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It has a lot of wetted surface that creates drag, unlikely to have any amount of speed. It is bound to fail if not has failed yet.
Those IDAs should start using hydrofoils for smooth sailing on waves
In addition to the cost factor, the main purpose of a USV is to be stealthy. Their size and low above-water-line silhouette plays a great role for them in satisfactorily performing their job. A hydrofoil would have a much bigger radar signature.
Semi submersible or just below waterline USVs (like the drug smugglers use) would be more efficient. With electric engines and correct propellers they can be built to be very quiet and fast.
Ukraine already has one in the pipeline called toloka and being updated in to a family of drones.
France, UK, Russia and many more are working on the idea of uncrewed submersible sea vehicles.
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Ukrainian underwater drone Toloka is being updated: what's new in the TLK-150 model - Militarnyi
During a Ukrainian defense industry presentation, the developers of the Toloka underwater drone demonstrated its updated smallest model.militarnyi.com
So, where are they ?
Funfact, submersibles (not actual submarines which typically visit +200 meters depth) are easier to build and operate in comparison to hydrofoil planning hulls.
MSB Ar&Ge (MinDef R&D) is the biggest scam of last 5 years, they also presented a 'torpedo'. And this USV had nothing concrete planned.MSB AR-GE presented a semi-submersible concept at IDEF 2025
No doubt TSK wants some, will likely see a few companies pump out armed models at the next IDEF or SAHA
von Karman is turning around in his grave. Drag coefficient listed below also is valid for certain speed ranges, and this UUV has a purpose of having 'wings' using lift to drag transition to sink - advance just by using buoyancy different in glider mode.It has a lot of wetted surface that creates drag, unlikely to have any amount of speed. It is bound to fail if not has failed yet.
Insha'Allah... It is bound to fail if not has failed yet.
Does it even work, there s no telling. I don't know how it genaretes propulsion.von Karman is turning around in his grave. Drag coefficient listed below also is valid for certain speed ranges, and this UUV has a purpose of having 'wings' using lift to drag transition to sink - advance just by using buoyancy different in glider mode.
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