Submarines were a constant in most countries' arsenals throughout the history and evolution of naval warfare. Designed to protect ships at sea, submarines are highly efficient for their assigned missions. These boats are often called "silent service" because of their vulnerability. Today, the Navy has been working on a number of new submarine concepts. These new designs were created to address some of past deficiencies in submarines.
The future submarine design is an automated and stealthy boat that will fill many gaps in submarine operations. It could be used as a platform for unmanned vehicles and as a testing ground for new arrangements. It has the potential to take over time-consuming training duties for officers.
Representatives from Rolls-Royce as well as BAE Systems were present for one of the new concepts, the Nautilus 100 project. The participants were challenged to think about the future in underwater warfare. The hull is made of acrylics and alloys. It also includes unmanned arms that resemble eels. The team explored new technologies and designed the ship. Electronic graphene scales are used to transform the concept into various shapes.
The Royal Navy in the United Kingdom is also working on future submarine designs. Some of the ideas they have developed include dissolving vehicles, swarming fish-inspired missiles, and underwater vehicles shaped like manta rays. The submarine also features a hyperbaric chamber that allows divers to decompress.
The next generation of nuclear powered attack submarines will not be as focused on land-attack but more on deep water anti-submarine operations. These submarines won't be used as much for Special Forces support, or inshore operations. Because of this, the submarine would have a smaller crew, which would also help with retention challenges. These new submarines will require maintenance and certifications to remain operational. These new submarines could be used in place of 1.8 single-crew SSNs.
One of the most obvious concepts in these new submarine designs is twin outboard pumpjet propulsors. Most submarine designs used a single propulsor at the center. This required the sacrifice of the stern and aspect torpedo areas in the vessel design. This design would also allow for the inclusion a special force chamber in the flank arms module.
British BAE Systems' concept features twin, built-in pumpjets, fore ballast tanks and a dive chamber, which is also intended to allow diver decompression. It also features a laying position that can be used for casualty handling. This design was also inspired by the Sperm Whale. It will be displayed at the Euronaval Paris exhibition.
Another concept, known as the Concept of Operations (CONOPS), is a small littoral submarine that is deployed in theaters. This design is intended to reduce the speed disadvantage of traditional boats and can be deployed from forward operating bases. The submarine can be used to transport multiple Swimmer Deliver Vehicles. The submarine's design includes a turtle-back cover to enable it to quickly escape if it capssizes.