My latest project envisions the submarine of the (near) future, which can enter service in the next decade. I opted for a non-nuclear submarine, because the technology currently under development for conventional powered submarines, promises the most significant improvements in capabilities and performance, in the coming decade. Furthermore, non-nuclear submarines are also ideal for a variety of missions other than hard-kill missions, such as surveillance, reconnaissance and other intelligence gathering operations (especially in coastal areas). And they are more affordable than nuclear submarines and offer better commercial opportunities, since there are far more countries that operate non-nuclear submarines. The presented project, called Future Submarine Combat System 2030 (FSCS) is based on a number of basic concept ideas already in development or already in service. They include the Swedish SAAB A26-type, NAVAL Groups SMX31E, the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries-Kawasaki Heavy Industries Taigei-class for the Japan Self Defence Force Navy, the Moray 1800 (a concept all-electric submarine based on a study by a submarine engineer from Nevesbu - a Dutch based architecture and marine engineering company) and the SSBN-X project by a team of advanced design students from the University of Iowa. The FSCS is offered in 2 propulsion versions: 1) Diesel-electric propulsion system augmented by an AIP-system, and high-capacity ruggedised lithium-ion batteries. This version offers long-range, long-endurance performance. Its range is over 17,000 nautical miles at 10 knots and its endurance at patrol speed is up to 90 days thanks to the AIP module. It standard crew complement is 20 to 30 sailors. 2) The other offered version is powered by an all-electric propulsion system using only high-capacity ruggedised lithium-ion batteries. At an economic speed of 5 knots, the all-electric submarine will be able to stay on a cruise for up to 60 days, and sail 3,000 nautical miles remaining fully submerged. That means the electric submarine can sail around for example, the Baltic Sea while submerged, without the need to periodically move to the surface or at periscope depth with atmospheric air intake, to recharge the batteries. This system sharply reduces the noise-level in all modes without losses in other characteristics, making it the stealthiest submarine on the market. This version is a great option for submarines that almost immediately enter their patrol area. Potential users for the all-electric version include Sweden, Qatar, Kuwait,Singapore, Greece, the UAE and Taiwan. What do you think?
