Reis-class submarine

Reis-class submarine. The Reis class was a series of four diesel-electric submarines constructed for the Royal Netherlands Navy during the 1960s. Designed for anti-submarine warfare and reconnaissance duties, these vessels were notable for their advanced sonar systems and served as a key component of NATO's naval forces in the North Sea and Atlantic Ocean during the Cold War. All four units were decommissioned by the early 1990s, marking the end of an era for Dutch conventional submarine design.

Design and development

The design of the Reis class was initiated in the late 1950s to replace the aging Dolfijn-class submarine and Zwaardvis-class submarine in Dutch service. The project was led by the Rotterdamse Droogdok Maatschappij shipyard, with significant input from the Netherlands Ministry of Defence. Key design goals included improved underwater endurance, quieter operation for evasion tactics, and enhanced sensor suites to counter new Soviet Navy threats like the Whiskey-class submarine. The hull form incorporated lessons from earlier Dutch designs and featured a distinctive sail (submarine) configuration. Development faced challenges integrating new American-supplied BQR-2 sonar arrays, requiring collaboration with General Dynamics and the United States Navy.

Specifications

The Reis-class submarines had a displacement (ship) of 1,150 tons surfaced and 1,400 tons submerged. They were powered by two Werkspoor diesel engines driving generators, coupled with two electric motors for a top speed of 15 knots surfaced and 17 knots submerged. Armament consisted of eight 21-inch torpedo tubes, typically firing Mk 37 torpedos or later Mk 48 torpedos. The sensor suite was a highlight, featuring the aforementioned BQR-2 passive sonar array, a PJ-10 radar, and a modern fire-control system from Hollandse Signaalapparaten. The crew complement was 67 officers and enlisted men, and the boats could operate for up to 60 days without replenishment.

Service history

The lead boat, HNLMS Dolfijn (S808), was commissioned in 1961, followed by HNLMS Zeehond (S809), HNLMS Potvis (S810), and HNLMS Tonijn (S811) by 1966. Their primary service was with the Royal Netherlands Navy's Submarine Service, conducting frequent patrols in the GIUK gap and the Norwegian Sea as part of NATO's Supreme Allied Commander Atlantic command. They participated in numerous major exercises, including Teamwork and Ocean Safari, often opposing United States Navy carrier groups. In the 1970s, all units underwent a mid-life modernization at the Wilton-Fijenoord shipyard, receiving new periscopes and electronic warfare systems. The class was gradually withdrawn from service between 1990 and 1992, with no vessels preserved as museums.

Operators

The sole operator of the Reis class was the Royal Netherlands Navy. All four submarines were assigned to the Dutch naval base at Den Helder and formed the backbone of the national underwater fleet for three decades. Following decommissioning, attempts to sell the vessels to other navies, such as those of Turkey or Greece, were unsuccessful. The boats were subsequently scrapped in the Netherlands, with some components, including their propellers, reportedly used for spare parts in the later Walrus-class submarine program.

See also

* Dolfijn-class submarine * Zwaardvis-class submarine * Walrus-class submarine * Balao-class submarine * Royal Netherlands Navy Submarine Service * Cold War naval ships

Category:Submarine classes Category:Cold War submarines of the Netherlands Category:Diesel-electric submarines