China's Laser Breakthrough: A Silent Revolution in Submarine Warfare?

Get ready for a potential game-changer in underwater technology! Chinese scientists have unveiled a new laser-based propulsion system that could lead to silent, superfast submarines, shaking up the world of naval warfare.

How Does It Work?​

Imagine a submarine coated in a network of tiny fibers, thinner than a human hair. Powerful laser beams surge through these fibers and interact with seawater. This generates two amazing effects:

1. Bubble Power: The laser energy vaporizes seawater, creating a blanket of bubbles around the vessel. This phenomenon, called 'supercavitation', dramatically slashes water resistance, allowing the submarine to move at unprecedented speeds.
2. Detonation Boost: The expanding bubbles create powerful shockwaves, providing an extra burst of propulsion.

Silent and Efficient​

This technology promises incredibly stealthy submarines. Traditional submarines rely on noisy propellers, making them easier to detect. With laser propulsion, there are no moving mechanical parts, making these submarines virtually silent.

In addition, Chinese scientists say their system generates almost as much thrust as a commercial jet engine while using a tiny fraction of the energy.

Tackling Challenges, Harnessing Potential​

Decades ago, the concept of laser-propelled submarines seemed like science fiction. This new research brings that possibility closer by addressing challenges like generating force in a specific direction.

Further research will focus on perfecting the heat dissipation of the fibers, ensuring they can handle harsh underwater environments, and addressing any safety or environmental concerns.

The Future is (Potentially) Fast and Silent​

If successful, this laser-powered system could drastically alter naval strategies worldwide. It could also revolutionize underwater missiles and torpedoes.

While China has made the initial strides, other countries will likely ramp up their own research in this direction, driving a new era of underwater technological competition.

Why All the Fuss?​

The US has already imposed strict sanctions on the Chinese university with a major role in developing this technology. This highlights the strategic importance nations place on underwater dominance and cutting-edge naval capabilities.

Let's Keep An Eye Out...​

It may take time before these laser subs become a reality, but the potential for transforming the underwater world is undeniably exciting – and potentially a little worrisome depending on who you ask!

 

[Ysmir Rewari]

This technology particularly supercavitation is being researched to develop supersonic torpedoes, that will travel faster than the speed of sound towards their target and hence beat any sonar. It seems doubtful that a large and bulky submarine can be propelled in a similar manner.

 

[Kira]

This technology particularly supercavitation is being researched to develop supersonic torpedoes, that will travel faster than the speed of sound towards their target and hence beat any sonar. It seems doubtful that a large and bulky submarine can be propelled in a similar manner.

Besides,this will ironically also drastically affects a Submarines primary asset aka it's stealth through all those bubbles generated around its hull.

 

[ABHIJIT APSINGIKAR]

Not a technical background guy, but if my primary school physics knowledge serves me right, laser is essentially light and thus has limitations same as light spectrum. Sea Water has a poor refractive index and would nit be conducive to light transmission.

The water has to be absolutely pure, Goodluck finding duch water anywhere across the world.

 

[Chand Ashok]

Chinese are acclaimed in misguiding people with false tall claims. Eurasian Times is CCP sponsored outlet publishing such garbage material that portrays Chinese to be absolutely superior. These Chinese failed to develop hitech jet engines, leave alone jet engines they failed to master technology for high grade ceramics used in aero engines and tried to purchase a world renowned German Company to get this technology but deal was cancelled by German Govt. Even African Countries that brought their Jf-17 fighters rejected them later for poor quality. Till date Chinese have failed to indigenously develop world class passenger aircraft to compete with Boeing & Airbus. Even India hasn't done these achievements but we atleast don't make fake claims like Chinese.

 

[Paul]

Interesting concept, but quite literally at least a decade from even testing such a concept on a small scale. And the power requirements for something like that would require a gigantic submarine with multiple reactors.