SAS Assegaai: A Daphné-Class Legacy
Dive deep into history with the SAS Assegaai, the sole survivor of South Africa's Daphné-class submarines. Launched in 1970, this pioneering vessel played a pivotal role in establishing the nation's first submarine service. Now preserved as a museum exhibit, the SAS Assegaai offers a unique opportunity to explore its fascinating past and the world of underwater exploration.
From Birth to Museum: The SAS Assegaai's Remarkable Story
1969-1972: Birth of a Nation's Submarine Force
• Laid down in 1969 at the Dubigeon-Normandie shipyard in France, the SAS Assegaai, then known as SAS Johanna van der Merwe, marked the beginning of South Africa's submarine capability.
• Launched in 1970, it underwent a year of workup training in the Mediterranean before embarking on a long journey home in 1972.
• Arriving in Simon's Town in 1972, the SAS Assegaai's arrival commemorated the successful culmination of years of construction, trials, and crew training.
.
1975 - Early Operations
• Soon after entering service, the SAS Assegaai participated in various operations, including a deployment to Angolan waters in 1975 in preparation for evacuations during Operation Savannah.
• The SAS Assegaai also played a signifiact role in ten special operations.
1970s - 2003: Modernization and Decommissioning
• Throughout its service, the SAS Assegaai underwent four refits to maintain its effectiveness. These included installing additional fuel tanks and upgrading its combat systems.
• In the 1980s, a locally developed RAKA combat suite replaced the older plotting table, and in the late 1990s, it received a fully integrated software-based combat suite (NICKLES) alongside new periscopes.
• With the introduction of the Type 209 submarines, the SAS Assegaai was decommissioned in 2003, marking the end of an era.
From Decommision to Historical Museum (2003 to 2024)
• Through a remarkable volunteer-driven effort spearheaded by the Naval Heritage Trust, the submarine underwent a challenging yet inspiring transformation.
• From 2010 to 2015, it thrived as a floating museum, captivating visitors and igniting scientific curiosity. While preservation efforts required temporary closure in 2015, a new chapter began in 2022.
• The Navy and the NHT joined forces, securing a permanent museum site and embarking on the final leg of the SAS Assegaai's journey.
• And on 20th of July 2024, the SAS Assegaai arrived at its permanent home in Simon's Town. The culmination of years of dedicated work by the Naval Heritage Trust and its supporters, this achievement shows how countless challenges were overcame to secure a lasting legacy for this iconic submarine.
A Technical Breakdown of the SAS Assegaai
Silent Stalker
Imagine gliding silently beneath the waves, unseen and unheard. The Assegaai's electric propulsion system, powered by two massive diesel generators, each roughly as powerful as eight high-performance sports cars, allowed it to operate with minimal noise, making it a master of stealth!
Deep Dive
Buckle up! This mighty vessel, displacing as much water as eight double-decker buses on the surface and ten double-decker buses submerged, could dive up to 300 meters underwater, venturing deeper than most swimming pools!
Endurance at Sea
The Assegaai wasn't just fast (reaching speeds of 13.5 knots surfaced, comparable to a brisk jet ski, and 16 knots submerged, faster than most dolphins!), it was also incredibly efficient. With a range of over 4,300 nautical miles (8,000 kilometers) while snorkeling at 7.5 knots, it once traveled the distance between Cape Town and South America!
Unveiling the Invisible
The Assegaai relied on sensitive sonar technology, recieving sound waves, interpreting its surroundings and detected objects hidden beneath the surface.
Sharpshooter Below Deck
Packed a punch! The Assegaai was armed with 12 powerful Homing torpedoes, each roughly the width of a person and carrying an explosive punch.
Brainpower & Brawn
Operating a submarine requires a skilled crew of 6 officers and 45 ratings, sometimes supplemented with 6 to 10 trainees. Sophisticated technology was key, from complex navigation systems to intricate electrical controls. The Assegaai was a marvel of human ingenuity, boasting a length exceeding that of two blue whales (57.8 meters), a beam wider than two lanes of traffic (6.75 meters), and a draught deeper than a two-story building (5.23 meters).
Explore Naval History Today
Visit the SAS Assegaai submarine and dive into South Africa's naval heritage.