Russia has rich and golden history of making some advanced and high class modern submarines. From the era of Soviet Union till date Russia has developed state of the art nuclear powered and diesel engine submarines which are equipped with sophisticated and highly precise ballistic, cruise and hypersonic missiles. In year 2022 Russia unveiled its plan of developing fifth generation superlative submarine named as Arcturus-class which means the brightest star in Bootes constellation. The Arcturus submarine will possess modern fifth generation stealth capabilities with unique hull design and advanced feature of anti-echoic coating. The concept of Arcturus submarine was presented at army exhibition in year 2022.
Design concept of Arcturus-class submarine:
The Arcturus-class submarine will have wider hull and will also have displacement reduction of almost 20%.TheArcturus-class will have angled slope and smooth surfaces without any sharp edges. This new angled hull design will avoid sonar detection and minimize acoustic reflection. The submarine will have reduce sonar cross section which will make it more stealthy .The design of Arcturus submarine is more likely influenced by modern fifth generation stealth aircrafts such as F 22 and B 2 spirit where smooth and sloppy surfaces avoid detection. The curved lines on surface of Arcturus submarine will reduce turbulences and hydrodynamic drag.
Propulsion system of Arcturus-class submarine:
Arcturus-class submarine will have advanced propulsion system to reduce noise and enhance stealth capability. According to available design of Arcturus submarine, water will be pumped through four available intake ducts which are located at top and bottom of stern side and water will be expel through nozzles at the back side to generate thrust .The Arcturus submarine will have shrouded propulsion system which means the system is protected in case or in external cover in order to protect system from ice debris especially for the missions in arctic ocean. As the impellers (which pump water inside) will be close in ducts so generated noise will be suppressed by duct which will reduce acoustic signatures and provide stealth against enemy sonar
Integration of Surrogat-V Unmanned Underwater vehicle:
Arcturus-class submarine will be equipped with modern and highly sophisticated autonomous underwater vehicle named as Surrogat-V. The main objective of Surrogat-V is to conduct Anti-submarine warfare missions and to perform surveillance and reconnaissance missions in hostile waters. The Surrogat-V UUV (unmanned under water vehicle)will be placed at submarine’s rear payload bay. The Surrogat-V has strong pattern of blue triangles on top of its hull which make it difficult to detect when Surrogat-V is moving closely to surface. The UUV model of Surrogat-V also depicts red painted marks on front which indicates sonar system and other significant system used for navigation.
Wake detection system (SOKS) of Arcturus-class submarine:
The surrogat V 5 underwater autonomous vehicle may have advanced wake detection system like SOKS system in its dorsal (Top) or ventral (bottom side fairings) .A wake detection system usually track underwater vessels by trail they left behind in water. Usually displacement of submarines in water produces slightly changes in salinity, temperature and pressure. These changes linger in water and formed a wake. Wake detection system uses sensors to read these underwater changes and track hostile submarines without exposing itself on enemy sonar. The Arcturus-class Submarine can use Surrogat V to gather intelligence information and may have capacity to take direct actions against enemy assets.
Payload and armaments for Arcturus-class Submarine:
The presented model of Arcturus-class indicates the 12 large payloads or missile tubes close to the rear hull side of submarine. One shown as open especially one for launching VLS (vertical launch system) missiles and other is slightly different from first one and having extended arm, the second one is more likely to have large under water autonomous vehicle. The submarine may have four torpedo with two muzzle doors on each side. There is also long extended hatch which shows a comprehensive system for loading and launching of torpedoes.
The other series of hatches on top hull of submarine indicates the periscopes and sensor locations. Russia could use its some advanced missiles and torpedoes for Arcturus submarine like Shkval torpedoes which uses super cavitation technology. In super cavitation bubbles are formed which covers torpedoes while moving and forming a sheet over weapon and as a result these bubbles significantly reduces drag enabling torpedo to achieve higher speeds.
Nuclear reactor for Arcturus-class Submarine:
Like other advanced submarines used by Russian Navy Arcturus may become nuclear powered submarine with high powered nuclear reactors. Similar to Borei-class and Yasen-class it may high advanced nuclear reactor as primary source of power. The nuclear powered engines allow submarines to stay in water for long duration of time. Russia is also working on development of more advance nuclear reactors such as molten salt reactors and cooled salt reactors which usually have lower thermal signatures providing more stealth ability to submarines
Read out blog related to Magura V5 unmanned underwater vehicle developed by Ukraine:
https://battletechinsider.com/latest-defence-updates/magura-v5/
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