The stealth efficiency of stirling engines. Gotland is powered by Stirling engines innovative, which give it exceptional sound discretion. Unlike nuclear submarines, these engines emit almost no noise because they operate in a closed circuit, burning diesel with liquid oxygen. This configuration allows the Gotland to recharge its batteries while remaining submerged, which makes it undetectable by passive sonars. Thus, this submarine can navigate stealthily for several days without emerging, a major advantage in underwater combat.
This propulsion system, although simple in appearance, proved formidable during the exercise. Gotland was able to bypass the USS Ronald Reagan's sophisticated defenses, including destroyers, helicopters and anti-submarine detection aircraft. This maneuver allowed the Swedish submarine to simulate torpedo strikes, demonstrating that a less expensive submarine can neutralize an ultra-sophisticated aircraft carrier.
An exercise that reveals the vulnerabilities of major naval powers
This success during the exercise had a strong impact on the US Navywho then rented the Gotland to better understand the flaws that this submarine had exploited. Although initially perceived as technologically inferior, the Gotland demonstrated that discretion and stealth can trump raw power and cost. This incident raised questions about the effectiveness of colossal investments in aircraft carriers and large maritime defense units.
The costs of a Gotland submarine are relatively low compared to the nuclear aircraft carrier fleet, but its ability to avoid detection has proven that the stealth technology is crucial. The US Navy, after this exercise, undertook extensive research to identify and correct the vulnerabilities of its aircraft carriers against modern diesel-electric submarines. This type of threat is all the more relevant in coastal areas or confined waters, where submarines like the Gotland are particularly effective.
A review of defense strategies necessary
The results of this exercise underline that aircraft carriers, although symbols of military power, are not invulnerable against stealthy and affordable adversaries. Other nations, such as China and Russia, are also investing in diesel-electric submarines new generation, capable of carrying out infiltration and precise strike missions, making American naval defense strategies more vulnerable.
Faced with this emerging threat, the American Navy is now required to rethink its dependence on large aircraft carriers, exploring solutions integrating more drones, sophisticated sensors and new anti-submarine technologies. The lesson of Gotland reminds us that in the naval field, less costly and more discreet innovations can seriously shake up the balance of power, without requiring colossal investments.
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