Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 1:53:12-1:53:47

Why a modern aircraft-carrier submarine remains impractical

A conventional aircraft hangar compromises the pressure hull, while drones launched from vertical cells could provide reconnaissance and strike effects without turning the submarine into a carrier.

Naval AviationSSGNSubmarinesUncrewed AircraftVertical Launch Systems
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Question

Why is a modern aircraft-carrier submarine a bad idea?

Short answer

A hangar and its openings undermine pressure-hull design; VLS-launched reconnaissance and strike drones offer a more practical version of the concept.

Notes

Deep-diving submarines depend on an uncompromised pressure hull, making large openings and aviation spaces an unattractive design trade. A more credible path is an SSGN-like boat that launches drones or drone-like missiles from vertical-launch tubes. Those vehicles could scout and attack without imposing a carrier flight deck and hangar on the submarine.