U.S. Navy future fast attack submarines to have long-range sonar, networking, and fly-by-wire control
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Navy’s future fast attack submarines will be bigger, faster, more autonomous, networked, and stealthier than the existing Virginia-class attack boats because greater size will allow for more advanced quieting technologies. Kris Osborn at The National Interest reports. Continue reading original article
The Military & Aerospace Electronics take:
20 Nov. 2020 -- Set to emerge in the 2030s, a SSN(X) class of attack submarines may be closer in size to the Navy’s much larger future Columbia-class ballistic missile submarines.
Yet another area of innovation likely to figure prominently in the development of a new generation of attack submarines is fly-by-wire navigational controls such as those built into the Virginia class Block III boats; instead of using mechanically operated hydraulic controls, the Fly-by-Wire system uses a joystick, digital moving maps and various adaptations of computer automation to navigate the boat. This means that computer systems can control the depth and speed of the submarine, while a human remains in a command and control role.
The SSN(X)'s large-aperture bow sonar is passive and active; it can listen while remaining silent, yet can send an active ping, analyze the return signal, and render an enemy object to include its contours, speed and distance.
Related: A look aboard Navy attack sub reveals growing use of COTS equipment
John Keller, chief editor
Military & Aerospace Electronics