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The Naval Group Unveiled Its New SMX-31 Submarine Concept, Integrating the Latest Digital Technologies for Greater Operational Efficiency and Enhanced Versatility.
A French defense contractor is showcasing a submarine design unlike any other. Inspired by the sperm whale, the SMX-31, also known as Electric, is heavily armed and supports a wide range of unmanned vehicles, even capable of functioning as a mothership for naval special forces. The submarine is also highly automated, with a crew of just 15 people.
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Meet the Submarine of the Future
The new submarine has been designed to fulfill the long-term vision of the Naval Group. The France-based company stated that its naval architects considered the operational needs expressed by their clients who seek to invest in systems that will remain technologically superior over the 30 to 40-year lifecycle of the ships.
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The objectives of submariners will be to operate freely, share information securely, and act decisively and swiftly, the Naval Group expects. Keeping these considerations in mind, the SMX-31E has been designed as a more stealthy, autonomous, and flexible solution aimed at serving as an intelligent naval force to achieve superiority in the underwater battlefields of the future, explained the Naval Group.
Technical Characteristics of the SMX-31 Submarine
- 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 (casemates, storage, vehicles and weapons, grouping areas…)
- Two Electric Propulsion Motors Crew: 15 crew members + 12 to 20 pax
- Submerged Mission: > 40 days at 8 knots
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 offload unmanned underwater vehicles from a rear hangar.
The SMX-31 will also accommodate underwater delivery vehicles, such as the 3rd Generation Submarine Propulsor for six men, used by naval special forces to infiltrate coastal areas.
