what would the submarine of the future look like?

Answer 1

The look of a submarine is based on its function. Depending on its use, there are probably 3 characteristics that it needs to have. It needs to be able to go deep (withstand pressure), be fast, and be manuverable. The best pressure shape is round, though stronger materials make this less important. Being fast means having a very hydrodynamic shape, and being manuverable... well, thats the least developed technology to date.

Nature has provided us with examples of a design for these three items that has had millions of years to evolve- the fish (shark) or sea mammal (dolphin). Since these evolved on different evolutionary paths, but to perform the same basic functions, its not a surprise that they look very similar to each other. Its likely the mechanical evolution of the submarine will follow the same path. Thus, future submarines will likely look like a dolphin or a shark. It will have some centrally stable platform (like a body, so sailors dont get all shaken up), with a flexible "tail" or "fins" to provide propulsion or manuverability. The flexible appendages are likely the furthest technological aspect in the future. Other sea creatures use forms of swimming propulsion (like water jets) which could be incorporated as well or instead. But the overall shape for speed and manuverability will very likely be like those fastest animals of the sea- sharks and dolphins.

A recovery submarine has different needs- to go deep, be manuverable, and be able to pick things up. So it might look more like an octopus than a dolphin. Figure out the function to be performed, find a naturally occuring animal that has evolved to perform similar functions, and it will be a good indicator of where mechanical evolution may go in that respect (at least in the near term).

Go far enough in the future where our science has passed beyond nature (like anti-gravity, etc) and the sub of the future may look like a perfect raindrop- with hydrodynamics being the only concern. Or, if we develop 'perfect shielding' then friction may not matter, and a submarine could take on ANY functional shape, regardless of hydrodynamic concerns. It could then look like absolutely anything.

Answer 2

As far as we can make it today it will probably be using magnetohidrodynamic propulsion (ionized seawater will be accelerated in a strong magnetic field powered by nuclear fission reactors and expelled from the engine like gases from a jet). Also, its structure will mainly be made of titanium alloys, more rezilient and stronger and also lighter than steel. Most likely, the outer surface will be covered in a polymeric material resembling whale or dolphin skin (their skin contains miniature channels filled with fluid) that increase ellasticity and at the same time diminish turbulence and make for a "stealthy" sub.
It will probably rely more on "power" sinking (jet directioning and such) and less on the classic seawater tanks.
It will use high tech weaponry, able to deliver a lethal blow with almost surgical precision to any point, building, vehicle or individual on Earth and above it.

Answer 3

I think they would be much, much smaller. The Swedes are doing some really good things with subs. Then there are commercial subs that are getting pretty good too.

But I really think the future is more like the sub they shrunk in the old movie Fantastic Voyage.

Answer 4

Like a dolphin perhaps.

Answer 5

like shark, fastest predator at sea

Answer 6

It would be able to move through "land" and fly as well!!

Answer 7

it wouldn t be cause soon will come the finish of this world ,believe.

Answer 8

wet

Answer 9

WHY DO YOU CARE YOU'LL NEVER BE ASSIGNED TO DUTY ON IT