This NYT article, in a discussion of the 200mph Russian “Squall” torpedo, mentions in passing that American scientists have devloped supersonic underwater projectiles, but have so far been unable to adapt them for use as weapons.
Just how the hell would one get something to move at supersonic speed through water? The same semivacuum bubble technology that Ivan uses on the Squall?
See an earlier thread: Mach 1 torpedos
Any sonar operators out there to comment on what the ping from this devil would look like?
Anyone hear of further research on acoustic/sonic torpedoes? Dolphins use acoustic packets to stun fish and the Navy was able to dent metal with sonic bursts back in the eighties, whatever happened to this technology? Imagine not having to reload or run out of ordnance.
Probably something like
KABOOM!!!
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sub[/sub]
Remember, it is supersonic, after all.
Yes, but sound travels faster in water, given that, unless the torpedo is also traveling faster than the speed of sound in water, there might be a chance for signal return.
That’s the whole point, though- the torpedo IS traveling faster than the speed of sound in water.
Arjuna34
It seems to me that if you were directly in the torpedos path you would not hear it till impact, if you were not in its path it would be loud as hell.
Kind of like a high velocity rifle shot.
Peace
LIONsob
What would the shockwave of a supersonic projectile in water be like? Would it be much the same as in air?
if you are near the target, it migh look like it is moving in reverse
Anyway, I knew that a trans-sonic underwater projectile might outpace sonar. I’m just curious as to whether there is anything short of subsurface laser range finding (lidar) that will detect these little buggers.
No one’s answered my inquiry about acoustic packeted “sonic torpedoes” yet, so there!
Nyyeahhhh!