US military researchers are reportedly working on a new type of air/sea craft that blends the abilities of a submarine with the capabilities of a modern strike aircraft.
As per information published by the New Scientist, DARPA (the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency), research into a flying submarine has been ongoing since 2008 and now is at the design proposal stage, with multiple external sources now putting forward designs.
The proposal covers a new multi-terrain-going platform incorporating stealth technologies, which would reduce its radar signature. Stealth technologies form a part of many past and present US military aircraft, including the (now-retired) F-117A Nighthawk (the Stealth Fighter) and the B-2 Spirit: the Stealth Bomber.
Flying Sub
A typical mission would see the flying sub approach a target by flying at minimal height over the waves, then descending beneath the surface of the water to carry out the strike.
One major challenge involved in developing a strike platform with air and sea capabilities is the opposing design philosophies attached to both. For example, while aircraft need to keep their weight down to be able to fly with minimal engine power, submarines rely on density and strength to be able to operate in water. This raises obvious questions over the form that this envisaged new combat type will take.
Power represents another potential problem area. If the craft uses standard jet engines, they would need to be in contact with the air – meaning the platform could only ever operate at very minimal water depth. Conversely, batteries could be used, but these would add weight.
Air Submarine
According to one source, the use of carbon fibre technologies could offer a solution to the conflicting requirements of air/sea operations and allow an air submarine to be created.
Graham Hawkes is the creator of the Super Falcon submarine design that features small wings, allowing it to reach depths of 300 metres below the surface. An expansion of the wings and the addition of jet engines could allow it to reach a maximum airborne speed of 560 miles per hour, and an underwater cruising speed closer to 11 miles per hour.
"Think about it as flying under water", Mr Hawkes told the New Scientist, adding: "It can be done: it just needs a lot of work."
Armed Forces International will present further coverage of the US military's work in the field of flying submarine technologies as future facts emerge.