Celsius get order to develop next generation submarines

Contract to develop Stirling propulsion unit for next-generation submarines Celsius business unit Kockums Naval Systems has been awarded a contract by FMV (Swedish Defence Materiel Administration) to further develop the Stirling propulsion unit for the next generation of submarines. The contract, worth some SEK 50 M, covers the first stage of a six-year development programme. This first stage stretches over a period of two years, running up to March 31, 2000. The contract includes an option to complete the subsequent stages. The development of the Stirling propulsion unit has been an ongoing project within Kockums over a considerable period. At present, the Stirling engineering workshop comprises a total of 20 staff. This contract will require the recruitment of additional personnel. The Stirling propulsion unit is an air-independent engine, which enables submarines to remain submerged for extended periods, measured in weeks rather than days. The three latest Gotland-class submarines are equipped with Stirling propulsion units, as well as an older submarine, Näcken. Stirling propulsion units have also been exported to other countries, including Japan. For more information please contact Kjell Göthe, Director Celsius Corporate Communications on +46 8 463 00 19 or via mobile phone +46 70 583 95 44 Celsius is an advanced-technology international industrial group, with domestic markets in the Nordic countries, the U.S.A. and Australia. Firmly founded on a comprehensive joint technological base, operations focus primarily on three priority areas: Defence, Commercial Aviation Services and Business Development, which currently comprises Materials technology, Explosives and Infomatics. With annual sales of approximately SEK 12 billion, the Celsius Group numbers some 11,000 employees.