Submarine cargo operations question

[Nikel]

Included in the last build.

ADDED: Submarines can perform cargo operations, just like surface ships and land transports

But does it require a new database?

[Kushan04]

But does it require a new database?

Yes, 517 or later.

[Nikel]

It is included in the last beta patches.

I must be doing something wrong.

Tried several subs (Jimmy Carter, Orca, Potomac), in none the edit cargo button is available, in the docking operations the unload/load cargo is greyed out and they are not considered capable of carrying cargo in delivery/transfer missions.

[JFS737]

Same here. Maybe it's not implemented in Jimmy C or Orca.... I've tried others as well with no luck. Is it limited to a very few?

[Nikel]

Thanks for the confirmation JFS


Asked ChatGPT to create a table with subs cargo operations.

I tried with the ARA Santa Fe, one of the examples cited, and is not able to cargo.

Some details of the operation below, also by ChatGPT.

In the Falklands War scenario Operation Paraquet, the Santa Fe has already delivered the cargo in South Georgia, is playable only as the UK.

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The **1982 South Georgia mission of** ARA Santa Fe (S-21) is one of the best-documented post-1945 examples of a submarine performing a traditional cargo and personnel transport mission.

### Context

During the opening phase of the Falklands War, Argentina sought to reinforce its small garrison on the island of South Georgia, located east of the Falkland Islands.

### Cargo Mission Timeline

| Date | Event |
| ---------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Early April 1982 | Argentine forces occupied South Georgia. |
| Mid-April 1982 | Argentina decided to reinforce the garrison before British forces arrived. |
| 24 April 1982 | ARA Santa Fe (S-21) arrived at South Georgia carrying reinforcements and supplies. |
| 25 April 1982 | After unloading personnel and cargo, the submarine was detected and attacked by British helicopters. |
| 25 April 1982 | The damaged submarine reached the harbor at Grytviken but was no longer operational. |
| 26 April 1982 | Argentine forces on South Georgia surrendered. |

### What Cargo Was Carried?

Sources generally agree that Santa Fe transported:

* Argentine Marine reinforcements
* Weapons and ammunition
* Military supplies for the garrison
* Food and other sustainment stores

The most frequently cited figure is approximately **30–40 additional troops**, primarily Marines and support personnel, along with their equipment.

### Why a Submarine Was Used

Argentina used a submarine because:

* Surface transport near South Georgia risked interception by British naval forces.
* A submarine offered a greater chance of reaching the island undetected.
* The mission was urgent and intended to strengthen the isolated garrison before British counterattacks.

### British Attack

After unloading cargo, Santa Fe was attacked by aircraft from the British task force, including helicopters from:

* HMS Antrim (D18)
* HMS Plymouth (F126)
* HMS Brilliant (F90)

The submarine suffered significant damage from missiles, depth charges, and gunfire but managed to reach Grytviken.

### Significance

For naval historians and wargame designers, this mission is noteworthy because it represents:

* A genuine submarine logistics operation after 1945.
* Transport of troops and supplies rather than strategic missiles.
* A combat-zone resupply mission.
* One of the last real-world examples of a conventionally powered submarine being used as a military transport vessel.

### Cargo Characteristics (for scenario design)

| Cargo Type | Approximate Contents |
| ------------------ | -------------------------------------------- |
| Personnel | ~30–40 Marines and support troops |
| Weapons | Individual weapons, machine guns, ammunition |
| Sustainment | Food, rations, basic supplies |
| Military Equipment | Communications and field equipment |

[Kushan04]

Tried several subs (Jimmy Carter, Orca, Potomac), in none the edit cargo button is available, in the docking operations the unload/load cargo is greyed out and they are not considered capable of carrying cargo in delivery/transfer missions.

Same here. Maybe it's not implemented in Jimmy C or Orca.... I've tried others as well with no luck. Is it limited to a very few?

Yes, it's very limited. Basically what I needed to implement cargo ops into Pole Positions.

822 - SSN 774 Virginia [Blk I/II] - 16 pax + cargo area
787 - SSGN 726 Ohio - 66 pax + cargo area
445 - SDV Mk8 Mod 1 - 2 crew + 4 pax
795 - SDV Mk11 - 2 crew + 4 pax

Pygmallion may have expanded it to all the Virginias with DDSs but I'm not sure. Haven't had the time to check.

[Nikel]

Thanks, I hope the list is expanded

[BDukes]

If it doesn't have it already try selecting the unit and opening the boating operations window. Looks like you can add them in the same way you can add aircraft facilities.

[Mgellis]

If it doesn't have it already try selecting the unit and opening the boating operations window. Looks like you can add them in the same way you can add aircraft facilities.

You can do this, but I found it to be a little tricky (unless I'm missing something)...

You add a submarine. Then you add a boat facility like a davit to the submarine. Then you add a boat to the boat facility that can carry cargo like a RHIB. THEN you add the cargo to that boat (like a sniper team) that you will send ashore.

Any thoughts on what would be "realistic" boat/docking facilities to add to a submarine?

[Mgellis]

Thanks, I hope the list is expanded

I suspect it will partly depend on people looking up what actual submarines were known to be able to carry and sending in requests to Pygmallion.

I would argue that ANY regular-sized submarine should be able to carry a few extra people (e.g., a team of commandos) although I'm not sure how you would get them to shore if you're not actually docking at a pier. If you unload the "cargo" into the water, will they be able to move?

I love this addition. I think it will add some really interesting options for scenario design. But I suspect there will some growing pains.

[Nikel]

I guess you may classify all the subs in the db in a few categories by displacement, and assign to each category cargo values. Like in these tables by ChatGPT.

The case of the Santa Fe could be a reference, above it is listed the transported cargo.


More stuff that could be added is MEDEVAC operations, like in this example. I have tried to do it but I think it is impossible right now.





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