Dolphin vs Scorpène

Overview

The Dolphin and the Scorpène are both Submarine classes.

Displacement is 1,640 tons for the Dolphin vs 1,565 tons for the Scorpène. The Dolphin reaches 11 knots vs 12 knots for the Scorpène. Operational range is 8,000 nautical miles for the Dolphin vs 6,500 for the Scorpène. The Dolphin carries a crew of 45 vs 31 for the Scorpène. Submerged displacement is 1,900 tons for the Dolphin vs 1,900 tons for the Scorpène. The Dolphin can dive to 350 m compared to 350 m for the Scorpène.

The Dolphin was produced in 5 units vs 14 for the Scorpène. Cost per hull is $1,000M for the Dolphin vs $450M for the Scorpène. The Dolphin was commissioned in 1999, 6 years before the Scorpène (2005).

Israeli diesel-electric submarine, 1,640 tons displacement, utilizes air-independent propulsion in the Dolphin 2 class.
Profile of Dolphin
Origin 🇮🇱 Israel
Category Submarine
Type Diesel-electric submarine
Manufacturer Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft
Year introduced 1999
Number built 5 units
Estimated unit price $1,000 million
French diesel-electric submarine, 1,565 tons displacement, utilizes air-independent propulsion.
Profile of Scorpène
Origin 🇫🇷 France
Category Submarine
Type Diesel-electric attack submarines
Manufacturer Naval Group
Year introduced 2005
Number built 14 units
Estimated unit price $450 million
Displacement 1,640 tons
Maximum speed 11.0 knots
Range 8,000 nm at 8 knots
Length 57.3 m
Beam 6.8 m
Crew 45
Max depth 350 m
Propulsion Diesel-electric, 3 diesels, 1 shaft, 4,243 shp (3,164 kW); Dolphin 2 class: air-independent HDW Fuel Cell System
Armament
  • 6 × 533 mm (21.0 in) torpedo tubes
  • 4 × 650 mm (26 in) diameter torpedo tubes
  • 16 torpedoes and Popeye Turbo submarine-launched cruise missiles (SLCMs)
Displacement 1,565 tons
Maximum speed 12.0 knots
Range 6,500 nm at 8 knots
Length 61.7 m
Beam 6.2 m
Crew 31
Max depth 350 m
Propulsion Diesel-electric, Batteries, Air-independent propulsion (AIP), MESMA AIP, DRDO PAFC Fuel Cell AIP
Armament
  • 6 x 533 mm torpedo tubes
  • 18 Whitehead Alenia Sistemi Subacquei Black Shark heavyweight torpedoes
  • SM-39 Exocet anti-ship missiles
  • A3SM (MICA) anti-air missiles
  • 30 mines

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which has greater displacement, the Dolphin-class or Scorpène-class?
The Dolphin-class has greater displacement at 1,640 tons compared to the Scorpène-class's 1,565 tons.
Which is faster, the Dolphin-class or Scorpène-class?
The Scorpène-class is faster with a maximum speed of 12 knots compared to the Dolphin-class's 11 knots.
Which has longer range, the Dolphin-class or Scorpène-class?
The Dolphin-class has a longer range at 8,000 nautical miles compared to the Scorpène-class's 6,500 nautical miles.
Which is longer, the Dolphin-class or Scorpène-class?
The Scorpène-class is longer at 61.7 meters compared to the Dolphin-class's 57.3 meters.
How many crew members do the Dolphin-class and Scorpène-class have?
The Dolphin-class has a larger crew complement of 45 compared to the Scorpène-class's 31 crew members.
Which can dive deeper, the Dolphin-class or Scorpène-class?
The Scorpène-class can dive deeper with a maximum depth of 350 meters compared to the Dolphin-class's 350 meters.
Which is more expensive, the Dolphin-class or Scorpène-class?
The Dolphin-class is more expensive at approximately $1.0 billion per unit compared to the Scorpène-class at $450 million.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Dolphin-class or Scorpène-class?
The Scorpène-class has been built in greater numbers with 14 vessels compared to 5 vessels of the Dolphin-class.