The US Navy has published photos of a large underwater robot Snakehead, which was launched in February. As he writes The Drive, the military has previously said that Snakehead will be the largest uninhabited vehicle to launch from submarines. First, he will do intelligence and data collection.
Underwater robots help the military to solve various tasks: neutralize mines, check underwater structures, map the bottom, deliver cargo and provide communication between submarines and ships. Most underwater robots do not exceed two or three meters in length.
But the military is also interested in large underwater robots. The US military decided to acquire such devices in 2017, believing that they would be more versatile and useful for a wider range of tasks. For example, Orca underwater vehicles, which Boeing is building for the Navy, in addition to the usual reconnaissance and clearing of minefields, will be able to hunt for surface ships and submarines.
Very little is known about the large underwater robot Snakehead. The US Navy has published a request for proposals for its design, development and construction in 2020. According to the description, it is "the largest uninhabited underwater vehicle designed to be launched from submarines." The device is designed for long missions and runs on fault-tolerant lithium-ion batteries.
Different types of payload can be installed on the Snakehead - the robot is characterized by a modular and open architecture. Materials from military briefings in 2018 say that, among other things, Snakehead can receive systems for combating surface targets and submarines, as well as electronic jamming platforms.
The Command of Naval Systems of the US Navy on February 16 published the first photos of Snakehead. The robot was launched on February 2. Externally, the robot corresponds to the conceptual images that the military published earlier, and resembles a small submarine. The characteristics of the device are still not disclosed.
It is not known exactly which submarines will be able to launch Snakehead. But these should be submarines with a docking chamber for combat swimmers (Dry Deck Shelter or DDS) and a payload storage and delivery system. In the US Navy, DDS can be installed on Ohio-class nuclear submarines and at least six Virginia-class ships.
Earlier we wrote about the Russian nuclear underwater robots "Poseidon". They should enter service before 2027.
Vasilisa Chernyavtseva
