World’s 1st stealth submarine capable of 180-degree turn at full speed

A Ukrainian company has claimed to have developed a stealth submarine, Kronos, that could change the game in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.

Highland Systems, the company based in the UAE, first presented the hydrodynamic hull submarine at the Naval Defense and Maritime Security Exhibition (NAVDEX) in 2023.

Alexander Kuznetsov, the founder of Highland Systems and its chief designer, said the submarine was first built for two main purposes – to carry workers for underwater repairs and to serve the super-rich’s luxury travel needs.

However, the Russian invasion of Ukraine forced Kuznetsov and his team to redesign the submarine for military operations.

As per the manufacturers, the submarine has a steel hull covered in composite material to give it a low signature.

Highland Systems says the submarine can comfortably accommodate 10 passengers and it is suited even for commercial and rescue operations.

It can carry up to 3000 kilograms on water and has a curb weight of around 10000 kilograms.

Kronos can achieve a maximum speed of 80 kilometers per hour on water and it can also operate under water at speeds of up to 50 kilometers per hour. Its working depth is up to 100 meters and it can achieve maximum critical depth of 250 meters.

The submarine can run on diesel or battery, once fully charged it can run for 18 hours on battery alone. The generator can make it run for 36 hours, giving it a total of 54 hours of operational time in hybrid mode.

It is also claimed to have an operational range of 1,000 kilometers and can be operated remotely.

However, the most important feature, as per Highland Systems, which they also claim is a first in the world, is its ability to make an instantaneous 180-degree turn at full speed.

Kronos’s manta ray shape results in a stealthier and much more agile vehicle than the classic cigar-shaped underwater submarines used around the world, as per the manufacturers.

The electric engine and sonar-absorbing coating makes it a dangerous stealth craft, as per Highland Systems.

Apart from launching torpedoes, it can also come close to slow-moving or moored enemy ships undetected to attach magnetic mines which can then be detonated from a safe distance.

Kronos can operate in waters as shallow as 50 feet (15 meters), and its top speed makes it a fearsome craft in today’s day and age.

It can also carry six Black Scorpion torpedoes, which are developed by weapons manufacturer Leonardo, as per a report by Fast Company.

However, it is the ability to turn rapidly and sink straight to the ocean bed that makes Kronos a force to reckon with. Also, its top speed makes it difficult for enemy vessels to chase and overpower it using its weaponry.

There have been a lot of aerial and ground drones being used by Ukraine in the ongoing war. Kronos, if inducted by the Ukrainian armed forces, could prove to be a nightmare for the Russian ships and submarines.

Source: Interesting Engineering