A French military contractor has unveiled a concept for the submarine of the future. And this sub is unlike any of its predecessors.
The design of the new SMX-31 submarine is inspired by the shape of the sperm whale, it is heavily armed, has a large number of unmanned vehicles on board, and can function as a center for the deployment of naval commandos. In addition, such a submarine is highly automated, its crew will consist of only 15 people.
The SMX-31 violates just about every submarine design convention. The submarine does not have an ordinary sail, it has an organic whale-like appearance. Retractable horizontal rudders are provided, and the skin, covered with a hexagonal pattern, is equipped with built-in sensor antennas and hydrojet propellers in the stern of the vessel.
Inside, the submarine has two skins, a lighter outer and a heavier inner one. The submarine is all-electric, with lithium-ion batteries instead of diesel engines and nuclear reactors. The maximum diving depth is not yet known, but not less than 250 meters.
The SMX-31 will carry 46 heavy torpedoes and missiles, and it will be equipped with vertical launch silos at the bow, as well as horizontal launch tubes.
At the same time, the new submarine will be very compact: only 70 meters in length and weighing 3400 tons. The submarine will be able to operate at sea for 30-45 days, depending on the battery capacity, the maximum speed under water is 20 knots. The reason such a submarine can be so small is because of the smaller crew. Due to the automation, the submarine will only have 15 people, while conventional ships of this kind have teams of 60 people and more.