Japan’s Next Generation Submarines

Japan’s Next Generation Submarines

japan submarine

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Japan has recently showed off the design for it next generation submarines, intended to replace the country’s Soryu class submarines by the early 2030s. The new 29SS class submarines will be considered the quietest, non-nuclear submarines in the world.

Japan currently operate over 20 diesel electric submarines. The current Soryu class submarines are relatively new, first launching in 2009. They are large and quiet submarines that can operate for weeks without needing to resurface. Just last year, Japan has installed new large lithium ion batteries onto the submarines, providing them a quiet power source.

Regardless of all these upgrades, Japan plans to operate its submarines for just twenty years, much less time than other first world military ships. So it would seem logical for the country to look into new submarine designs.

Designed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, the new 29SS is expected to be ready by the late 2020s. Its design is generally based on the Soryu submarines, yet it differs in several other features. 

The 29SS will have a slightly different hull compared to earlier submarines. The new hull design will reduce hydrodynamic drag, as well as make the sub quieter and faster. 

The new submarine will also replace the traditionally used propeller system with a pumpjet for propulsion. Pumpjets work by sucking in water and ejecting the water with high pressure. Pump Jets are more maneuverable and quieter than propellers.

The 29SS will likely have the same firepower as the Soryu submarines. Popularmechanics.com mentions that the submarine will be able to carry up to thirty torpedos and will consist of six 533 millimeter torpedo tubes.

The first 29SS class submarine is expected to enter water by the year 2031, while research and development of the ship will begin likely around 2025.