The Pentagon’s current focus is on the advancement of magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) technology for use in future naval vessels. Instead of traditional propellers, MHDs will utilize magnetic fields to produce quieter and more agile ships and submarines. This technology was first introduced to the public through the book and movie “The Hunt for Red October.”
The science division of the Pentagon is currently reconsidering a technology that has the potential to completely transform the way warships operate and engage in battles on the world’s seas.
The possibility of developing advanced magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) drive systems is being challenged by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) in the industry. MHDs, which utilize electromagnetism in place of traditional propellers, offer the potential of nearly silent propulsion, which would greatly benefit underwater vessels, such as submarines, as well as the vessels that pursue them.
DARPA Boosts It
Aside from submarines, MHD drives can also prove advantageous for anti-submarine warfare vessels, like this Italian frigate, by enabling them to surprise submarines.
In late May, DARPA launched a program called Principles of Undersea Magnetohydrodynamic Pumps (PUMP). The program’s objective is to create and demonstrate MHD pumps that can match the efficiency of conventional impeller-based pumps and surpass their reliability, while also reducing noise. Essentially, the new PUMP technology aims to be just as effective as conventional propeller and impeller-based technology. The program’s focus on reducing noise production indicates that it is primarily geared towards submarines, and to a lesser extent, other types of warships.
Delve Further ⬇️
The sonar technicians aboard the USS The Sullivans DDG 68, a guided missile destroyer, were closely monitoring their sonar equipment during the Southeastern Anti-Submarine Warfare Integrated Training Initiative on December 8, 2009. They were on the lookout for both signs of marine mammals and submarine activity. The photo, taken by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Sunday Williams, was released by the US Navy.
The two types of sonar and their functions are explained in an article titled “How Does Sonar Work” on Popular Mechanics. The article can be found at https://www.popularmechanics.com/military/navy-ships/a42557088/how-does-sonar-work/.
According to the article, the study found that the majority of participants preferred to use their own personal laptops to complete tasks, rather than using a shared computer.
The research mentioned in the article revealed that most individuals favored utilizing their own personal laptops for completing tasks, instead of relying on a communal computer.
Subtle Shift
The retired French missile submarine Le Redoutable utilized a brass propeller, however, MHDs offer a quieter mode of propulsion.
The propulsion system of Magnetohydrodynamic drive avoids the drawbacks mentioned above by utilizing the conductivity of seawater and a magnetic field to generate a powerful Lorentz force that is capable of moving a ship. As explained in a feasibility study conducted by Argonne National Lab more than three decades ago, the MHD thruster functions as an electromagnetic pump that accelerates seawater to generate thrust.
MHD propulsion systems utilize magnetic fields and electric currents to operate, which sets them apart from other propulsion systems that have more components that create noise. This unique feature offers the potential for quieter operations, which is highly desirable for submarines. Furthermore, MHD drives do not require a physical propulsor to move water, therefore reducing the occurrence of cavitation. Supporters of MHDs also believe that this type of propulsion could increase the maneuverability of ships compared to conventional methods.
Reality and Imagination
In the novel “The Hunt for Red October,” Sean Connery portrays the character of Capt. Marko Ramius, a Soviet Navy commander who betrays his country and flees to the United States in a submarine powered by MHD technology.
The concept of MHD drives has been in existence for approximately six decades. In 1991, the Japanese Ship and Ocean Foundation successfully built the Yamato-1, a pioneering research and development vessel that utilized MHD propulsion technology. This ship was 110 feet in length, weighed 185 tons, and was equipped with twin thrusters powered by superconducting magnets that produced the necessary magnetic field. Its maximum speed was recorded at eight knots.
The concept of MHD propulsion gained notoriety through its depiction in both the book and film “The Hunt for Red October.” In the story, the Soviet Navy’s Red October submarine, which was a modified version of the larger Typhoon-class submarine, was equipped with a MHD propulsion system in order to operate stealthily. This allowed Red October to approach the Eastern Seaboard of the United States undetected by U.S. anti-submarine patrols, and launch a devastating nuclear attack.
Key Takeaway
The Sasakawa Peace Foundation is depicted in the image of Yamato 1 MHD, captured in a screenshot on June 1, 2023 at 1:04 PM.
Although Yamato-1 successfully demonstrated the effectiveness of magnetohydrodynamic propulsion, it required a large portion of the ship to achieve a maximum speed of eight knots. DARPA has set a goal to significantly improve upon this performance.
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) believes that a fresh initiative towards Magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) propulsion could lead to systems with three times higher efficiency compared to the ones used in the Yamato-1 vessel. This could potentially make MHD systems more feasible and enable upcoming warships to fully utilize the benefits of MHD technology.