Remember that iconic Hunt for Red October? This reminder paints a parallel to what the Pentagon is developing. The United States is said to be working on propulsion technology for its submarines to be able to operate undetected and launch nuclear attacks without the possibility of a response.
Submarines of the future: death is silently approaching
The Pentagon wants its future submarines to be completely undetectable, which is why it launched a new program to develop completely silent propulsion technology, impossible to locate by other submarines or by perimeter defense microphones that have been installed by powers like China or Russia at your back.
These submarines can literally launch nuclear missiles from the coasts of these countries undetected at any time, destroying the enemy in a matter of minutes, without any possibility of retaliation.
The Virginia-class is a class of nuclear attack submarines of the United States Navy Credit: US Navy
To achieve this goal, the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency has launched a revolutionary program that could change the future of marine propulsion. The program, called PUMP, aims to develop a marine propulsion system that uses Dynamic magnetic technology (MHD), a system that uses magnets and electric current to propel boats and barges with no moving parts.
This system, because it has no mechanical parts or propellers, does not make engine noise or the potential for it lumenthe noisy phenomenon that occurs when water is mechanically displaced, creating a vacuum that is instantly replaced by other water molecules.
Advantages and challenges of hydromagnetic technology
According to the post Naval military technologyMHD payouts have significant advantages for defense and naval warfare. First, because it has no moving parts, it reduces noise and vibration, making it impossible to detect moving submarines and drones. Furthermore, MHDs could theoretically propel submarines at much higher speeds underwater, far exceeding the capabilities of conventional propulsion systems. They also provide greater maneuverability, as the MHD could theoretically apply force instantly in any direction, rather than relying on rudders and rudders.
Yamato-1, a full-size MHD ship, on display in Kobe, Japan. Photo by Geofrog, via Wikimedia, CC BY-SA 2.5
However, there are also disadvantages: although they are difficult to detect by sonar due to their silent operation, the The use of strong magnetic fields may lead to the detection of MHD-equipped vessels By systems capable of detecting magnetic anomalies. Furthermore, MHD thrusters can require large amounts of electrical power, which may mean that ships using this technology will need a more powerful generator.
DARPA's PUMP program is an important step forward in marine technology. If successful, it could bring us closer to the legendary "treadmill motor" proposed by Tom Clancy in the fictional submarine movie "The Hunt for Red October."
Although the MHD motor of the PUMP is not exactly the same as the motor of the fairy treadmill, the principles of magnetic propulsion are the same.
If DARPA succeeds, the MHD will revolutionize naval warfare and defense, ushering in a new era of secrecy and efficiency in naval technology capable of ferrying nuclear missiles to any nation's shores in complete secrecy.
As Captain Marco Ramius (played by Sean Connery) said in the movie:
Once again we are playing a dangerous game of chess against our old foe.
If the United States succeeds, it will be closer than ever to becoming an undisputed power. The point is that, as with the atomic bomb, China will soon have the same technology, and we will end up where we started, but in a much worse position.
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