Grupo Naval unveiled its new SMX-31 submarine concept, integrating the latest digital technologies for greater operational efficiency and enhanced versatility.
A French defense contractor is showing off a submarine design unlike any other. Inspired by the sperm whale, the SMX-31, also known as the Electric, is heavily armed and supports a wide variety of unmanned vehicles, and can even function as a mothership for naval special forces. The sub is also highly automated, with a crew of just 15 people.
Read also
- Meet 12 companies that are hiring for job openings even in the scenario of the coronavirus pandemic
- Siemens and Aker Solutions reinforce digital offerings through strategic collaboration
- Global electric power giant Enel has job vacancies open on the 17th
- Petrobras opens tender for contracting flexible pipelines
Meet the submarine of the future
The new submarine was designed to fulfill Naval Group's long-term vision. The France-based company said its naval architects have considered the operational needs expressed by its customers looking to invest in systems that will remain technologically superior throughout the ships' 30- to 40-year lifecycle.
On the horizon of 2040, in a context of permanent ocean surveillance, navies will have to navigate in increasingly complex environments.
The objectives of submariners will be to operate freely, share information safely and be able to act with firmness and agility, expects Grupo Naval. With these considerations in mind, the SMX-31E was designed as a more stealthy, autonomous and flexible solution intended to serve as an intelligent naval force to gain superiority on the underwater battlefields of the future, explained the Naval Group.
Technical characteristics of the submarine SMX-31
- Submerged displacement: 3.200 tons
- Length: 80 meters
- Armament: 24 heavy weapons (naval cruise missiles, F21 torpedoes, anti-ship missiles)
- Up to 6 UUV (533 mm) + 2 XLUUV
- Facilities dedicated to Special Forces (chests, warehouses, vehicles and weapons, muster areas...)
- Two edge-driven electric propulsion engines Crew: 15 crew members + 12 to 20 pax
- Submerged mission: > 40 days at 8 knot speed
The SMX-31 Submarine can also act as a mothership for unmanned vehicles. It can launch unmanned aerial vehicles from a tethered launcher that floats to the surface while the submarine itself remains submerged. It will unload unmanned underwater vehicles from an aft hangar.
The SMX-31 will also accommodate underwater delivery vehicles such as the six-man Sous-Marins 3rd Generation Propeller used by naval special forces to infiltrate coastal areas.
