Have You Seen Everything This Littoral Combat Sub Can Do in Shallow Water?

By: | March 7th, 2014

A little over a year ago, huge French conglomerate DCNS, with roots tracing back to 1631, introduced a new anti-aircraft system for submarines and introduced the new concept combat sub,  SMX 26, for operating in shallow waters of 50 feet (15m) at the Euronaval show.

The sub has an extendable wheeled undercarriage allowing it to land quickly on all types of seabed floors. It can be deployed for days, monitoring its environment and undertaking both defensive and all offensive when threats emerge.

The unique shape of the ship, somewhat more flattering than most submarines, enables it to operate in shallow waters. It has two shaft-lines and four steerable, retractable azimuth thrusters, making it extremely maneuverable and capable of remaining in a stable position just underneath the surface waves. The following video shows a simulation of the sub in action:

The SMX 26 also deploys hoses to the surface for air intake. The sub has embedded and deployable sensors for complete surveillance above and below the surface of the water.

Up to six special forces divers can be deployed from the sub for various types of actions. Two mast mounted weapon systems, a 20 mm cannon and a missile launcher including antiaircraft self-defense protect the sub and make it lethal. Armament includes two heavyweight torpedoes and eight lightweight torpedoes with warheads.

Related articles on IndustryTap:

References and related content:

David Russell Schilling

David enjoys writing about high technology and its potential to make life better for all who inhabit planet earth.

More articles from Industry Tap...