China Develops Submarine-Launched Drone Capable of Underwater and Aerial Operations
China has reportedly developed a novel drone capable of operating both underwater and in the air, posing a potential new threat to US naval dominance. This submarine-launched drone, according to Chinese claims, boasts enhanced survivability in maritime combat scenarios.
Fearing the potential deployment of US underwater drones near its shores for surprise swarm attacks during a potential Taiwan conflict, China has accelerated the development of this advanced technology. Chinese researchers assert that their drone surpasses the capabilities of unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) currently employed by the US Pentagon.
Unique Foldable Wing Design
Developed by researchers at Northwestern Polytechnical University (NWPU) and the China Aerodynamics Research and Development Centre (CARDC), this groundbreaking drone features a unique foldable wing design. This innovative design enables the drone to seamlessly transition between water and air multiple times during a single mission.
Chinese researchers claim this design enhances the drone’s concealment and survivability across different mediums. Detailed in Acta Aeronautica et Astronautica Sinica, a journal published by the Chinese Society of Aeronautics and Astronautics, this technology combines the advantages of efficient underwater navigation with high aerial agility.
Reconnaissance and Attack Capabilities
Dubbed “Feiyi” by its creators, the drone demonstrates significant potential for military applications, including marine reconnaissance, surveillance, and offensive operations. Feiyi’s underwater navigation capabilities are particularly impressive, surpassing the efficiency of most existing cross-medium drones. This is primarily attributed to its four pairs of rotating blades, which can fold and unfold like human arms. This mechanism minimizes water resistance by allowing the irregular blade surfaces to closely adhere to the fuselage.
Equipped with tail-mounted propellers, the drone exhibits powerful propulsion and steering capabilities for underwater operations.
Rapid Submergence and Enhanced Maneuverability
This cross-medium drone maintains an upright posture in rough seas while effectively surfacing. Upon reaching the surface, the drone unfolds its four arms and takes flight. Conversely, upon water landing, the drone’s wings swiftly fold, enabling submergence within five seconds.
The project team, led by NWPU Associate Professor Dong Changyin, emphasizes that the drone, supported by artificial intelligence, can autonomously execute “certain missions with specific requirements.” In contrast, US military drones currently under development require transport to the surface within a torpedo-like tube and lack underwater mobility. Furthermore, after leaving the sea, these drones remain exposed in the air, rendering them more vulnerable to attack.
Advanced Technology Development
NWPU and CARDC are at the forefront of advanced technology development in China, including cutting-edge weaponry such as hypersonic vehicles. Reports indicate that China is actively pursuing the development of various types of cross-medium weapons, some of which may utilize solid-fuel ramjet engines for high-speed cruising both in the air and underwater.
A report published by the Center for a New American Security (CNAS) predicts that a future Taiwan-China conflict will likely be characterized by novel drone warfare tactics, involving advanced underwater drones and increased levels of autonomy.
