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{|{{Infobox ship begin|infobox caption=''Aries''-class submarine}}
{|{{Infobox ship begin|infobox caption=''Aries''-class submarine}}
{{Infobox ship image
{{Infobox ship image
|Ship image= [[File:Hmsambush.jpg|300px]]
|Ship image= Hmsambush.jpg|300px
|Ship caption=GCNS ''Virgo'' during sea trials (2012)
|Ship caption=GCNS ''Virgo'' during sea trials (2012)
}}
}}
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|Builders= [[Yanmei Shipyard Co.]]
|Builders= [[Yanmei Shipyard Co.]]
|Operators= {{flagicon|Chilokver}} [[Grand Chilokveri Navy]]
|Operators= {{flagicon|Chilokver}} [[Grand Chilokveri Navy]]
|Class before= [[Máni-class_submarine|Máni class]]
|Class before= [[Máni-class_submarine|''Máni'' class]]
|Class after=  
|Class after=  
|Subclasses= [[Aries-class_submarine#Variants|''Ophuichus'' class]]
|Subclasses= [[Aries-class_submarine#Variants|''Ophuichus'' class]]
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|Ship type= {{wpl|Nuclear_marine_propulsion|Nuclear}} attack submarine
|Ship type= {{wpl|Nuclear_marine_propulsion|Nuclear}} attack submarine
|Ship tonnage=  
|Ship tonnage=  
|Ship displacement= *''Aries'' class: 9,860 tonnes (submerged)
|Ship displacement= *''Aries'' class: 10,364 tonnes (submerged)
*''Ophuichus'' class: 9,988 tonnes (submerged)
*''Ophuichus'' class: 12,448 tonnes (submerged)
|Ship tons burthen=  
|Ship tons burthen=  
|Ship length= *''Aries'' class: 140.6 m (461 ft 3 inches)
|Ship length= *''Aries'' class: 140.6 m (461 ft 3 inches)
*''Ophuichus'' class: 145.1 m (476 ft 1 inches)
*''Ophuichus'' class: 145.1 m (476 ft 1 inches)
|Ship beam= 10 m (32 ft 10 inches)
|Ship beam= 10.0 m (32 ft 10 inches)
|Ship height=  
|Ship height=  
|Ship draft= 9.8 m (32 ft 2 inches)
|Ship draft= 9.8 m (32 ft 2 inches)
|Ship depth=
|Ship depth=
|Ship hold depth=
|Ship hold depth=
|Ship decks=  
|Ship decks=
|Ship deck clearance=
|Ship deck clearance=
|Ship ramps=
|Ship ramps=
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|Ship propulsion= 1 x shaft, pump-jet propulsor
|Ship propulsion= 1 x shaft, pump-jet propulsor
|Ship sail plan=
|Ship sail plan=
|Ship speed= 30 knots (56 km/h) submerged
|Ship speed= Classified, over 25 knots (46 km/h) submerged
|Ship range= Unlimited
|Ship range= Unlimited
|Ship endurance= 90+ days
|Ship endurance= 90+ days
|Ship test depth= Over 400 m (1312 ft)
|Ship test depth= Classified, over 400 m (1312 ft)
|Ship boats=
|Ship boats=
|Ship capacity=  
|Ship capacity=  
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|Ship sensors=  
|Ship sensors=  
|Ship EW=  
|Ship EW=  
|Ship armament= *''Aries'' class:
|Ship armament= *4 × 533 mm (21 inch) torpedo tubes with stowage for up to 23 weapons, including:
**6 × 21 inch 533 mm torpedo tubes with stowage for up to 23 weapons, including:
** [[Tigershark (torpedo)|Tigershark]] heavyweight torpedoes
*** [[Tigershark (torpedo)|Tigershark]] heavyweight torpedoes
** [[Spear (missile family)|US-660 Spear]] anti-ship missiles
*** SSU-50 Spear {{wpl|anti-submarine warfare|anti-submarine}} {{wpl|missile|missiles}}
** [[Spear (missile family)|US-2500 Spear]] {{wpl|cruise missile|cruise missiles}}
*** SS-300 Spear {{wpl|cruise missile|cruise missiles}}
** [[Spear (missile family)|SU-50 Spear]] {{wpl|anti-submarine warfare|anti-submarine}} {{wpl|missile|missiles}}
*''or'' up to 46 {{wpl|Naval mine|naval mines}}, including:
** [[Stonefish (mine)|Stonefish]] influence mines
** [[Stingray (mine)|Stingray]] mobile mines
** [[Coneshell (mine)|Coneshell]] homing mines
*''Aries'' class:
**6 × Variable Payload Tubes (VPT) for:
**6 × Variable Payload Tubes (VPT) for:
*** 7 x SS-2500 Spear {{wpl|cruise missiles}} each, total 42 missiles
*** 7 x SS-2500 Spear {{wpl|cruise missiles}} each, total 42 missiles
*''Ophuichus'' class:  
*''Ophuichus'' class:  
**6 × 21 inch 533 mm torpedo tubes with stowage for up to 23 weapons, including:
**2 × Variable Payload Tubes (VPT) for:
*** [[Tigershark (torpedo)|Tigershark]] heavyweight torpedoes
*** SSU-50 Spear {{wpl|anti-submarine warfare|anti-submarine}} {{wpl|missile|missiles}}
*** SS-300 Spear {{wpl|cruise missile|cruise missiles}}
**6 × Variable Payload Tubes (VPT) for:
*** 7 x SS-2500 Spear {{wpl|cruise missiles}} each, total 14 missiles
*** 7 x SS-2500 Spear {{wpl|cruise missiles}} each, total 14 missiles
|Ship armour=  
|Ship armour=  
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|}
|}


The '''''Aries'' class''', also known as informally as the '''''Zodiac'' class''' or '''SSN-20 class''', is a class of {{wpl|Nuclear_marine_propulsion|nuclear powered}} attack submarines (SSN) in service with the [[Grand Chilokveri Navy]].
The '''''Aries'' class''', also referred to as the '''Zodiac class''' or '''SSN-20 class''', is a class of {{wpl|Nuclear_marine_propulsion|nuclear powered}} attack submarines (SSN) in service with the [[Grand Chilokveri Navy]].


==Development==
==Development==
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===Power & propulsion===
===Power & propulsion===
''Aries''-class submarines are powered by a single [[Fushan Atomics]] SS6 pressurised water reactor (PWR), which produces up to 150 {{wpl|Watt#Megawatt|MW}} of thermal power and has a designed lifetime of 25 years without refuelling. As part of cost reduction measures involved in the design of the ''Aries''-class, the SS6 reactor's design was developed from and are a modified derivative of the SS5 PWRs used onboard the [[Leviathan-class submarine|''Leviathan''-class'']] ballistic missile submarines. Compared to the SS5, the SS6 has an increased energy density and is smaller in size & weight to allow it to be fitted to the smaller diameter hull of the ''Aries''-class without overly compromising the boats' {{wpl|hydrodynamics}}.  The new, reduced plant components, including a new steam generator design, also feature improved corrosion resistance and maintenance, which are intended to reduce costs over the life cycle of the class. While the SS6 retains the {{wpl|natural circulation}} cooling capability of the SS5, it cannot be operated at power under this setting and is only intended to use it to maintain emergency cooling while shut down.  
''Aries''-class submarines are powered by a single [[Fushan Atomics]] SS6 pressurised water reactor (PWR), which produces up to 150 {{wpl|Watt#Megawatt|MW}} of thermal power and has a designed lifetime of 25 years without refuelling. As part of cost reduction measures involved in the design of the ''Aries'' class, the SS6 reactor's design was developed from and are a modified derivative of the SS5 PWRs used onboard the [[Leviathan-class submarine|''Leviathan'' class'']] ballistic missile submarines. Compared to the SS5, the SS6 has an increased energy density and is smaller in size & weight to allow it to be fitted to the smaller diameter hull of the ''Aries'' class without compromising the boats' {{wpl|hydrodynamics}}.  The new, reduced plant components, including a new steam generator design, also feature improved corrosion resistance and maintenance, which are intended to reduce costs over the life cycle of the class. While the SS6 retains the {{wpl|natural circulation}} cooling capability of the SS5, it cannot be operated at power under this setting and is only intended to use it to maintain emergency cooling while shut down.  


The ''Aries''-class' reactor drives a single shaft, delivering 30 MW or 40,000 {{wpl|Horsepower#Shaft_horsepower|shp}} of power. Similar to the preceding [[Sól-class submarine|''Sól''-class]], the ''Aries''-class uses {{wpl|pump-jet}} propulsors rather than a conventional bladed propeller. The use of a shrouded {{wpl|Propulsor|propulsor}} significantly reduces the risks of {{wpl|cavitation}}, and allows for quieter operation.  
The ''Aries'' class' reactor drives a single shaft, delivering 30 MW or 40,000 {{wpl|Horsepower#Shaft_horsepower|shp}} of power. Similar to the preceding [[Máni-class submarine|''Máni'' class]], the ''Aries'' class uses {{wpl|pump-jet}} propulsors rather than a conventional bladed propeller. The use of a shrouded {{wpl|Propulsor|propulsor}} significantly reduces the risks of {{wpl|cavitation}}, and allows for quieter operation.  


The ''Aries''-class are designed for a top speed of 30 {{wpl|Knot (unit)|knots}} (56 km/h), slightly less than that of the ''Sól''-class they succeeded. However, it was reported in 2007 that the ''Aries'' struggled to achieve this design speed  as a result of a mismatch between the reactor and the turbine. The [[Ministry of Defence (Chilokver)|Ministry of Defence]] confirmed in 2012 that the issue had been rectified after ''Gemini'' successfully demonstrated her top speed during trials.
The ''Aries'' class are designed for a top speed of 30 {{wpl|Knot (unit)|knots}} (56 km/h) while submerged. However, it was reported in 2007 that the ''Aries'' struggled to achieve this design speed  as a result of a mismatch between the reactor and the turbine. The [[Ministry of Defence (Chilokver)|Ministry of Defence]] confirmed in 2012 that the issue had been rectified after ''Gemini'' successfully demonstrated her top speed during trials.


===Armament===
===Armament===
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===Variants===
===Variants===
Unique among the rest of her class, ''Ophuichus'' was modified for special operations and classified intelligence missions by the insertion of a 2,084 tonne Multi-Mission Interface (MMI) hull block behind the {{wpl|Sail (submarine)|sail}} in place of the standard hull module installed with four Variable Payload Tubes (VPTs). While originally scheduled to be commissioned as normal sometime during 2015, in 2013 [[Yanmei Shipyard]] was awarded a 1.40 billion [[Chilokveri Credit]] contract and 2 year extension for a large-scale, mid-construction modification of the ''Ophuichus'' to support "classified research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) efforts for notional naval special warfare missions, tactical undersea surveillance, and undersea warfare concepts" without unduly sacrificing the ''Ophuichus''' warfighting capabilities. As a result of the  modification, ''Ophuichus'' is approximately 5 metres longer and 128 tonnes heavier than other ''Aries-class'' boats. The MMI hull insert is unique in being of a smaller diameter than the rest of the {{wpl|Submarine_hull#Pressure_hull|pressure hull}} i.e. a horizontal 'hourglass' configuration that narrows the pressure hull down to a 'wasp waist'. As faired over to maintain a smooth {{wpl|Fluid_dynamics|hydrodynamic}} hull shape, significant external volume is available outside the pressure hull for storage and deployment of mission systems. The section is fitted with an ocean interface for divers and {{wpl|Remotely_operated_underwater_vehicle|remotely operated vehicles}} (ROVs).  
Unique among the rest of her class, ''Ophuichus'' was modified for special operations and classified intelligence missions by the insertion of a 2,084 tonne Multi-Mission Interface (MMI) hull block behind the {{wpl|Sail (submarine)|sail}} in place of the standard hull module installed with four Variable Payload Tubes (VPTs). While originally scheduled to be commissioned as normal sometime during 2015, in 2013 [[Yanmei Shipyard]] was awarded a ₡1.40 billion [[Chilokveri Credit|credit]] contract and 2 year extension for a large-scale, mid-construction modification of the ''Ophuichus'' to support "classified research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) efforts for notional naval special warfare missions, tactical undersea surveillance, and undersea warfare concepts" without unduly sacrificing the her warfighting capabilities. As a result of the  modification, ''Ophuichus'' is approximately 5 metres longer and 128 tonnes heavier than other ''Aries-class'' submarines. The MMI hull insert is unique in being of a smaller diameter than the rest of the {{wpl|Submarine_hull#Pressure_hull|pressure hull}} i.e. the ''Ophuichus''' hull has horizontal 'hourglass' configuration that narrows the pressure hull down to a 'wasp waist'. As faired over to maintain a smooth {{wpl|Fluid_dynamics|hydrodynamic}} hull shape, significant external volume is available outside the pressure hull for storage and deployment of mission systems. The section is fitted with an ocean interface for divers and {{wpl|Remotely_operated_underwater_vehicle|remotely operated vehicles}} (ROVs).  


''Ophuichus'' is also fitted with additional maneuvering devices fitted at the fore and aft of the hull which allow her to maintain a stationary position in varying currents. According to intelligence experts, it is likely that these allow the MMI to be operated as an underwater splicing chamber for tapping {{wpl|Submarine_cable|undersea}} {{wpl|Optical_fiber_cable|fibre-optic cables}}. Officially however, the [[Grand Chilokveri Navy|GCN]] does not acknowledge that the submarine has this capability- a Navy spokesman refused to either confirm or deny whether such missions would be performed by the ''Ophuichus'', saying: "That's going to be classified by nature."
''Ophuichus'' is also fitted with additional maneuvering devices fitted at the fore and aft of the hull which allow her to maintain a stationary position in varying currents. According to intelligence experts, it is likely that these allow the MMI to be operated as an underwater splicing chamber for tapping {{wpl|Submarine_cable|undersea}} {{wpl|Optical_fiber_cable|fibre-optic cables}}. When questioned in 2016, a [[Grand Chilokveri Navy|GCN]] spokesman refused to either confirm or deny whether such missions would be performed by the ''Ophuichus'', saying: "That sort of information's going to be classified by nature."


==Service history==
==Service history==
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! Status
! Status
|-  
|-  
|style="white-space: nowrap;"|GCNS Aries
| ''Aries''
|style="white-space: nowrap;"|SSN-20
|style="white-space: nowrap;"|SSN-20
|rowspan=13| [[Yanmei Shipyard Co.]], [[Yanmei]]
|rowspan=13| [[Yanmei Shipyard Co.]], [[Yanmei]]
|style="white-space: nowrap;"|2 September 2000
| 2 September 2000
|style="white-space: nowrap;"|16 August 2006
| 16 August 2006
|style="white-space: nowrap;"|23 October 2008
| 23 October 2008
| Active in service
| Active in service
|-  
|-  
| GCNS Taurus
| ''Taurus''
| SSN-21
| SSN-21
| 27 August 2002
| 27 August 2002
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| Active in service
| Active in service
|-
|-
| GCNS Gemini
| ''Gemini''
| SSN-22
| SSN-22
| 30 April 2003
| 30 April 2003
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| Active in service
| Active in service
|-
|-
| GCNS Cancer
| ''Cancer''
| SSN-23
| SSN-23
| 27 September 2003
| 27 September 2003
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| Active in service
| Active in service
|-
|-
| GCNS Leo
| ''Leo''
| SSN-24
| SSN-24
| 9 June 2005
| 9 June 2005
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| Active in service
| Active in service
|-
|-
| GCNS Virgo
| ''Virgo''
| SSN-25
| SSN-25
| 11 May 2006
| 11 May 2006
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| Active in service
| Active in service
|-
|-
| GCNS Libra
| ''Libra''
| SSN-26
| SSN-26
| 2 June 2007
| 2 June 2007
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| Active in service
| Active in service
|-
|-
| GCNS Scorpio
| ''Scorpio''
| SSN-27
| SSN-27
| 7 March 2008
| 7 March 2008
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| Active in service
| Active in service
|-  
|-  
| GCNS Ophuichus
| ''Ophuichus''
| SSN-28
| SSN-28
| 4 April 2008
| 4 April 2008
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| Active in service
| Active in service
|-
|-
| GCNS Sagittarius
| ''Sagittarius''
| SSN-29
| SSN-29
| 31 January 2011
| 31 January 2011
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| Active in service
| Active in service
|-
|-
| GCNS Capricorn
| ''Capricorn''
| SSN-30
| SSN-30
| 22 October 2012
| 22 October 2012
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| Active in service
| Active in service
|-
|-
| GCNS Aquarius
| ''Aquarius''
| SSN-31
| SSN-31
| 14 September 2013  
| 14 September 2013  
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| Active in service
| Active in service
|-
|-
| GCNS Pisces
| ''Pisces''
| SSN-32
| SSN-32
| 5 December 2014  
| 5 December 2014  

Latest revision as of 19:46, 24 April 2024

Aries-class submarine
Hmsambush.jpg
GCNS Virgo during sea trials (2012)
Class overview
Name: Aries-class guided missile submarine
Builders: Yanmei Shipyard Co.
Operators: Chilokver Grand Chilokveri Navy
Preceded by: Máni class
Subclasses: Ophuichus class
Cost:
  • Aries class: CL₡3.12 billion (FY2001)
  • Ophuichus class: CL₡5.50 billion (FY2013)
Built: 2000–2018
In commission: 2008–present
Planned: 13
Completed: 13
Active: 13
General characteristics
Type: Nuclear attack submarine
Displacement:
  • Aries class: 10,364 tonnes (submerged)
  • Ophuichus class: 12,448 tonnes (submerged)
Length:
  • Aries class: 140.6 m (461 ft 3 inches)
  • Ophuichus class: 145.1 m (476 ft 1 inches)
Beam: 10.0 m (32 ft 10 inches)
Draft: 9.8 m (32 ft 2 inches)
Installed power:
  • 1 x Fushan Atomics SS6 nuclear reactor producing 40,000 shp (30 MW)
  • 1 x auxiliary diesel motor producing 402 shp (300 kW)
Propulsion: 1 x shaft, pump-jet propulsor
Speed: Classified, over 25 knots (46 km/h) submerged
Range: Unlimited
Endurance: 90+ days
Test depth: Classified, over 400 m (1312 ft)
Complement:
  • Aries class: 14 officers, 95 enlisted
  • Ophuichus class: 15 officers, 95 enlisted
Crew:
  • Aries class: 109
  • Ophuichus class: 110
Armament:

The Aries class, also referred to as the Zodiac class or SSN-20 class, is a class of nuclear powered attack submarines (SSN) in service with the Grand Chilokveri Navy.

Development

Design

General characteristics

Power & propulsion

Aries-class submarines are powered by a single Fushan Atomics SS6 pressurised water reactor (PWR), which produces up to 150 MW of thermal power and has a designed lifetime of 25 years without refuelling. As part of cost reduction measures involved in the design of the Aries class, the SS6 reactor's design was developed from and are a modified derivative of the SS5 PWRs used onboard the Leviathan class ballistic missile submarines. Compared to the SS5, the SS6 has an increased energy density and is smaller in size & weight to allow it to be fitted to the smaller diameter hull of the Aries class without compromising the boats' hydrodynamics. The new, reduced plant components, including a new steam generator design, also feature improved corrosion resistance and maintenance, which are intended to reduce costs over the life cycle of the class. While the SS6 retains the natural circulation cooling capability of the SS5, it cannot be operated at power under this setting and is only intended to use it to maintain emergency cooling while shut down.

The Aries class' reactor drives a single shaft, delivering 30 MW or 40,000 shp of power. Similar to the preceding Máni class, the Aries class uses pump-jet propulsors rather than a conventional bladed propeller. The use of a shrouded propulsor significantly reduces the risks of cavitation, and allows for quieter operation.

The Aries class are designed for a top speed of 30 knots (56 km/h) while submerged. However, it was reported in 2007 that the Aries struggled to achieve this design speed as a result of a mismatch between the reactor and the turbine. The Ministry of Defence confirmed in 2012 that the issue had been rectified after Gemini successfully demonstrated her top speed during trials.

Armament

Sensors & countermeasures

Variants

Unique among the rest of her class, Ophuichus was modified for special operations and classified intelligence missions by the insertion of a 2,084 tonne Multi-Mission Interface (MMI) hull block behind the sail in place of the standard hull module installed with four Variable Payload Tubes (VPTs). While originally scheduled to be commissioned as normal sometime during 2015, in 2013 Yanmei Shipyard was awarded a ₡1.40 billion credit contract and 2 year extension for a large-scale, mid-construction modification of the Ophuichus to support "classified research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) efforts for notional naval special warfare missions, tactical undersea surveillance, and undersea warfare concepts" without unduly sacrificing the her warfighting capabilities. As a result of the modification, Ophuichus is approximately 5 metres longer and 128 tonnes heavier than other Aries-class submarines. The MMI hull insert is unique in being of a smaller diameter than the rest of the pressure hull i.e. the Ophuichus' hull has horizontal 'hourglass' configuration that narrows the pressure hull down to a 'wasp waist'. As faired over to maintain a smooth hydrodynamic hull shape, significant external volume is available outside the pressure hull for storage and deployment of mission systems. The section is fitted with an ocean interface for divers and remotely operated vehicles (ROVs).

Ophuichus is also fitted with additional maneuvering devices fitted at the fore and aft of the hull which allow her to maintain a stationary position in varying currents. According to intelligence experts, it is likely that these allow the MMI to be operated as an underwater splicing chamber for tapping undersea fibre-optic cables. When questioned in 2016, a GCN spokesman refused to either confirm or deny whether such missions would be performed by the Ophuichus, saying: "That sort of information's going to be classified by nature."

Service history

Boats in class

Name Hull No. Builder Laid down Launched Commissioned Status
Aries SSN-20 Yanmei Shipyard Co., Yanmei 2 September 2000 16 August 2006 23 October 2008 Active in service
Taurus SSN-21 27 August 2002 17 June 2008 5 May 2009 Active in service
Gemini SSN-22 30 April 2003 21 February 2009 25 October 2009 Active in service
Cancer SSN-23 27 September 2003 20 November 2009 31 July 2010 Active in service
Leo SSN-24 9 June 2005 15 September 2011 2 June 2012 Active in service
Virgo SSN-25 11 May 2006 10 December 2011 25 October 2012 Active in service
Libra SSN-26 2 June 2007 8 August 2012 29 October 2013 Active in service
Scorpio SSN-27 7 March 2008 29 December 2013 17 March 2014 Active in service
Ophuichus SSN-28 4 April 2008 14 October 2015 2 February 2017 Active in service
Sagittarius SSN-29 31 January 2011 6 January 2016 27 August 2017 Active in service
Capricorn SSN-30 22 October 2012 8 June 2017 1 March 2018 Active in service
Aquarius SSN-31 14 September 2013 1 September 2017 11 December 2018 Active in service
Pisces SSN-32 5 December 2014 13 May 2018 19 February 2019 Active in service

See also

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