The Norwegian submarine Utstein (S302) was part of the Kobben class of submarines, originally based on the German Type 207 submarines. The Kobben-class submarines were built for the Royal Norwegian Navy in the 1960s and were primarily designed for coastal defense.
Key Details about Utstein (S302):
Class and Type: Kobben-class submarine (Type 207)
Builder: Rheinstahl Nordseewerke, Emden, Germany
Laid Down: April 15, 1963
Launched: 19 May, 1965
Commissioned: 15 September, 1965
Decommissioned: 5 October 1990
Donated to MarineMuseet: 5 June 1998
Courtesy of Freddy Aamodt
Displacement: 485 tons (surfaced), 550 tons (submerged)
Length: 47.2 meters
Beam: 4.7 meters
Draught: 3.8 meters
Propulsion: Diesel-electric
Speed: 10 knots (surfaced), 17 knots (submerged)
Range: 4,000 nautical miles at 10 knots (surfaced)
Complement: Approximately 22 crew members
Service History:
1965-1990: Utstein served in the Royal Norwegian Navy for 25 years. During this period, she was involved in various exercises and training missions, primarily in the coastal waters of Norway. Her role was mainly focused on defending Norway's extensive coastline against potential threats during the Cold War.
1990: Utstein was decommissioned from active service as the Norwegian Navy modernized its fleet with the newer Ula-class submarines. However, she was not immediately scrapped. Instead, she was preserved for posterity.
Post-Service:
After decommissioning, Utstein was converted into a museum ship. Today, she is part of the Royal Norwegian Navy Museum in Horten, Norway. The submarine serves as a historical exhibit, providing insight into the Cold War-era operations of the Norwegian Navy.
Visitors to the museum can explore Utstein and learn about the life of submariners during the late 20th century, including the technical aspects of operating a submarine of this class.
Significance:
Utstein (S302) represents an important period in Norwegian naval history, particularly during the Cold War when coastal defense was a critical aspect of Norway's military strategy. Her preservation as a museum ship ensures that this history remains accessible to the public.
