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2nd
Scorpène
Chilean Navy establishes closer links with France
(texto em português Link)
Chile’s
Navy second Scorpene class submarine “SS Carrera”
left Spain Tuesday after completing several months’ navigation
and equipment trials.
“SS
Carrera” was officially delivered last July to Chilean
Defense Minister Vivianne Blanlot in Cartagena’s dry
dock belonging to the Franco-Spanish consortium DCN-Navatina.
The first Scorpene submarine, built in France by the same
consortium was incorporated to the Chilean navy two years
ago.
Commander
Elio Concuera said the 38 men crew of the SS Carrera was very
happy to return to Chile after having spent three years in
Cartagena with their families.
SS
Carrera puts an end to the submersible renewal plan of the
Chilean navy which now is equipped with the most modern of
conventional submarines in the world pointed out Commander
Concuera.
“This
is a completely dissuasive weapon to keep vigil over peace”,
he added.
The
voyage to Chile, over 8.000 miles, is scheduled to reach port
of Talcahuano, Chile December 15.
The
Scorpone submarines have a 50/60 days underwater autonomy,
can dive to 300 meters and navigate at 20 knots.
In
related news it was announced in Paris that French electronics
company Thales will be responsible for the maintenance of
the electronic systems in the four Dutch frigates which are
to be incorporated to the Chilean navy next March.
The
final contract between the company and the Chilean Navy’s
Yards will be signed next month in Chile during the Santiago
Expo-naval.
Two
of the frigates are for air defense and the other for multi
purposes.
Thales manufactures sophisticated hi-tech equipment particularly
vigilance radars SMARTS-S, LW08 and STIR; weapons system Goalkeeper;
sonar PHS36; combat control and communications systems.
“This signals the beginning of a long term relation between
Thales and the Chilean Navy”, said Jan Kupper the French
company’s Services Manager.
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