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take off, the Brazilian Navy must now be prepared to overcome the many technical obstacles that are guaranteed to arise dur- ing the manufacturing and construction process of the submarine hull.

The construction of the shipyard has al- ready begun with the participation of

Brazilian construction giant Odebrecht (50% of the shares) and French ship- builder DCNS (49%) and the Brazilian

Navy, which will have special decision making powers and veto rights.

Hopefully by this time next year the construction of the first Scorpene diesel submarine will have started and it may include a MESMA AIP (Autonomous

Submarine Energy Module), which is an electrical energy production module de- signed specifically for conventional sub- marines and as well as supplying electricity to the vessel and to the propul- sion system, it can also be used to recharge the batteries without the need to surface. This module actually quadruples the underwater range of a conventional submarine, which significantly extends its scope of action and enhances its stealth performance, therefore increasing the strategic importance of the Scorpene conventional submarine fleet. Deterrence of a State Threat is the main goal of the

Brazilian Nuclear Submarine Program.

The stealth of nuclear submarines suits them to this deterrence mission, a funda- mental part of the National Defense Strat- egy according to Defense Minister

Jobim.

President Lula at Labgene with reac- tor vessel. (Photo credit AgenciaBrasil-Ricardo Stuckert)

SSN Barracuda -Cutaway Illustration (Credit DCNS)

April 2010 www.marinelink.com 39