It's the World's Fastest, Could Give China Underwater Dominance

 

A 'Blue Whale' to Dominate the Oceans? The Chinese underwater drone is set to enter service in 2026.

 

“This name (from the English Blue Whale) is hiding the world's fastest underwater drone. Officially, the drone is supposed to revolutionize oceanographic research, but experts see it as a dual-use device that can provide a significant military advantage both on and under the water.

 

What can the Chinese underwater drone do?

 

The 11-meter unit moves on the surface at a speed of 36 knots, which is comparable to modern destroyers. But its real capabilities are most impressive when submerged. The vehicle is able to go underwater to a depth of 60 meters, and importantly, remain hidden and fully operational for over 30 days. Its ability to operate in sleep mode is not without reason reminiscent of the capabilities of nuclear submarines.

 

The vehicle's brain is the responsibility of an advanced artificial intelligence system using so-called deep learning, reports the Xinhua agency. Thanks to it, the drone autonomously plans route, adapts to missions in real time and avoids threats.

 

 As the creators of the machine emphasize, the "blue whale" is equipped with a drive combining fast turbines with quiet magnetic drives. The vehicle is additionally covered with special sound-dampening coatings, which is supposed to give it an advantage in secret operations while avoiding detection by hydroacoustic monitoring.”