OVERVIEW: The S 131 *Hangor* [Daphne] is a diesel-electric submarine operated by the Pakistan Navy. Built in France, the *Hangor* represents a first-generation post-WWII submarine design intended for anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and anti-surface warfare (ASuW) roles in coastal and open ocean environments.

DETAILS: The *Daphne* class submarines, of which the *Hangor* is a member, were developed by the French shipyard Direction Technique des Constructions Navales (DTCN) in the late 1950s and early 1960s. The design philosophy emphasized acoustic stealth, maneuverability in littoral waters, and a potent torpedo armament. This was a period of significant advancement in submarine technology, with designers moving away from direct imitations of wartime models and incorporating new hull shapes, propulsion systems, and sensor suites to counter evolving ASW threats. The *Daphne* class sought to balance affordability with advanced capabilities, making it attractive to navies seeking to modernize their submarine forces without the expense of nuclear propulsion. The *Hangor* herself was commissioned into the Pakistan Navy in 1971, playing a significant role in the Indo-Pakistani War of that year.

The *Hangor's* primary roles were ASW and ASuW. As a conventionally powered submarine, its endurance was limited compared to nuclear-powered vessels, but its relatively shallow draft and compact size made it well-suited for operations in the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal. It was equipped with an array of sensors to detect and track enemy submarines and surface ships. The TRS 3100 Calypso III [DRUA 33C] radar provided surface search capabilities, allowing the *Hangor* to detect and engage surface targets at extended ranges. The DUUX 2A, DUUA 2A, DUUA 1A, and DSUV 2 sonar systems provided a comprehensive acoustic picture of the underwater environment, enabling the crew to detect, classify, and track underwater threats. The DUUG 1A likely served as a passive ranging system, crucial for accurate targeting.

The *Hangor's* armament consisted of 550mm torpedo tubes. These tubes could launch a variety of torpedoes, including anti-ship and anti-submarine variants. The exact types of torpedoes carried by the *Hangor* are not explicitly stated but would likely have included contemporary French or Pakistani-developed models. The combination of advanced sonar systems and a potent torpedo armament gave the *Hangor* a significant offensive capability against both surface and subsurface targets. The generic submarine periscope, alongside the optical periscope, offered visual situational awareness in both day and night conditions, assisting in target identification and attack assessment.

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

SENSORS: TRS 3100 Calypso III [DRUA 33C] || DUUX 2A || DUUA 2A || DUUA 1A || DSUV 2 || DUUG 1A || Generic Submarine Periscope || Optical

ARMAMENT: 550mm TT || 550mm TT