Naval Group looks ahead with biomimetic stealth submarine
The 80m-long submarine would carry naval cruise missiles, F21 torpedoes and/or anti-ship missiles
Naval Group has unveiled a new submarine concept called SMX 31 E.
Displacing 3,200t when submerged and powered by two rim-driven electric propulsion motors, the 80m-long submarine is envisaged to be armed with 24 heavyweight weapons (comprising naval cruise missiles, F21 torpedoes and/or anti-ship missiles).
SMX 31 E would carry up to six 533mm-long UUVs plus two extra-large UUVs, as well as facilities for special forces.
Carrying 15 crew plus 12-20 other passengers, the new submarine would be capable of operating submerged for up to 40 days at 8kt.
Stealth capabilities in the design are enabled by biomimetic panels and SMX 31 E will also have ‘an unmatched electrical energy storage capacity’ plus advanced IT systems, Naval Group noted on 22 October.
The company claimed: ‘At the end of the day, the SMX 31E can monitor areas 10 times larger than today with the same efficiency.’
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