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1- Marine Industries Organization, Tehran, Iran
2- Faculty of Civil Engineering, Shahrood University of Technology, Shahrood, Iran
3- Chabahar Maritime University, Maritime Engineering College, Chabahar, Iran
2- Faculty of Civil Engineering, Shahrood University of Technology, Shahrood, Iran
3- Chabahar Maritime University, Maritime Engineering College, Chabahar, Iran
Abstract: (49 Views)
One of the key features of the next-generation (sixth-generation) military submarines is their capability to carry, launch, and recover AUVs (Autonomous Underwater Vehicles). These AUVs will be responsible for defending the submarine, monitoring and listening to the surrounding environment. This is crucial because, in the future, AUVs are expected to pose the most significant threat to submarines. Heavy and few torpedoes are not effective for dealing with small and numerous AUVs. Therefore, the internal layout of future military submarines should be modified to enable the widespread use of AUVs. The two significant distinctions between AUVs and torpedo launchers are that, firstly, AUVs must be recoverable and not disposable, and secondly, AUVs must be deployed in large numbers simultaneously. As a result, their launchers will be different. In this article, 13 methods are proposed for the deployment of AUVs, and the advantages and disadvantages of each method are also listed. Also, due to the requirement for special launchers for AUVs, the sixth-generation submarines will feature double-hull or combined hull designs, whereas most military submarines in this century have been predominantly single-hull. The article also examines the issue of "ocean transparency," which poses the greatest threat to future submarines.
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Highlights
Thirteen AUV deployment architectures are proposed for mother submarines.
Novel concepts improve AUV launch, recovery, and onboard stowage.
Double-hull submarines provide greater flexibility for AUV integration.
Mass deployment of recoverable AUVs enhances future naval operations.
Ocean transparency is reshaping next-generation submarine architecture.
Thirteen AUV deployment architectures are proposed for mother submarines.
Novel concepts improve AUV launch, recovery, and onboard stowage.
Double-hull submarines provide greater flexibility for AUV integration.
Mass deployment of recoverable AUVs enhances future naval operations.
Ocean transparency is reshaping next-generation submarine architecture.
Type of Study: Research Paper |
Subject:
Submarine Hydrodynamic & Design
Received: 2025/10/6 | Accepted: 2026/08/5
Received: 2025/10/6 | Accepted: 2026/08/5
Audio file of the article abstract [MP3 2526 KB] (4 Download)
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