China has unveiled a new large uncrewed diesel-electric drone submarine design. The submarine is reconfigurable to perform various missions like attacking ships, mine-laying, special operations support, and serving as a mothership for smaller underwater vehicles.
The drone submarine model has a length ranging from around 124 feet to 141 feet, with a surface displacement between 380 tons and 450 tons. It is designed to operate at depths of 984 to 1,476 feet.
The submarine can reach a maximum speed of 20 knots on the surface and 6 knots underwater. It has an impressive underwater range of 3,452 miles and a surfaced range of 11,507 miles, both at a steady 6-knot pace.
The design includes features like a torpedo tube, central battery array, and a collapsible mast for satellite and underwater communications. It has potential for autonomous operations, though the exact autonomy capabilities are unclear.
The large, long-endurance drone submarine could provide China with versatile underwater capabilities, allowing it to enhance submarine presence and operational capacity at lower costs, potentially in collaboration with manned fleets.
Source: Interesting Engineering
