassidian) Optronics.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cassidian.com/en_US/web/guest/sero_400_oms_110 |title=SERO_400_OMS_110 - Cassidian.com |website=www.cassidian.com |access-date=22 May 2022 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130726111923/http://www.cassidian.com/en_US/web/guest/sero_400_oms_110 |archive-date=26 July 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

The OMS-100 mast integrates an optronic sensor with a high-definition resolution colour TV camera and third generation thermal imager. The cameras are gyroscopically stabilised in elevation and azimuth. The sensor assembly is installed in a retractable unit outside the pressure hull of the submarine. The observation and operation of the mast are controlled on a console. The optronics mast system contains fully automatic functions for very fast surveillance and observation so the period of mast exposure above the surface is extremely short.{{Citation needed|date=November 2024}}

'''Radar'''

The surface search radar operates at I-band.{{Citation needed|date=November 2024}}

'''Sonar'''

The Atlas Elektronik CSU 90 sonar suite includes hull-mounted passive and active search-and-attack, flank array and active intercept sonar arrays, as well as an own noise monitoring system. South Africa did not exercise the option of purchasing a 'clip-on' towed array sonar based on advice from existing users that the system is clumsy and would prove impractical in South Africa's envisaged operational context.

'''ESM/ELINT'''

The submarine is equipped with a Saab Grintek Avionics UME-100 ESM/Designated ELINT system. The antennae for the system are integrated into the mastheads of both the SERO 400 and OMS-100 periscopes.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.saabgroup.com/en/Naval/Electronic-Warfare/Submarine_Tactical_ESM_and_ELINT_Systems/UME-100_ESM_ELINT_for_submarines/In-use/ |title=Saab &#124; It´s a human right to feel safe |access-date=2019-07-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110911103936/http://www.saabgroup.com/en/Naval/Electronic-Warfare/Submarine_Tactical_ESM_and_ELINT_Systems/UME-100_ESM_ELINT_for_submarines/In-use/ |archive-date=2011-09-11 |url-status=live }}</ref>

The submarine's ELINT electronic intelligence system is the Saab S/UME-100 tactical electronic support measures which provides electronic intelligence analysis and amplitude direction finding capability.

The S/UME-100 comprises the ESM antenna, the radar warning receiver antenna, a signal distribution unit and an electronic warfare controller.

The S/UME-100 tactical ESM antennas interface to the optronics mast and attack periscope.

===Countermeasures===
It is believed that the submarines are fitted with the CIRCE torpedo counter-measure ejector system.{{Citation needed|date=November 2024}}

===Propulsion===

The submarines are fitted with a diesel electric propulsion system based on four MTU 12V 396 diesel engines delivering 2.8MW, with four alternators and one Siemens 3.7MW motor, driving a single shaft.<ref name=Navy/>

==Allegations of bribery==

In 2008, the Sunday Times reported that Ferrostaal allegedly gave former president [[Thabo Mbeki]] R30 million in bribes, some of which was allegedly shared with former president [[Jacob Zuma]]. An internal audit of Ferrostaal by American-based law firm Debevoise and Plimpton, who was hired after the German Public Prosecutions Authority arrested of one of its board members in 2010, reportedly places the amount paid in bribes at R300 million, or over $40 million. The report was not publicly released, but Germany's Süddeutsche Zeitung reported that it had obtained a copy.<ref>{{cite web|title=Germans paid R300m for SA submarines|url=http://www.iol.co.za/news/politics/germans-paid-r300m-for-sa-submarines-1.1112665|publisher=IOL News|access-date=5 August 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110920234635/http://www.iol.co.za/news/politics/germans-paid-r300m-for-sa-submarines-1.1112665|archive-date=20 September 2011|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Service history==
The submarines of the ''Heroine'' class are primarily used to patrol and detect illegal fishermen in the territorial waters of South Africa.<ref>{{cite magazine |last= |first= |date=June 2009 |title=Op bezoek bij de Zuid Afrikaanse Onderzeedienst  |url=https://www.klaarvooronderwater.nl/kvo/Kvo-108.pdf |magazine=Klaar Voor Onderwater |location=Den Helder |publisher=Onderzeedienst Reünistenvereniging |issue=108|volume=32 |pages=13-14|language=Dutch}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[South African Navy]]
* [[List of active South African Navy ships]]
* [[List of submarine classes in service]]
* [[Type 209 submarine]] The ''Heorine-class'' is based on this class of submarines.

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* [http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/europe/type-209.htm Global Security]

{{South African Navy}}
{{Heroine class submarines}}
{{Modern German submarines}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Heroine Class Submarine}}
[[Category:Attack submarines]]
[[Category:Submarine classes]]
[[Category:Heroine-class submarines| ]]
[[Category:Submarines of South Africa]]