Source: CMG Military·China Military Horn
According to reports, Israeli UAV system developer recently launched a submarine-launched UAV called "Eagle Owl"-103. According to information released on the company’s official website, this type of drone is currently the world’s “most advanced packaged drone.”
What is so special about "Eagle Owl"-103? What changes will the emergence of submarine-launched drones bring to the underwater combat model? On related topics, military observer Shao Yongling will give you an in-depth analysis.
Data map: Israeli "Eagle Owl"-103 UAV (Source: Reference News)
reported that the UAV can be launched from the submarine , and can be launched into the air after leaving the water to provide long-range intelligence and support the troops. combat operations. Military observer Shao Yongling said that the biggest feature of the "Eagle Owl"-103 submarine-launched UAV is that it can be pre-launched on the water surface.
Shao Yongling: The "Eagle Owl"-103 submarine-launched UAV is different from other UAVs in that it can be launched directly or preset in a predetermined combat area - it is a cylindrical container that can float on the sea and can sleep. Pattern floats for 24 hours.
Due to the adoption of the quadcopter design, the "Eagle Owl"-103 can hover in the air and patrol in place, and can carry out more detailed reconnaissance of specific targets. When necessary, it can also be turned into a loitering bomb for attack.
Data map: Schematic diagram of a U.S. military submarine launching a drone from underwater (Source: Global Network)
For a long time, submarines have been facing the problem of limited reconnaissance vision. To expand its horizons, a submarine often needs to surface, which can easily reveal its whereabouts. Military observer Shao Yongling analyzed that the emergence of submarine-launched drones not only expanded the detection range of submarines, but also served as communication relays to link combat units to achieve information sharing.
Shao Yongling: The concealment of submarines sacrifices reconnaissance capabilities in a certain sense. Submarines mainly rely on periscope for observation, but the periscope field of view is relatively narrow and the range is limited.
The "Eagle Owl"-103 submarine-launched drone can be launched 50 meters underwater without exposing the submarine's location. In addition, with its small size and good concealment, it can fly to a certain distance and detect targets on the ground or water surface from a high position. The "Eagle Owl"-103 has become the "eyes" and "ears" of the submarine. This is even more powerful for submarines.
The "Eagle Owl"-103 submarine-launched UAV can also use encrypted communication equipment to maintain communication with the mothership and other combat units. It can serve as a communications relay to allow underwater submarines to exchange information with neighboring forces.
Data map: Rendering of the US "Cormorant" drone (Source: People's Daily Online)
Some analysts believe that the emergence of submarine-launched drones may change the future underwater combat model. In this regard, military observer Shao Yongling believes that currently, submarine-launched drones can only be used as a tactical supplement in submarine operations and are not enough to change the mode of underwater operations.
Shao Yongling: The "Eagle Owl"-103 submarine-launched UAV has a maximum flight time of 50 minutes, a communication range of 10 kilometers, and a speed of 37 kilometers per hour. Because it is launched from a torpedo tube, it is small in size and has a payload of only 1 kilogram. The amount of detection equipment and ammunition it carries is difficult to support long-term and long-distance operations.
From the current point of view, using submarines to launch small drones can improve the intelligence collection capabilities of submarines to a certain extent, but it can only play a role at the tactical level. If we want to subvert the submarine combat style at the strategic level, we may need higher-end and more advanced drones.
(produced by Yangguang Military·China Bugle)
