China's new submarine engine revolutionizes underwater fighting

Novel by Tom Clancy "Follow Red Oktober!An epoch-making engine for a submarine such as the propulsion system "Caterpillar Drive" carried by the nuclear submarine Red October appears in the real world.

China's new submarine engine is poised to revolutionize underwater warfare | Popular Science
http://www.popsci.com/china-new-submarine-engine-revolutionize-underwater-warfare

Nuclear submarine Red Oktober, which appears in Tom Clancy's novel "Following Red October!", Was equipped with a silent propulsion system "Caterpillar Drive" using pump jet and electric propulsion technology China's state media reported that China developed a rim driven pump jet engine very similar to this propulsion system.

China's state-owned TV station "CCTV 13" broadcasted an interview with Mr. Gen. Weiwei, Commander of the Chinese Navy's Chief Technology Officer. In this broadcasting, Mr. Ma Tianwei commander revealed that he is involved in the development of electromagnetic related technologies such as "electromagnetic catapult" and "railgun" in the Chinese navy, but at the same time, the latest nuclear submarine in China is "sound Innovative propulsion system that produces almost no rainfall "is mounted. If this innovative promotion system is installed on the latest boat, the "Type 095"It is highly likely that it will be mounted on a submarine called.


A rim driven pump jet reduces the number of moving parts compared to conventional propulsion systems, which makes it possible to reduce noise due to pump jet. In addition, the rim driven pump jet is more compact than the conventional propulsion system, which will also save valuable inboard space. A rim driven pump jet is also sold by private manufacturers, and it is known as a more quiet propulsion system, in which the bubble "cavitation" formed by the propeller movement is reduced.

The following thrusters are Schottel made rim drive thrusters, but it seems that the Chinese submarines will be much larger than this.


Moreover, in the interview video to Ma Woo Wei Commander by CCTV 13 which was broadcast, as backgroundIntegrated electric propulsion systemElectrical equipment, which is considered to be part of IEPS, is reflected.


Unlike the conventional propulsion system that rotates the propeller shaft with the output of the engine and reactor, IEPS is a set of all power supplies for propulsion and inboard service. IEPS is capable of high electric output, and because it has few moving parts, it will be quieter than the conventional system. Also, if we combine a rim driven pump jet and IEPS adopted in Type 095, the quiet characteristics will be maximized, and we will be closer to an ideal submarine closer to Red October.

In addition, you can also view the interview video with Ma Tai Wei Commander broadcast by CCTV 13 in the following movie.

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