China Debuts Powerful Stealth Drone Ship “Killer Whale” With Advanced Warfare Capabilities
Summary
China's Killer Whale:
- Specifications:
- Trimaran design with 500 tonne displacement
- Maximum speed of 40 knots (74km/h)
- Range of over 7,400km (4,000 nautical miles)
- Designed for long-duration autonomous operations in open seas
- Has a helicopter landing pad at the rear
- Capabilities:
- Can carry various weapons including:
- Anti-ship missiles
- Anti-air missiles
- Rockets
- Torpedoes
- Multi-mission platform capable of:
- Surveillance/patrol
- Anti-submarine operations
- Air defense
- Rescue operations
US Comparable Programs:
- Large Unmanned Surface Vessel (LUSV):
- 200-300 feet long
- 1,000-2,000 ton displacement
- Focus on anti-surface warfare and strike missions
- 16-32 vertical launch system cells
- Still in development phase
- Medium Unmanned Surface Vehicle (MUSV):
- 45-190 feet long
- ~500 ton displacement
- Focus on intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and electronic warfare
- First prototype expected 2023
Key Comparisons:
1. Size/Class: The Killer Whale appears most similar to the US MUSV program in terms of displacement (~500 tons)
2. Mission Focus:
- Killer Whale appears designed as a multi-mission platform
- US programs are more specialized (LUSV for strike missions, MUSV for ISR)
3. Development Status:
- China has publicly debuted the Killer Whale
- US programs are still in prototyping and testing phases with first operational vessels several years away
4. Key Difference: The Killer Whale includes a helicopter pad, indicating potential for manned-unmanned teaming operations, which is not a prominent feature in current US USV designs.
The documents suggest China began working on large uncrewed stealth vessels in 2015 and is moving rapidly to develop and demonstrate these capabilities, while the US is taking a more deliberate approach focused on thorough testing and validation before moving to production.
China has unveiled a new high-tech military vessel named the Killer Whale, a stealth drone ship designed to transform naval operations.
The vessel had its public debut at the Zhuhai Airshow, where it was displayed alongside a range of aerial drones.
The Killer Whale, developed by the China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC), is a game changer in modern warfare with capabilities that put it ahead of its competitors.
This trimaran drone ship has a displacement of 500 tonnes and is designed to operate independently for long durations on open seas.
The Killer Whale can reach speeds of up to 40 knots (74km/h) with a dual diesel and electric propulsion system. It boasts an impressive range of over 7,400 kilometers (4,000 nautical miles).
The vessel is equipped with an array of weapons, including anti-ship and anti-air missiles, rockets and torpedoes. It also has a helicopter pad.
The ship is described as an all-rounder warrior capable of undertaking various missions, including surveillance patrols, anti-submarine operations, air-defense, and even rescue operations.
According to military analysts, the vessel’s versatility and range make it well-suited for strategic missions in narrow waterways. Military experts believe that the ship could be a perfect fit for countries in the Middle East.
Liang Guoliang, a Hong-Kong based military analyst, says China’s unmanned ships, like the Killer Whale, cater to the specific needs and budgets of these nations, as they do not require large warships for regional operations.
Guoliang added that Beijing plans to establish Zhuhai as the global hub for purchasing Chinese military technologies.
The Chinese government is continuously increasing its efforts to develop unmanned vessels and submarines to catch up, if not surpass, the United States in unmanned military technology.
China began working on large uncrewed stealth vessels in 2015 and has since tested several prototypes.
In June 2022, it unveiled a 100-tonne drone ship, and smaller drone vessels have also been built for specific missions.
According to a report from the Congressional Research Service, the U.S. is developing unmanned corvette-sized ships capable of carrying up to 32 missiles.
Reference: SCMP
Disclaimer :
The information contained in
this website is for general information purposes only. While we
endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no
representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the
completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with
respect to the website or the information, products, services, or
related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance
you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.
In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including
without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any
loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising
out of, or in connection with, the use of this website.
About Author
Marine Insight News Network is a premier source for up-to-date, comprehensive, and insightful coverage of the maritime industry. Dedicated to offering the latest news, trends, and analyses in shipping, marine technology, regulations, and global maritime affairs, Marine Insight News Network prides itself on delivering accurate, engaging, and relevant information.
China unveils ‘Killer Whale’ stealth drone ship
China has unveiled a large drone ship known as the “Killer Whale” ahead of the country’s largest air show.
The ship will go on display at the Zhuhai air show, which opens on Tuesday, alongside a collection of aerial drones.
The trimaran, which was built by the China State Shipbuilding Corporation, has a displacement of 500 tonnes and is capable of “operating on open sea for a long time”, according to the city’s official news portal.
From Su-57 stealth fighter of Russia to J-35A and 'Killer Whale' what to look out for at 15th Airshow of China
China’s Zhuhai Airshow will feature advanced military displays, including the J-35A stealth fighter, Su-57 from Russia, and the Killer Whale drone ship, showcasing cutting-edge aviation, drones, and maritime defense technology for global audiences
...
Killer Whale
A large drone ship, known as the Killer Whale, will be on display at the air show. The Killer Whale has a dual diesel and electric propulsion system, which allows it to reach a maximum speed of more than 40 knots (74km/h) with a range of more than 4,000 nautical miles (7,400km). It is capable of operating on the open sea for a long time. It has been described as an all-round warrior that can carry a range of weapons including rockets, anti-ship missiles, and ship-to-air missiles; and is equipped with a take-off and landing pad for helicopters at the rear. It can be independently deployed and carry out patrols, anti-submarine operations and air defence, as well as rescue operations.
Chinese Experimental Carrier And USV Emerge At Guangzhou
New imagery shared on social media has provided significant new details on characteristics of two new naval vessels at Guangzhou Shipyard International (GSI) at Longxue Island, Guangzhou. The Chinese designs are distinct concepts notionally serving as an experimental carrier for VTOL-drones or helicopters, and as an uncrewed or optionally crewed surface vessel (USV). Defense analyst and former submariner Tom Shugart first shared relevant satellite imagery of both vessels on “X” (formerly Twitter) in late October.
CSSC Experimental Aviation Platform
The first of the two new designs is what previous reporting referred to as light aircraft carrier or amphibious carrier. Several key characteristics are unconfirmed pending better imagery. However, based on the new photos, the design appears to be an experimental platform serving research and development and testing of vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft.
Notably, the design appears to remain operational under the control of the China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC), not the Chinese Navy. This notion is supported by the CSSC-logo prominently appearing on the deck superstructure housing the exhaust funnel and vents for what is likely a diesel propulsion plant towards the stern of the flight deck.
The new vessel features a three part-island superstructure. The arrangement includes a navigation bridge forward, a second larger island containing the aviation control tower and primary sensor mast, and the aforementioned third structure housing propulsion. The layout of the flight control tower overall matches the design of similar features on existing PLAN amphibious assault carriers like the Type 075.
Carrier Design To Support VTOL-Drones Or Helicopters
The flight deck features markings for VTOL-operation. While the general assumption is that the ship primarily serves as a UAV-platform, size and layout reasonably also support crewed helicopter operations. Imagery so far does not clarify whether the ship features a hangar or well-dock. If no dock is present, the sizeable hull could accommodate a mission bay with stern launch facilities for surface drones or small boats.
Overall measurements of the ship shared via social media result in a length of approximately 200 metres. The beam measures slightly under 40 metres. Draft remains undetermined. Freeboard is notably lower than on established carriers including other Chinese designs like Type 075 or the new Type 076 currently under construction in Shanghai. Low freeboard has implications for seakeeping and may imply operations in primarily littoral waters. Nevertheless the new images confirm a rather substantial hull. Displacement may range anywhere between 12,000 and 18,000 tons depending on its overall load capacity.
The second vessel which appeared at GSI, Longxue Island first in satellite imagery shared on “X” (previously Twitter) is an uncrewed or optionally crewed combat vessel. CSSC in expo displays has labelled the design first as “300 ton multi-purpose unmanned combat surface vehicle”. In subsequent displays the company re-designated the drone as the “Jari-USV-A Multipurpose USV”. Huangpu Shipyard, also owned by CSSC and based in Guangzhou, similar to GSI, appears to be the builder.
The new imagery confirms a substantial vessel in trimaran configuration. The ship is armed with at least four vertical launch cells, equipped with multiple sensor panels likely for an electronically scanned array and additional sensors, and a sizeable aviation pad at the rear supporting a VTOL UAV. An organic UAV capability could support the USV particularly in over the horizon (OTH) -targeting for maritime and land attack-roles.
If previously shown models of a slightly different configuration are indicative, the design may contain further weapons in recessed bays, including an autocannon on the bow, and torpedo launchers at the sides. Forward of the four missile cells is a notable square area which may incorporate further missile cells.
Larger, More Capable Drone Following Jari USV
Propulsion is likely a pair of waterjets. The previously known “Jari”-USV also produced by CSSC back in 2019 uses a similar configuration. The USV measures approximately 60 metres in length, with a beam of 23.5 metres. Based on the original description of the effort by CSSC displacement is at least 300 tons, but likely higher. These specifications compare with a length of 15 metres and displacement of about 20 tons for the Jari catamaran USV. Jari in contrast to the newer effort includes provisions for dual torpedo tubes and a smaller vertical missile launch space on the forward superstructure. Sensors include a less elaborate electronically scanned array radar. A small calibre autocannon or heavy machine gun sits in a remote-controlled mount on the bow.
The Jari USV has undergone testing with the builder since its appearance. So far PLAN does not appear to have shown interest in adapting the design for wider use. CSSC has promoted both designs at various defence trade shows. The move may suggest the company pitches the designs at international customers as well.
For now both the new Chinese carrier design and the USV will likely serve experimental and demonstration purposes by builder CSSC. Plausibly such use will primarily advertise the builder’s know-how to the Chinese Navy, certainly for the aviation platform. Whether the USV, similarly to Jari, will attract interest by PLAN or notional export customers remains to be seen.
U.S. Navy Announces Launch of Vanguard Unmanned Surface Vessel
MOBILE, Ala. — The U.S. Navy’s newest Overlord Unmanned Surface Vessel Vanguard (OUSV3), was recently launched from Austal USA’s shipyard in Mobile, Alabama. Vanguard is the first USV for the Navy purpose-built for autonomous operations from the keel-up.
Vanguard is being jointly developed by a team led by Austal USA and L3Harris. Once outfitting and testing is completed, Vanguard will autonomously transit to San Diego, joining sister ships, OUSV2 Ranger and OUSV4 Mariner, as part of the Navy’s USV Division 1. USVDIV 1 is the Surface Navy organization responsible for the experimentation and tactical development of USVs. The unit also operates two additional USVs, Sea Hunter and Seahawk, which were developed separately from the Overlord program.
“We are excited to see the progress the L3Harris and Austal teams are making on the construction of Vanguard,” said Capt. Scot Searles, program manager of the Unmanned Maritime Systems (PMS 406) program office. “Designed and built as a USV from the beginning, Vanguard will bring new, built-in capabilities that our previous OUSVs did not possess.”
The Overlord program is managed by the Navy’s Program Executive Office for Unmanned and Small Combatants (PEO USC) and executed by PMS 406. The Overlord program has played a critical role in jumpstarting the Navy’s experimentation with USVs and accelerating Fleet knowledge and experience in using USVs in operations. The knowledge gained from Overlord plays an important role in the development and refining of requirements for the Navy’s future Large USV program.
####
The Program Office for Unmanned and Small Combatants (PEO USC) and the Unmanned Maritime Systems Program Office (PMS 406) lead the Navy’s efforts to develop, deliver and sustain capable and affordable unmanned maritime systems to meet Fleet requirements.
No comments:
Post a Comment