OVERVIEW: The S 61 Delfin [Daphne, S-60] is a diesel-electric attack submarine operated by the Spanish Navy. The Delfin represents the lead vessel of the Daphne (S-60) class.

DETAILS: The Daphne class submarines were ordered in the early 1960s as part of a modernization program for the Spanish Navy’s submarine fleet. Built under license from the French shipyard DCNS (now Naval Group), the Delfin was laid down in 1970 and commissioned in 1978 after significant delays. The design reflects a conventional single-hull layout optimized for quiet operation and maneuverability in littoral environments. The class was intended to replace older, less capable submarines and provide a modern underwater warfare capability. The Delfin and her sister ships marked a significant step forward in Spain’s domestic shipbuilding capabilities, fostering technology transfer and contributing to the growth of the nation's naval industry.

The primary role of the S 61 Delfin is anti-submarine warfare (ASW). Its sensor suite and torpedo armament enable it to effectively detect, track, and engage hostile submarines. It also has a secondary anti-surface warfare (ASuW) capability, allowing it to target enemy surface combatants. The Delfin is capable of conducting clandestine operations, including intelligence gathering and special forces insertion, though specific details on such missions are classified. The submarine's relatively small size and advanced (for its time) acoustic signature reduction measures made it well-suited for operating in the complex underwater environments of the Mediterranean Sea and the Strait of Gibraltar.

The Delfin's sensor suite provides a comprehensive situational awareness picture. The NO/VR-1B radar provides surface search capabilities, essential for navigation and detecting surface targets. The TRS 3100 Calypso III (DRUA 33C) radar enhances this capability. The DUUX 2A active sonar and DUUA 2A/DUUA 1A passive sonars are critical for detecting and tracking underwater contacts. The DSUV 2 towed array sonar further extends the submarine's passive detection range, particularly in noisy environments. Fire control is supported by the DUUG 1A system. Two periscopes are fitted, one optical and one with low-light television (LLTV) capabilities, providing visual and electronic observation capabilities both day and night. Armament consists of 550mm torpedo tubes, allowing the Delfin to deploy a variety of torpedoes against submarine and surface targets.

SPECIFICATION: Length: 57.8 m || Beam: 6.7 m || Draft: 5.3 m || Disp: 860 t

SENSORS: NO/VR-1B || TRS 3100 Calypso III [DRUA 33C] || DUUX 2A || DUUA 2A || DUUA 1A || DSUV 2 || DUUG 1A || Generic Submarine Periscope, Optical || Generic Submarine Periscope, LLTV

ARMAMENT: 550mm TT || 550mm TT