Nuclear Submarines - 5th Generation
The submarine fleet entered the second century of its existence. The architecture and appearance of the submarine to the beginning of the XXI century have reached great perfection. However, this does not mean that the architecture will remain unchanged. If we once again list all the permanent factors that determine the submarine architecture, namely: stealth, propulsive qualities, survivability and unsinkability, combat load and stability, manufacturability, relative position of weapons and advanced sonar antennas, it should be noted that the priority is stealth - the quality that determined the appearance of this class of ships. Proceeding from this priority and in compromise with all other factors, a single-body architectural type will be preferable.
However, the new tactics of using the submarines, taking into account the actions off the coast, in shallow water, the possible use of various mobile changing combat loads, may require and will dictate the use of the two-body type.
Such advanced, promising technologies of submarine construction such as the rejection of sliding devices penetrating the robust hull, control of flow noise and control of the boundary layer of the ship and its hydrodynamic field, the use of electric propulsion, the use of new types of coatings, cover hydroacoustic antennas, integrated antenna communication systems, etc. , undoubtedly, will influence the formation of the external appearance of the ship and its architecture, so that designers in this plan will have a wide field of activity.
Russia is planning to develop its fifth-generation submarine by 2020 under a 2011-2020 arms procurement program, to be armed with both ballistic and cruise missiles. The distinguishing feature of Russia’s newest, fifth-generation submarines will be stealth rather than higher speed or greater depth capabilities, Vladimir Dorofeyev, head of the Malakhit Design Bureau, said on 19 March 2013. “It is quite possible that new technological solutions will appear to protect submarines from detection,” he said in an interview with RIA Novosti. The fifth-generation submarine will acquire new capabilities through close interaction with other components of the Armed Forces, including surface warships, warplanes, spacecraft, satellites, as well as other submarines, based on an integrated information space, he said.
He added, however, that the incorporation of submarines, alongside surface warships and warplanes, into a single communications system is at odds with the idea of a “stealth vessel,” insofar as the sheer exchange of information is a “telltale sign.”
“But that is a field that requires serious scientific-technical research,” Dorofeyev said. Rubin Central Design Bureau head Igor Vilnit said on Monday work is in progress on fifth-generation nuclear-powered and diesel submarines. The new submarine will have a service life of about 50 years, he said. The fifth generation will be distinguished by its lowered noise, automated control systems, reactor safety, and long-range weapons.
Russia’s fifth-generation strategic and attack submarines will most likely be non-nuclear-powered, more compact and less “visible,” a senior designer at the Rubin design bureau said 11 November 2013 in an exclusive interview with RIA Novosti. Large nuclear-powered vessels, including Russia’s Typhoon-class strategic boats, have so far dominated past and current trends in combat submarine construction. “I believe future submarines will be smaller, because of the use of more advanced technologies as well as the pursuit of more cost-effective production,” Sergei Sukhanov said.
“The fifth-generation boat will also be less ‘visible’ compared with existing submarines. They could also feature a new power plant, including fully electric,” Sukhanov said, adding that changes could affect other sub-systems of future submarines. The designer said the most likely substitution for a nuclear reactor on strategic and attack submarines would be an air-independent propulsion plant (AIPP), which would make them stealthier than nuclear-powered boats. The AIPP allows a non-nuclear submarine to operate without the need to access atmospheric oxygen.
While a nuclear submarine’s reactor must constantly pump coolant, generating some amount of detectable noise, non-nuclear boats running on battery power or AIPP can be practically “silent.” “The endurance of submarines with this type of propulsion should be sufficient [for patrol or strike missions] – for a month or even more,” Sukhanov said.
He said the construction of fifth-generation submarines in Russia could start in the next 10 to 15 years. The Russian Navy relied on third-generation submarines, with fourth-generation subs of the Project 955 Borey class of strategic boats and Project 885 Yasen class of attack boats just beginning to be adopted for service.
On 14 December 2018, Admiral Vladimir Korolev, Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Navy (Navy) of the Russian Federation, said that Russia was working on the creation of fifth-generation nuclear submarines. “In order to preserve parity in the fleet, in terms of its shock capabilities, in order to protect Russia's national interests, especially in the ocean zone and the Arctic zone, including, boats must be built. And I think that the first submarines (of the fifth generation. - Ed.) Will start to appear in five years, ”said Leonkov.
In his opinion, the data on what specific technical characteristics the new submarines will have and what specific equipment will not be disclosed in the near future. At the same time, the expert is confident that innovations will affect the low-noise and low-visibility of submarines and the duration of autonomous navigation under water.
“I think that, most likely, emphasis will be placed on high-speed data - quick access to the missile launch area or positional areas or patrol zones; stealth course and economical course. These areas will allow the 5th generation boat to enter the zone at the lowest cost compared to the 4th generation boats,” said Leonkov.
Submarines of the 5th generation can get new reactors. “Innovation is likely to be associated with the improvement of the main power plant. The fact is that Russia in nuclear reactors, especially those working on fast neuron technology, has become the leader. As you know, we have the fastest submarines working on such reactors, but they were very noisy and they had an increased accident rate. Now the technology has been finalized, ”the expert concluded. Also, submarines will probably get hypersonic complexes, Leonkov predicted. “I mean the complex, which is now being developed and tested, -“ Zircon ”. It can be further developed for promising 5th generation submarines”.
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