A submarine s periscope is a useful reconnaissance tool, but it puts the vessel at risk since it ...

[G+_Donald Weller]

Originally shared by Screw Muggz

 

A submarine’s periscope is a useful reconnaissance tool, but it puts the vessel at risk since it can only be used when the sub surfaces. As an alternative, researchers at Johns Hopkins University have created a waterproof drone that can float up from the murky depths and then take to the skies to provide an aerial view.

http://gizmodo.com/flying-drone-can-hide-underwater-for-months-like-a-nucl-1765673901

[G+_Martin Wallgren]

Ummm as a submariner myself I will have to disagree with the statement that they have to surface. The whole idea of a periscope is so you don't have to surface. A little fact checking would have been nice.

[G+_William L. DeRieux IV]

Martin Wallgren The periscope has limited range (has to be close enough to the surface to be used), produces visible wake, and could be detectable by radar (give away the sub's position).

The drone could be launched from one spot, and while floating up to the surface, the sub could have moved far away from it.

The drone would also be visible on radar (but the drone is cheap and expendable).

[G+_Black Merc]

William L. DeRieux IV you still have to get recon data back to the sub... that means a radio antenna has to surface to receive... creating the same wake.

Also, if the recon unit is not self flying, control signals must be sent from the sub! That alone, will give away the sub!

The idea of the sub is to be silent, undetectable and mobile platform!

[G+_Eric Kolesnikovas]

Hmmm no need to follow FAA laws if you stay under water. lol

[G+_G. James Berigan]

Is there any way for them to make it look more like a Dalek rising from the Thames?