![]() ![]() Removing humans from the equation doesn’t just save space, it massively reduces the power requirements. So Russia could combine the ATGU or PNAE with drone technology to create the world’s first uncrewed nuclear-powered attack submarine. It uses a lead-bismuth cooled fast reactor based on technology developed for the famous Project 705K ALFA Class submarine. This is designed by OKBM and is a scalable 10-50MW reactor. The ATGU itself and the propulsion machinery is completely unattended.Ī similar, but physically larger, design is the 'Gidropress’ (ГИДРОПРЕСС) 'Underwater Uninhabited Nuclear Power Modules' (ПНАЭМ = PNAE). The ‘Service Submarine’ would still have a crew, but that is for the rest of its mission. ![]() And the Malachite design bureau has proposed using it in regular submarines intended for under-ice operations. The Autonomous Nuclear Turbine Generator (ATGU) is to power seabed infrastructure under the ice cap. It's designed for a one-way trip and doesn't have many of the features normally associated with regular submarine operations.īut Russia has another type of autonomous underwater reactor intended for continuous operation. Yet despite often being described as a drone, it's a weapon. The left one appears to be from Russian sources, and the right one from Western sources. In artists' impressions this was initially drawn as an AUV with multiple torpedo tubes:Īrtist's impressions of Poseidon ('KANYON') showing an AUV with torpedo tubes. The first which comes to mind powers the ginormous Poseidon inter-continental nuclear-powered nuclear-armed autonomous torpedo. They have been investing in fully autonomous underwater nuclear power plants. So could a nuclear-powered attack submarine be fully automated? For the Russians, maybe it could. This Covert Shores Recognition Guide Covers over 80 classes of submarines including all types currently in service with World Navies. Get The essential guide to World Submarines This, generally, makes them harder to detect and gives them a better chance of escaping if they are detected. And they do not have to come near the surface to recharge their batteries. This gives them greater power and virtually unlimited range. Proper submarines, at least in the US / UK context, are nuclear powered. Largely this is because it relies on a diesel engine to power itself. But Orca is a long way short of the current front line fast attack submarines. Navy's Orca XLUUV (extra large unmanned underwater vehicle) pushes the boundaries of AUV technology into the traditional submarine space. (See article on low-cost armed XLUUV concept). This is anyway the case with the latest generation of mobile mines. And they could also carry torpedoes, provided that the risks of friendly fire can be mitigated. These can include being a cruise missile launch platform or sowing minefields. As well as spy missions, they are increasingly being considered to fulfill missions currently requiring manned submarines. But crew fatigue remains a problem, as does underway maintenance, so they generally don’t stay at sea for as long.Īutonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) are a hot topic. Russian attack subs typically have higher levels of mechanical automation and thus smaller crews. With over 100 people aboard they can deal with emergencies and keep the submarine at sea for months on end. Navy and Royal Navy submarines operate so effectively is because of their large crews. The current generation of submarines are designed around humans. If the robotics revolution pushes us towards uncrewed nuclear subs, will Russia have an advantage? This would be because of their ongoing research into unattended underwater nuclear power plants. Russian Navy Nuclear-Powered combat AUVs?
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