Imagine a submarine that can outrun torpedoes meant to intercept it – that could be a reality thanks to a breakthrough propulsion method developed by Chinese scientists. This approach uses “laser propellers” to travel at incredible speeds, with lasers creating tiny explosions that propel the submarine forward. However, this technology has a potentially fatal flaw that makes any submarine using it more vulnerable to detection than ever before.
The process involves covering a submarine with a network of optical fibers and then shooting them through with powerful lasers. The lasers create a plasma that vaporizes water, resulting in thrust. This also creates a shroud of bubbles the submarine can pass through, reducing friction significantly.
According to researchers at Harbin Engineering University, underwater laser propulsion could generate up to 70,000 newtons of force, making it unprecedented for an underwater, human-made craft. However, this power comes with a significant drawback: cavitation noise.
Cavitation occurs when the propeller creates pressure in the surrounding water, boiling it and forming bubbles that eventually burst, creating noise. This noise can be detected by passive sonar, making submarines vulnerable to detection. In a wartime scenario, this noise would give away the submarine’s location, rendering its speed and silence useless.
The fact that this research was published openly suggests that China may not consider it a significant military advantage. The US Air Force kept their F-117A stealth fighter secret for nearly a decade before revealing it, indicating that sensitive technology is often kept hidden to maintain an edge.
While laser propulsion could lead to faster submarines, the noise generated would render them vulnerable to detection. As other major submarine powers work on developing faster and quieter propulsion methods, China’s breakthrough may not provide a significant advantage in the end.
Source: https://www.popularmechanics.com/military/navy-ships/a62047186/fastest-submarines/