China’s new underwater drone
China’s new drone submarine boasts 3452-mile underwater range, can carry torpedoes
The submarine measures between 124 and 141 feet in length, with a surfaced displacement ranging from 836,000 to 990,000 pounds.
Interesting Engineering • November 15, 2024
China has unveiled the design of an unprecedented large uncrewed diesel-electric drone submarine.
An online defense news outlet reports that the design is reconfigurable to perform various missions, including attacking enemy ships, mine-laying, supporting special operations, and serving as a mothership for smaller uncrewed underwater vehicles (UUVs).
The China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC) released the model of the “small special operations unmanned submarine” at the Zhuhai Airshow.
According to the product details, the drone submarine varies in length from approximately 38 meters (124 feet) to 43 meters (141 feet), depending on its version and configuration.
The submarine is designed to operate at depths of 300 meters (984 feet) to 450 meters (1,476 feet). According to experts, the new submarine design may be linked to a CCSC prototype spotted in 2017.
Versatile submarine design
The drone submarine model, unveiled by CSSC at the Zhuhai Airshow, features a streamlined design with a low-profile dorsal hump instead of a traditional sail.
According to The War Zone (TWZ), the cutaway model reveals a torpedo tube, a central battery array, propulsion systems driving a single unshrouded stern propeller, and mission systems located in the bow. A collapsible mast, typical of large UUVs like Boeing’s Orca, is positioned at the rear.
CSSC’s product card details three configurations: Type A, which can carry 8–12 torpedoes or torpedo-tube-launched missiles; Type B, which can support 6–8 special operations divers with their equipment; and Type C, which can transport either 8–12 mines or 4 large or multiple small UUVs.
This large, long-endurance drone submarine could prove versatile for missions in coastal waters or open seas. Its potential to operate autonomously would enable extended underwater picket lines, enhancing submarine presence and operational capacity at lower costs. The submarines could also collaborate with manned fleets to amplify tactical advantages.
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