Sava-class

Summary

Description

The Sava class was a duo of diesel-electric attack submarines designed primarily to replace the older Sutjeska-class submarines for the Yugoslav Navy. Conceived by the Brodarski Institute in Zagreb, the Sava class boasted advancements in automation, weaponry, and diving capabilities over its predecessor, the Heroj class. With six torpedo tubes, they could launch torpedoes as well as lay mines, enhancing their combat versatility.

Originating from a project called B-72 led by Colonel Dušan Radanović and later Branko Ryšlavy, the Sava class submarines were constructed at the Brodogradilište specijalnih objekata in Split, with the two vessels being christened after Yugoslav rivers. The Sava (P-831), laid down in 1975 and commissioned by 1978, and the Drava (P-832), laid down in 1978 and entering service in 1982.

Powered by two MTU diesel engines and a Končar electric motor, the Sava class could reach speeds of 10 knots surfaced and 16.5 knots submerged. Their armory included the carrying capacity for a combination of TEST-71ME torpedoes, with a 10.8 nautical miles range, and naval mines. The electronic systems were equipped with a "Stop Light" radar warning and a "Snoop Group" surface search radar, though precise information on sonar varies.

Operationally, the Sava class units served in the 88th Submarine Flotilla and called the Lora Naval Base in Split their home. However, Drava experienced a significant hull breach in 1983 due to a design flaw, endangering the submarine and crew. Post-independence conflicts led to both submarines being transferred to the newly formed FR Yugoslav Navy and later to Montenegro.

The operational history of both vessels concluded in the early 2000s, with unsuccessful attempts to repurpose them as museum exhibits or sell them intact. Instead, they were earmarked for scrappage. Notably, in 2008, Sava was sold for scrapping with controversy surrounding the "Orca-2000," a torpedo fire control system reportedly still on board despite being a sensitive equipment component intended for removal.

Both submarines operated primarily within the Adriatic, under the Yugoslav and later FR Yugoslav navies, finally transitioning to Montenegrin ownership before being decommissioned and scrapped.

Technical specifications