KNVTS lecture: Submarine construction in the Netherlands – Challenges for the Navy and industry

A new weapon emerged after 1900: the submarine, made possible by the combination of an entirely new power source, the diesel engine, an already somewhat older technology, electricity in the form of batteries and electric motor, and finally a hull whose steel now had to withstand no small water pressure.

This lecture will examine some of the technical aspects required to successfully take submarines to sea. It will cover the Dutch submarine family tree both before and after the second worldwar. Technological developments in materials, calculation methods, and practical testing have proven indispensable for the development of submarines.

The courage of designers and navies to apply new technologies has proven to be essential in this regard. The Dutch designers, industry and the Royal Netherlands Navy, supported by knowledge institutes, have certainly made their mark.

Speakers: Douwe Stapersma (professor emeritus TU-Delft en NLDA) and Ronald Dingemanse (RH Marine)