Ok, I am getting lots of great questions about the future #Submarine illustration in this article.
So here are some notes. Thread
forbes.com/sites/hisutton…
So here are some notes. Thread
forbes.com/sites/hisutton…
It's not specifically #USNavy, but is intended to be relevant. It does have a USN style in some respects. I think that the US Navy's SSN(X) will incorporate many things discussed in the article, but might look a bit more conventional
The layout is unconventional to challenge the assumed layout of current boats. The stern rudder/sail is plausible, and might have some advantages (now that sails are mostly about masts which are non-penetrating). But it has disadvantages also.
The twin rim-drive motors allows a return to aft torpedo rooms, or in this case, a large UUV hangar. Maybe it would be better to have the hangar higher to allow pier access. But debatable.
The Torpedo room has three rotary magazines with a crew access space in the center. It is loaded from above/behind. Each ring rotates independently and aligns to the torpedo tubes. I put regular 533mm (21") on the outer two rings and larger diameter inside.
The conformal bow array, like on later Virginias, allows for a return to direct ahead torpedo tubes (the Virginias couldn't/didn't take advantage of that). This simplified the automatic torpedo room and allows faster launch speeds
The reactor compartment and generator compartment are between the torpedo room and the VLS space, with crew behind. It's electric drive so no shaft running through it. Basically everything in front of the crew space is only accessed by crew for essential maintenance (per Alfa)
Any questions or challenges please fire away. It is a visual aid to talking to what subs could be like in 20 years time.
