No, you're the one who is confused. I never once said that it is something an AIP SSK would do, just that it is a capability that the system has, regarding running the AIP at full power. I realize that there isn't a situation where running your AIP fuel cell dry for no reason isn't something that a sub would do during normal operations, it's just that is simply what the system is capable of.
You asked me to provide reference to SSK AIP subs crossing in transit the ocean at the speeds I claimed, on regular D/E propulsion, which I clearly did. Nothing you're saying now is something I ever contradicted, so stop dancing please, thanks. Nor did I every say a sub would run it's AIP out by running at max power, just that it is possible for them to run 20 kts on AIP and go at least 1000km, it's right there in the first report, as well as the 2nd one in the graphs as well. If you can't bother to read it, it's right under the paragraph regarding Australia's requirements, where it states that an AIP SSK on the offense going after an enemy target will run its AIP fuel out within 24 hours at max~20kts speed, which is why a nuclear SSN is a better hunter killer for them. Look at the graphs, it's right in front of your nose as well regarding max power and speed on the AIP system, not to mention spelled out in words in the first report if you can't figure the graphs out in the second.
SSK AIP subs transit at speeds varying from 8 to 15 kts, usually in the 12 to 14 range, then cruise at 5 kts in the operational area on their AIP system for up to a month. They also have the capability to use max AIP power and stay very covert in order to evade threats or make tactical movements as the situation requires, and do so for up to 24hrs or more on their AIP tied in systems until the fuel cell is expended. That's the end of story. I provided the material which directly discusses modern SSK transit times, and it shows every single modern SSK sub. I never once said that they crossed in transit using the AIP system, that's something you're creating, again not something I ever claimed. All I said was that the modern SSK AIP's are no longer tied to coastlines and operational areas near home, since they can use their bunker fuel for transit at high speed to the operational area, then slow cruise at 5 kts in near silent mode on the AIP system for a month once they get there, and use high speeds of 20kts for approx 24hrs of use on the AIP system without the diesel running at all, when required for tactical reasons in the operational area. That's it, plain and simple. All this other noise you're making is just to cloud the fact that you don't like being shown the precise information you asked for.
The AIP system provides less than 10% of the energy required to run at flank speed. The rest will have to come from the batteries.
This is correct, and if you look at the graphs in the 2nd and 3rd links, the AIP system is tied in with the batteries, the batteries are air independent as well until they are discharged, which gives max flank speeds of greater than 20kts, the real max is likely a little higher than this, but certainly not near SSN speeds. Again, as I've stated enough times now, at 20 kts or whatever flanks speed is in each SSKAIP sub, the fuel cell can only sustain that for around 24 hours, roughly 1000km or just over, and then it's expended, and the snorts have to start and continue for the remainder of operations. The European built AIP SSK's are truly something now, very, very dangerous units that are cheap enough for non-USA countries to operate. I'm hoping Canada purchases some more to supplement the D/E boats we have now, the German boats being preferred IMO. Anti aircraft launched missile systems through the tubes while submerged, cruise missile capable, decent torps, although not up the the MK48 ADCAPS we had to convert our Upholder classes to in order to use our existing stockpile of them. The crazy thing is that the mods ended up costing 2x as much as the Spearfish torps we could have taken with the subs which were already fitted out for those. We could have sold our Mk48's to a country that uses them, or even donated them, and still come out further ahead. This is what happens when committees of civilians who don't know much about weapons or money get involved in military affairs up here.
