Author Topic: The Sub of the Future Is a Drone Mothership Inspired by a Sperm Whale  (Read 290 times)

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rangerrebew

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The Sub of the Future Is a Drone Mothership Inspired by a Sperm Whale

The SMX-31 could be the first of a new generation of submarines.

By Kyle Mizokami   
Nov 3, 2018
 

A French defense contractor is showing off a submarine design unlike any other. Inspired by the sperm whale, the SMX-31, also known as the Electric, is heavily armed and supports a wide range of unmanned vehicles and can even function as a mothership to naval special forces. The submarine is also heavily automated, with a crew of just 15.

Unveiled at the Euronaval exhibition in Paris, SMX-31 breaks almost every convention of submarine design. The vessel lacks a conventional sail, giving it an organic, whale-like appearance—indeed, its design was influenced by the deep-diving sperm whale. It has retractable hydroplanes that fold into the hull, a hexagonal-patterned skin with built-in sensor antennas, and a pair of rim-drive propulsors (pump jets) housed in the stern of the craft.

https://www.popularmechanics.com/military/navy-ships/a24523409/new-submarine-concept-vehicle-smx-31/
« Last Edit: November 09, 2018, 12:40:57 pm by rangerrebew »