The Dolphin class is a non-nuclear type of submarine developed and constructed by Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft AG (HDW) for the Israeli Navy. It is the predecessor and similar in design to the German Type 212 submarine. The main differences are in size (1,720-ton for the Dolphin class vs. 1,500-ton for Type 212) and propulsion (conventional diesel-electric rather than the fuel cell air independent propulsion (AIP) incorporated into the Type 212).

Recent media reports have indicated that Israel is interested in purchasing at least two more submarines from Germany and is currently looking at various financing options for this project. These would be similar to the advanced Type 214 submarines, modified to about 2,000 ton displacement and propelled by AIP systems.

Ships

Name Year

• Dolphin 5/1998
• Leviathan 1999
• Tekumah 1999

The first two (Dolphin + Leviathan) were donated by Germany, only the third (Tekumah) was purchased by Israel. The three submarines should replace the aging Gal class submarines.

General Characteristics

• Displacement: 1,720 tons submerged
• Dimensions: 57 x 6.8 x 6.2 meters (187 x 22.5 x 20.5 feet)
• Propulsion: Diesel-electric, 3 diesels, 1 shaft, 4,243 shp, 20 knots
• Crew: 35
• Armament: 6 21 inch torpedo tubes, 4 25.5 inch diameter torpedo tubes.

It is suspected that the 4 larger 25.5 inch torpedo tubes could be capable of carrying nuclear-armed Popeye Turbo cruise missiles.

References

• FAS: http://www.fas.org/nuke/guide/israel/sub/

Disambiguation

USS Dolphin (SS-169) and USS Dolphin (AGSS-555), unique submarines of the United States Navy, are sometimes considered to be the single members of their respective Dolphin-classes.