U31 Submarine Class 212

When we decided it was time to produce a new model submarine, our development team selected the new, ultra-modern 212- class of the German Federal Navy as their prototype.

The full-size boat:
These subs were developed at the Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft GmbH (HDW) dockyard in Kiel. It is the world’s first submarine type to be equipped with a hybrid fuel cell power system. Basically the boat is propelled by an electric motor. For surface running the motor is powered by a diesel generator, but when the boat is submerged, electrical current is supplied by a hydrogen fuel cell system. U 31 was the first 212 A class to be built, and the vessel was launched in March 2002; this is the basis for our model.

The model:
Our model of the U 31 has been developed and built using proven methods of construction and pre-fabrication, i.e. the same methods used on the U 2540. However, the diameter of the pressure vessel has been increased by 35 mm in order to give the large hull the stiffness required. The pressure vessel is fitted with an internal multi-part CNC-machined installation frame, which houses all the essential RC and electrical system components. Just like the full-size sub, our model of the U31 features an ultra-modern power system: in this case a slow-rewing, high-torque brushless electric motor provides enormous thrust.

Length: 56"
Width: 7"
Scale: 1:40

Kit contents:

• CNC-machined, vacuum-moulded hull and conning tower components
• CNC-machined flooding slots
• CNC-machined hull bulkheads
• CNC-machined, multi-part installation plate, removable for installation of the radio control system, electrical system and motor system components
• Thick-walled plastic tube pressure vessel
• O-rings and injection-moulded caps to seal the pressure vessel
• Rubber bellows as seals
• Complete parts set for the cruciform control plane system, with linkage hardware for four servos
• Small parts, screws and nuts
• Profiled plastic strip and brass tubing
• Multi-colour decal sheet
• Illustrated multi-lingual building instructions and plan
• Boatstand

Accessories:
Power Set - ROB1216
Relay Module - ROB8442