A gigantic new research submarine designed by Russia will travel underneath ice floes, mapping its underwater surroundings with a pair of huge plane-like wings. The sub will help Moscow exploit its Arctic frontier as it prepares to harvest previously untouchable natural resources.
The Arctic Research Submarine was designed by the famous Rubin Design Bureau, which was also responsible for the Typhoon-class missile submarines, the largest subs ever built. This vessel will weigh in at 13,280 tons, making easily the largest civilian research submersible ever built, and will be 442 feet long. The sub will have a maximum speed of 12.6 knots and a crew of 40.
The most striking detail is the presence of two sets of wing-like sonar receivers that give the sub a futuristic appearance. The "wings," which retract into the hull like the blade of a pocket knife, are meant to receive sonar signals broadcast from the ship's hull. This allows the Arctic Research Submarine to image its surroundings in all directions as it cruises along underwater at a leisurely 3 knots.
Probably then also great for tapping underwater cables (Operation Ivy Bells)
Source: Popular Mechanics
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(Score: 4, Interesting) by Unixnut on Sunday May 28 2017, @09:15PM
> Wouldn't the way to map the arctic be with a fleet of cheap drone subs, instead of one very expensive one?
The sub is a base, from which drones etc... will be sent (from TFA). Not unlike how research vessels will have drones/submersibles for certain tasks. It is easier than trying to get a drone to be able to leave port, go map the arctic, and come back. Even Ignoring difficulties with navigating under so much ice (away from good GPS signal), the amount of fuel needed would make the drone subs quite a bit larger.