And in Germany
Two German defense companies just proved a submarine can fire a scout instead of a torpedo, completing sea trials of an uncrewed boat small enough to launch from a standard torpedo tube and surface on its own to spy on
defence-blog.com
"Two German defense companies just proved a submarine can fire a scout instead of a torpedo, completing sea trials of an uncrewed boat small enough to launch from a standard torpedo tube and surface on its own to spy on an enemy without ever putting the submarine itself at risk."
"Ranger measures 4.5 meters (14.8 feet) long and is rated to survive submarine depths of 300 meters (984 feet), dimensions chosen specifically so the vessel fits inside a standard 21-inch (533mm) torpedo tube, the same launch system nearly every modern attack submarine already carries. Once fired from the tube, the vessel autonomously rises to the surface, unfolds a retractable keel and sensor mast that stay tucked away during the underwater launch sequence, and begins operating on an electric drivetrain quiet enough not to immediately give away a nearby submarine’s position. The vehicle’s payload bay is mission-configurable, meaning naval customers can swap in different sensor packages depending on whether a mission calls for electronic surveillance, visual reconnaissance, or another intelligence-gathering role, and GABLER says a strike-capable variant called Strike, built for one-way attack missions rather than reusable reconnaissance, will also become available as the program matures."
....
Will UxVs become "Runners" - replacing gallopers, runners and carrier pigeons as couriers supplementing electronic comms with physical comms?
A particularly useful capability for underwater comms. Send a courier to the surface, transmit/receive/return.
interestingengineering.com
