American engineers have created a miniature autonomous semi-submersible device. This was reported by the University of Washington press service.
Submarines have a number of advantages, including stealth and indifference to sea air. However, they have a number of significant disadvantages – radio communication with them is practically impossible, a very powerful engine is required to move under water at high speed, in addition, without air access, internal combustion engines can work only from a reserve in the cylinders. an artificial oxidizer.
Constructed from prefabricated components and 3D-printed parts, the nearly 50-centimeter-long semi-submarine prototype has demonstrated its seaworthiness in water tests, with low drag, fast moving and virtually no floating above the water.
“The semi-submersible is relatively cheap to build, difficult to detect, and can cross oceans,” said professor Konstantin Matveev, who led the study. “It’s not as sensitive to waves as surface ships, but it also has some economic advantages since most of its hull is underwater.” Included, a solid hull is not needed for such a boat. In the semi-submerged state, the diver moves with a maximum speed of 1.5 m/s, if this value is exceeded, the semi-submarine rises above the water, makes a sound and leaves a trail.
The researchers also attached sonar to the boat and mapped the bottom of a reservoir near Pullman, Washington, to test its ability to collect and transmit data.
Although the semi-sub is not yet fully autonomous, it can be programmed to perform certain behaviors, such as moving on its own on a certain route or reacting by chasing or avoiding certain objects. Potentially, such devices could be used for military purposes (for example, for reconnaissance) or for civilian transport. Currently, scientists are working in collaboration with the US Naval Academy in Annapolis.