The US military is exploring a new strategy. They might deploy a submarine close to China’s coastline. This submarine could launch a swarm of drones from underwater. These drones would take to the sky and carry out surprise attacks on the People’s Liberation Army, especially if there’s a move towards Taiwan. This approach would keep US ships out of harm’s way, allowing them to operate at a safer distance.
However, China is already ahead in this area. They have successfully tested drones that can do even more than what the US plans. Thanks to their advanced drone production capabilities, Chinese researchers at Northwestern Polytechnical University and the China Aerodynamics Research and Development Centre have created the world’s first submarine-launched drone. This drone can travel from water to air and back, making it highly adaptable in various environments.
The drone features a unique foldable wing design. This design allows it to move smoothly between water and air multiple times during a single mission. This capability greatly enhances its stealth and survivability, making it harder for enemies to spot. The project is led by Professor Dong Changyin, and their research was published in a respected journal on December 31.
They named the drone “Feiyi.” In Chinese, “fei” means “to fly,” and “yi” has historical roots dating back over 3,000 years, symbolizing a water bird preparing for takeoff. The design is not just innovative; it combines the strengths of underwater travel with agile air maneuvers. Dong’s team believes this drone could significantly impact military activities like reconnaissance, surveillance, and combat operations.
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science, hypersonic, UAV, Taiwan, US-China relations, artificial intelligence, CARDC, PLA, Feiyi, drones, torpedo, underwater navigation, Dong Changyin, defence technology, China, Acta Aeronautica et Astronautica Sinica, surveillance, Northwestern Polytechnical University, cross-media weapons, military
