CSBA-水下战新纪元（英文）-2021.5-21页_1mb

Summary of "The Emerging Era in Undersea Warfare"

Core Content

The document discusses the evolution and future of undersea warfare, emphasizing the need for the U.S. Navy to adapt to new technological and operational trends to maintain its undersea superiority. It outlines how undersea warfare has historically been a key component of U.S. military strategy, particularly in countering anti-access/area-denial (A2/AD) threats from rival nations. The focus is on the transition from traditional manned submarines to a more diverse "family of undersea systems" that includes unmanned undersea vehicles (UUVs), advanced sensors, and new communication and weapon technologies.

Main Points

1. Historical Evolution of Undersea Warfare

• Undersea warfare became prominent in World War I and II, where submarines and ASW forces engaged in a "hider-finder" competition using electromagnetic (EM) detection methods.
• Submarines were initially vulnerable due to their reliance on surface operations for propulsion and battery recharging.
• The introduction of snorkels and improved communication methods during WWII allowed submarines to remain submerged longer, reducing their vulnerability to radar.
• The Cold War saw a shift to passive sonar, which became the dominant ASW method, but this advantage was short-lived as the Soviets developed quieter submarines.

2. Disruption and Adaptation

• The U.S. Navy adapted by shifting focus from sinking submarines to degrading their operational effectiveness.
• This strategy involved deploying SSNs near Soviet bastions to monitor and counter their SSBNs.
• As the Cold War ended, the U.S. was able to maintain its undersea advantage due to the Soviets' inability to fully develop quiet submarine technology.

3. Emerging Technologies

• Acoustic Detection: Low-frequency (LF) active sonar is gaining prominence due to its longer range and ability to detect submarines even when they are quiet.
• Non-Acoustic Detection: New methods, such as analyzing environmental changes (e.g., wake patterns, radiation, or chemical emissions), are becoming operationally feasible with advances in "big data" and computing power.
• Improved Sensors and Communication: Lasers and LEDs are being developed for non-acoustic detection, while advances in sonar and communication systems are enabling longer-range, higher-bandwidth underwater operations.

4. Undersea Platform Enhancements

• Non-nuclear submarines are improving endurance through air-independent propulsion (AIP) and better battery technology.
• The U.S. Navy is exploring new weapons like the Common Very Lightweight Torpedo (CVLWT), which is smaller and more maneuverable.
• UUVs are becoming more capable, with some expected to have one to two months of endurance and the ability to carry significant payloads.

5. Future Operational Concepts

• The U.S. must develop a new approach to undersea warfare that integrates both legacy and emerging systems.
• Manned submarines may transition from frontline combat platforms to coordination and command platforms, relying on deployable decoys and jammers to maintain stealth.
• UUVs will increasingly be used for high-risk operations due to their lower cost and reduced detectability.
• The development of undersea "battle networks" will allow coordinated surveillance and attack operations using swarms of UUVs and long-range sensors.

Key Technologies and Systems

• Low-Frequency Active Sonar (LFAS): Offers greater range and is becoming a key tool for ASW.
• Common Very Lightweight Torpedo (CVLWT): A new type of torpedo with a smaller size and greater versatility.
• Unmanned Undersea Vehicles (UUVs): Increasingly used for surveillance, maintenance, and tactical operations.
• Non-Acoustic Detection: Including wake detection, radiation, and chemical analysis.
• Advanced Communication Systems: Such as tunable lasers and LEDs, and seabed-mounted cables, enabling secure, long-range undersea communication.

Implications for U.S. Undersea Dominance

• The U.S. undersea advantage is at risk due to the proliferation of undersea technologies and the increasing capabilities of adversaries.
• The U.S. must accelerate innovation to maintain its dominance, particularly in areas like stealth, detection, and communication.
• The integration of emerging technologies into undersea operations will redefine the nature of undersea warfare and require a rethinking of naval architecture and operational concepts.

Conclusion

The future of undersea warfare is likely to be characterized by a mix of manned and unmanned systems, advanced sensors, and new communication and attack technologies. The U.S. must lead in these innovations to sustain its undersea superiority and counter growing A2/AD threats from rival nations. The report highlights the need for a comprehensive strategy that includes both technological development and operational adaptation.