Navantia’s S-81 “Isaac Peral” submarine succesfully performs its first dive tests

31st. March 2023 – Navantia’s S-81 submarine ‘Isaac Peral’ has made its first dive tests yesterday, as part of the test schedule agreed between Navantia, the Navy and the Ministry of Defence. This is the static dive which has allowed the submarine’s displacement to be verified, the transverse and longitudinal stability to be determined and the resulting draughts.

The test was carried out in the waters of the La Algameca naval station, opposite the Navy’s Diving Centre. It forms part of the safety milestones in the construction and testing of the S-80 submarine programme and is carried out after surface navigation and prior to submerged navigations.

The test, which lasted eight hours, was divided into three phases. During the first and last phases, the draughts were measured at Navantia’s armament dock, while the central phase took place in the open sea, close to the 50-metre buoy located in front of the Navy’s Diving Centre in La Algameca. Once the location was reached, the displacement, transverse stability and longitudinal stability measurement tests were carried out. Tests on the S-81 submarine will continue until it is delivered to the Navy.

“With its first static dive, the S-81 has passed a key milestone on the way to its full operational capability. The close collaboration between Navantia, the Navy and the Ministry of Defence is making it possible to make steady progress in the greatest challenge ever faced by Spanish industry. The first dive we have witnessed today is the result of the efforts of many professionals, so I would like to thank all the people involved in the programme for their dedication and commitment to ensure its success and congratulate them on this important step”, said the President of Navantia, Ricardo Domínguez.

Photos courtesy Navantia