Internationale ontwikkelingen op onderzeebootgebied.

[Harald]

AUKUS Underwater Capability Developments Target Torpedo-Tube UUV System

Details have been set out for four workstrands being developed, within Pillar 2 of the AUKUS trilateral strategic defence and security partnership, to generate new underwater battlespace capability for the Australian, UK, and US navies. One new capability priority is capacity to launch and recover uncrewed underwater vehicles (UUVs) from submarine torpedo tubes.


AUKUS Pillar 1 aims to deliver an SSN for the Australian and UK navies. AUKUS Pillar 2 aims to deliver underwater capabilities including a torpedo-tube launch-and-recovery system for UUVs that is designed to fit any submarine. Artist impression by L3Harris.

Australia, the UK, and the US formally announced the AUKUS accord in September 2021. Two focus areas have been declared to date, named Pillar 1 and Pillar 2. Pillar 1 encompasses development and delivery of a nuclear-powered attack submarine (SSN) for the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) and the UK Royal Navy (RN), using the SSN-AUKUS design being developed under the RN's lead. Pillar 2 focuses on developing a range of capabilities to further enhance combined interoperability between AUKUS members. Pillar 2's coverage continues to expand, and currently includes artificial intelligence (AI), cyber, electronic warfare, hypersonic, information-sharing, innovation, quantum, and underwater capabilities.

Speaking at the Undersea Defence Technology (UDT) exposition, held at London's ExCel exhibition centre in early April, the RN's Commodore Andy Perks – outgoing Deputy Director for Underwater Battlespace Capability in the RN's Develop Directorate – said that each of the nine capability areas is being developed under a separate working group.

Within the underwater battlespace working group, he added, four workstrands are currently underway.

First is the development of an interchangeable UUV, to be launched and recovered from a submarine torpedo tube – what is known as a TTL&R capability.

Cdre Perks explained that work is based around the Leidos/L3Harris Iver4 autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV). Within the TTL&R capability development process, Cdre Perks underlined the emphasis on the recovery element. However, while this element is technologically challenging, he stressed that using a UUV is a good way to deploy a lot of capability from a submarine.

Rear Admiral James Parkin – the RN's Director Develop – told the UDT conference in his keynote address that the TTL&R capability, which will be delivered for the RN under Project Scylla, can be fitted to any submarine and removes a boat's need to surface to recover a vehicle.

"It gives an SSN its own offboard system," said Rear Adm Parkin.

The submarine will be able to deploy a UUV, and then adapt how it uses the UUV, without having to involve another platform, he added.

Dan Packer – AUKUS Director for the USN's Commander Submarine Force, and a retired USN submarine commanding officer – underlined the operational importance of the UUV TTL&R system. With submarines looking to bring increased capability into a more challenging operational environment featuring shallower, contested waters, a TTL&R UUV will help preserve a submarine's ordnance capacity, he said.

Cdre Perks added that the USN has already conducted TTL&R sea trials, with the RN set to follow suit.

In July 2023, L3Harris demonstrated the TTL&R capability, accomplishing what the company said in a statement was "a fully autonomous launch and recovery of an AUV from an underway submarine", with the test demonstrating the development and integration of a homing and docking solution designed to enable the TTL&R process.

Once the TTL&R capability has been worked through, the aim is to be at a mature point in programme development where companies can be invited to propose payload ideas, said Cdre Perks. While the UUV is key to unlocking interchangeability, the payload is more critical than the UUV itself, he stressed.

The second underwater workstrand is the concept of using AI and machine learning (ML) to augment underwater acoustic data processing. Here, testing has already been conducted using a USN P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft (MPA). A cloud-based approach was set up to enable AI/ML analysts to use data algorithms to process data; the P-8A then drew on the information output.

Third, for critical underwater infrastructure (CUI) security, the AUKUS partners are looking at commonality in operations and processes, and improving understanding of each other's capabilities. In November 2023, the three navies conducted the Integrated Battle Problem 23.3 exercise, out of the RAN's Fleet Base East naval station, Garden Island, Sydney: AUVs were used in the exercise to monitor CUI, including seabed pipelines and cables.

Finally, the AUKUS partners are looking at interchangeability in underwater self-defence capability, including torpedoes, countermeasures, and other effectors.

While delivery of an SSN capability for the RAN and RN under AUKUS Pillar 1 is a longer-term programme, AUKUS Pillar 2 is set to meet the requirement to provide more tangible, targeted outputs in the nearer term to begin tackling new challenges to the global order that are unfolding almost daily, said Cdre Perks.

https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2024/04/aukus-underwater-capability-developments-target-torpedo-tube-uuv-system/

[Harald]

Blue water submarines: capabilities and requirements

Despite the ever-increasing number of navies harbouring 'blue water' naval ambitions, the total of those with the means to field this capability underwater is limited. The nuclear-powered submarine's combination of speed and endurance continues to provide an unrivalled capacity to undertake long-range, oceanic deployment. However, few nations have either the technological base or financial resources to acquire such vessels. As a result, the acquisition of long-range diesel-electric boats remains the default option for many of these fleets. This article examines the major programmes that are currently underway for both submarine types.

.../...

https://euro-sd.com/2024/04/articles/37467/blue-water-submarines-capabilities-and-requirements/

[Harald]

https://marineschepen.nl/nieuws/Indonesie-kiest-naval-group-als-bouwer-nieuwe-onderzeeboten-040424.html

Indonesië tekent contract met Naval Group voor nieuwe onderzeeboten

De Indonesische scheepswerf PT PAL mag twee onderzeeboten bouwen voor de Indonesische marine. Als model werd de nieuwste Scorpène gekozen; de Scorpène Evolved. Daarmee wordt Indonesië de vijfde klant met Scorpène-onderzeeboten, een onderzeeboot die oorspronkelijk ontworpen werd door het Franse Naval Group en het Spaanse Navantia. Voor de Indonesische onderzeeboten zal Naval Group alle technologie en know-how doorspelen aan PT PAL, dat de volledige productie in handen neemt.

[Huzaar1]

    of is dat een 1 april grap van de USNavy ?   

Nee, maar het is toch voor iedereen bekend dat ze al jaren dingen in gebruik hebben die worden ontkent

    of is dat een 1 april grap van de USNavy ?   

Nee, gewoon typische stratcom omtrent moeilijke/experimentele/geheime toepassingen in wapensystemen.

Is ook logisch, maar geloof er niks van dat als een concept al nu meer dan 40 jaar tot in de puntjes bekend is, het nu de eerste toepassing zou zijn.

[Harald]

Jaja, we worden voor de gek gehouden. 

    of is dat een 1 april grap van de USNavy ?   

[Master Mack]

Caterpillar drive.. Al een ding sinds de jaren 80.

Wil je meer weten: https://www.kjmagnetics.com/blog.asp?p=red-october

Je was me net voor

[Huzaar1]

Jaja, we worden voor de gek gehouden. 

Caterpillar drive.. Al een ding sinds de jaren 80.

Wil je meer weten: https://www.kjmagnetics.com/blog.asp?p=red-october

[Harald]

U.S. Navy Submarine First In World Fitted With Silent Caterpillar Drive

Submarines use stealth to dominate the seas, presenting an illusive yet deadly threat. Now U.S. Navy submarines will take stealth to a new level. American submarines will now be fitted with magnetohydrodynamic drive.

American submarines will further extend their advantage in the undersea domain. In the first of a kind, the U.S. Navy has fitted a new form of propulsion, magnetohydrodynamic drive (MHD), to a Virginia class submarine. This promises to make the submarine virtually undetectable, the holy grail of naval warfare.

The Magnetohydrodynamic drive is being developed under the PUMP program by DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency), first reported in 2023. Water passing through it is accelerated by means of a magnetic field using superconducting magnets. This is often likened to the way a caterpillar crawls leading to the colloquial term 'caterpillar drive'.

The first boat to be fitted with the new propulsion will be the USS Montana (SSN 794). This Virginia Class attack submarine was commissioned into the U.S. Navy in June 2022. Although still a new boat, she has been brought in to Groton, Connecticut, for the modifications.

Quietest Submarine Propulsion Ever
It is likely to be particularly stealthy as there are no moving mechanical parts. This will make the submarine particularly difficult to detect using passive sonar which listens for noises emitted by the targeted submarine. Sonar operators searching for the USS Montana will likely hear noises which are indistinguishable from natural phenomenon, such as seismic activity.

Instead of a traditional propeller at the stern, the new propulsion will be entirely within the submarine's hull. According to British experts the only external clues are likely to be the water intake doors in the bow. These will resemble torpedo tube shutters but larger, approximately the diameter of a submarine launched ballistic missile. But mounted horizontally, which is unusual for those missiles.

 Home»News»U.S. Navy Submarine First In World Fitted With Silent Caterpillar Drive
Sea Air Space 2024
US Navy submarine USS Montana at sea
Click to Enlarge. The U.S. Navy submarine USS Montana (SSN-794) will be the first fitted with the highly stealthy 'Caterpillar Drive'. U.S. Navy Photo.
U.S. Navy Submarine First In World Fitted With Silent Caterpillar Drive
Submarines use stealth to dominate the seas, presenting an illusive yet deadly threat. Now U.S. Navy submarines will take stealth to a new level. American submarines will now be fitted with magnetohydrodynamic drive.
Naval News Staff  01 Apr 2024

American submarines will further extend their advantage in the undersea domain. In the first of a kind, the U.S. Navy has fitted a new form of propulsion, magnetohydrodynamic drive (MHD), to a Virginia class submarine. This promises to make the submarine virtually undetectable, the holy grail of naval warfare.

The Magnetohydrodynamic drive is being developed under the PUMP program by DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency), first reported in 2023. Water passing through it is accelerated by means of a magnetic field using superconducting magnets. This is often likened to the way a caterpillar crawls leading to the colloquial term 'caterpillar drive'.

The first boat to be fitted with the new propulsion will be the USS Montana (SSN 794). This Virginia Class attack submarine was commissioned into the U.S. Navy in June 2022. Although still a new boat, she has been brought in to Groton, Connecticut, for the modifications.

Quietest Submarine Propulsion Ever
It is likely to be particularly stealthy as there are no moving mechanical parts. This will make the submarine particularly difficult to detect using passive sonar which listens for noises emitted by the targeted submarine. Sonar operators searching for the USS Montana will likely hear noises which are indistinguishable from natural phenomenon, such as seismic activity.

Instead of a traditional propeller at the stern, the new propulsion will be entirely within the submarine's hull. According to British experts the only external clues are likely to be the water intake doors in the bow. These will resemble torpedo tube shutters but larger, approximately the diameter of a submarine launched ballistic missile. But mounted horizontally, which is unusual for those missiles.

It Is Time
The new propulsion may be fitted to more submarines if the trials are successful. These are likely to include new-build Virginia class attack submarines and the future 'SSN-X' type. It is unlikely to be fitted to the Columbia Class ballistic missile submarines (SSBN) however as this would likely constitute a first strike capability. There is no reason to make a nuclear deterrent submarine so stealthy if it is only intended for retaliatory strikes.

USS Montana is expected to undergo sea trials on the Penobscot River in Maine. This will make it more difficult for the Russian Navy to observe the tests.

The caterpillar drive propulsions is still in its infancy. Whether the Penobscot River will be the end of the story, or the beginning of a new chapter, remains to be seen. Either way, Montana will remain unseen.

https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2024/04/u-s-navy-submarine-first-in-world-fitted-with-silent-caterpillar-drive/

[Harald]

Australia Selects BAE Systems And ASC To Build SSN-AUKUS

The Australian Government has selected BAE Systems and ASC Pty Ltd to build Australia's new fleet of nuclear powered submarines in the latest significant development in the AUKUS trilateral security pact between the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia.



BAE Systems press release

Australian Deputy Prime Minister, Richard Marles, and UK Defence Secretary, Grant Shapps, announced the news in Australia, marking the next step in the pathway for Australia to build and operate its own nuclear powered submarines.

Under the AUKUS agreement, Australia and the UK will operate a common submarine of the future, incorporating technology from all three nations, based on the UK's next generation design which BAE Systems is leading.

BAE Systems and ASC Pty Ltd will now bring together their complementary skills, expertise and capabilities under a collaborative arrangement in Australia, ultimately leading to the establishment of a long-term, incorporated Joint Venture.

"We're extremely proud of our role in the delivery of this vitally important, tri-nation submarine programme. Our selection as a partner in Australia, alongside ASC, recognises our role as the UK's long-term submarine design and build partner and as a key player in Australia's maritime enterprise and wider defence landscape. Drawing on decades of experience in the UK and Australia, we look forward to working with ASC to develop an enduring, sovereign nuclear-powered submarine building capability for Australia. We're already making good progress on the design and development of the next generation submarine in the UK where we have more than 1,000 people working on the SSN-AUKUS programme and major infrastructure investment underway. This latest step will ensure an integral connection between the UK design and the build strategy development in Australia as we work together to deliver next generation military capability as well as considerable social and economic value to all three nations."

Charles Woodburn, BAE Systems Chief Executive

SSN-AUKUS will be the largest, most powerful and advanced attack submarines the Royal Navy has ever operated and will start to replace the Astute class, which BAE Systems is building at its site in Barrow-in-Furness in the North West of England, from the late 2030s. Australia expects to deliver its first SSN-AUKUS submarine in the early 2040s.

The UK Ministry of Defence awarded BAE Systems almost £4 billion for the next phase of the SSN-AUKUS programme in October. The funding covers development work through to 2028, enabling BAE Systems to progress the detailed design phase of the programme and procure long-lead items.  The award is also funding significant infrastructure investment in Barrow, which will see the site's facilities double in size from 80,000 to 160,000 m2 by the late 2030s, as part of a multi-billion pound programme, and continued recruitment to support the national endeavour.

BAE Systems has already increased its UK submarines workforce to 13,500 with plans to grow to around 17,000 at its peak to support SSN-AUKUS in the UK, as well as the Astute and Dreadnought programmes, providing a significant employment boost for the region.

BAE Systems is the UK's long-term submarine build partner and brings critical nuclear-powered submarine building experience and intellectual property. The involvement of BAE Systems in Australia ensures an integral connection between the SSN-AUKUS design led by BAE Systems in the UK and the development and maturation of the Australian build strategy.

BAE Systems has already delivered five of seven Astute class submarines to the Royal Navy in the UK, with the remaining two boats at advanced stages of construction at its shipyard in Barrow-in-Furness. The Company is also designing and building the UK's next-generation nuclear deterrent submarines, Dreadnought, with construction underway on the first three of four new boats.

In Australia, BAE Systems has a long and proud heritage over 70 years providing advanced defence technology from air and maritime sustainment to shipbuilding, which protects both people and national security, keeping critical information and infrastructure secure.

https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2024/03/australia-selects-bae-systems-and-asc-to-build-ssn-aukus/

[Parera]

[Harald]

Taiwan's first Indigenous Defense Submarine (IDS), Hai Kun (SS-711) , was launched today at the CSBC shipyard in Kaohsiung.

In the morning of February 22, the massive 35,000-ton Floating Drydock, Jong Shyn No.8, quietly docked outside the CSBC shipyard in Kaohsiung.

https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2024/02/taiwan-launches-its-first-indigenous-submarine/#prettyPhoto

[Sparkplug]

Our Best Look At Taiwan's First Homegrown Submarine

Taiwan's first domestically made submarine, named Hai Kun, is now in the water and about to commence its first at-sea trials.

by Thomas Newdick| PUBLISHED Feb 27, 2024 4:53 PM EST


CSBC Corporation

With Taiwan's first domestically made submarine seen entering the water for the first time and about to start at-sea trials, observers have had their best chance to look at the boat in more detail, revealing some intriguing — and advanced — aspects. The Hai Kun (SS-711), which was launched in the southern port city of Kaohsiung last September, as you can read about here, is a diesel-electric design, part of eight planned hulls that are set to revamp Taiwan's desperately aging submarine force.

New photos of the Hai Kun emerged today, as the boat was being moved from the shipyard where it was constructed to a floating dock and then finally into the water to begin at-sea trials. According to earlier reports, the submarine should go to sea for acceptance trials in late April and be delivered before the end of the year, although there are signs that this process could be delayed.

It should be recalled that there were previous suggestions that the overall quality of the finish on the boat may not be to the highest level, especially around the sail. The latest imagery doesn't exactly refute those suggestions, but it's important also to remember the rapid pace at which the first-of-class submarine was completed.

With that in mind, Matus Smutny, a submarine warfare analyst, and a features contributor to The War Zone, has identified some of the key features of the Hai Kun that we can see in these images.

.../...


via Matus Smutny

https://www.twz.com/sea/our-best-look-at-taiwans-first-homegrown-submarine

[Harald]

Defence Procurement Minister James Cartlidge, appearing before a parliamentary Defence Committee on a separate topic on Feb. 21, confirmed that he too had been onboard along with senior unnamed U.S. officials.

Cartlidge declined to comment on a question from a committee member suggesting the failure was unrelated to the missile itself.

The Sun newspaper, which broke the story, reported that a Trident 2 was propelled into the air by compressed gas in its launch tube but that its first-stage boosters did not ignite[/i].

"On this occasion, an anomaly did occur, but it was event specific and there are no implications for the reliability of the wider Trident missile systems and stockpiles," Shapps told lawmakers. "Nor are there any implications for our ability to fire our nuclear weapons, should the circumstances arise in which we need to do so."

https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2024/02/21/uk-trident-submarine-missile-launch-failed-with-top-brass-aboard/

  De Amerikanen hebben in september nog wel een succesvolle lancering gedaan met hetzelfde type raket. Of zou het toch iets met de lancering zelf te maken hebben ? met het "wegdrukken" van de raket uit de silo van de onderzeeboot naar het moment dat de raket het zelf moet doen, het ontsteken van de raketmotor ?

Lancering als het goed gaat, Trident Missile Launch
This video shows the back-to-back launching of two Trident II D5 submarine launched ballistic missiles.

[Huzaar1]

Heel vreemd verhaal. Wat er dus eigelijk aan de hand is, is dat de nucleaire paraplu van de Britten niet meer gegarandeerd is. Bizar

[Harald]

Vreemd verhaal

Maar wordt nu wel bevestigd

UK admits Trident nuclear missile 'anomaly' caused test misfire, dismisses rocket booster reports

Despite a resolute defense of Trident by the UK MoD, the latest misfire will likely raise questions about the stability of the UK nuclear deterrent.

A British Trident II D5 unarmed nuclear missile that fell into the Atlantic Ocean shortly after failing to launch properly from a Royal Navy submarine suffered "an anomaly," according to UK Defence Secretary Grant Shapps.

The embarrassing incident, marking the second successive Royal Navy Trident launch test failure in eight years, was first reported by The Sun, which linked the cause of the misfire to first stage rocket boosters not igniting. The long interval between test fires on HMS Vanguard are a result of a more than seven year refit program.

As for the exact cause of the misfire, the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) told Breaking Defense in a Wednesday statement that reports of Trident suffering a rocket boost failure were "not" correct, clearly pushing back on the Sun report. However, the MoD would not comment on the "specifics of the anomaly."

Breaking Defense was also told that the MoD "wont comment on the specifics of investigations," relating to the Trident incident but the test failure is considered a "concern" for both the Royal Navy and the UK Defence Nuclear Organisation, with the latter, in particular, continuing "to work closely with the US."

.../...

https://breakingdefense.com/2024/02/uk-admits-trident-nuclear-missile-anomaly-caused-test-misfire-dismisses-rocket-booster-reports/