China Unveils Groundbreaking High-Speed Uncrewed Submersible: The "Blue Whale"

China has unveiled the "Blue Whale," a cutting-edge uncrewed submersible capable of operating underwater for 30 days and withstanding extreme weather. Launched in Zhuhai, this 11-meter vessel combines surface and underwater capabilities, reaching speeds of 36 knots. Equipped with AI, it autonomously conducts typhoon research and ecological monitoring. It can map seabeds, detect resources, and operate in category 12 typhoons. Seen as a breakthrough in marine technology, the vessel positions China as a leader in maritime innovation and exploration.

In a remarkable stride for marine technology, China has launched the "Blue Whale," the world's first high-speed uncrewed submersible capable of operating underwater for 30 days, braving extreme weather, and deploying research rockets. This state-of-the-art vessel represents a significant leap in the country's maritime innovation and technological prowess.

The launch of the Blue Whale, an 11-meter-long and 12-tonne vessel that seamlessly combines surface and underwater capabilities, took place in Zhuhai, a city in southern China, on Monday. According to Xinhua, China’s state news agency, the vessel can achieve surface speeds of up to 36 knots and cover hundreds of kilometers before diving up to 60 meters underwater to evade adverse weather conditions. Once submerged, it can remain static for over a month, exhibiting stealth capabilities akin to those of nuclear submarines.

A Milestone in Marine Innovation

Chen Dake, the lead scientist behind the project from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, hailed the launch as a milestone in China's independent marine technological development. He emphasized the vessel's potential to serve as a vital tool for marine exploration and research. Though designed for civilian purposes, the Blue Whale is set to play a pivotal role in advancing typhoon research.

One of the vessel’s standout features is its artificial intelligence (AI) decision-making system, which employs deep learning to enhance operational efficiency. Wu Guosong, chief engineer at Yunzhou, the Zhuhai-based tech firm behind the project, explained that the system enables autonomous route planning and mission scheduling, allowing the vessel to position itself near typhoon paths. From there, it can deploy rocket-powered meteorological sensors to gather critical atmospheric and oceanic data.

Built for Extreme Conditions

Engineered to withstand the harshest conditions, the Blue Whale can operate in category 12 typhoons, characterized by violent winds exceeding 130 km/h (80 mph) and towering waves. While submerged, the vessel travels at speeds of up to 4 knots using a cutting-edge propulsion system that alternates between high-speed waterjets and silent magnetic fluid drives. Special coatings reduce its operating noise to match the ocean’s ambient sound levels, enhancing its ability to conduct precise hydroacoustic monitoring essential for scientific research.

Wu highlighted the vessel’s versatility, noting that it can carry more than 20 types of payloads, including equipment for underwater mapping, meteorological surveys, photography, water sampling, and inspections of subsea cables and pipelines. Unlike traditional uncrewed submarines, the Blue Whale’s modular design allows it to be adapted for a wide range of tasks.

Revolutionary Capabilities and Applications

The Blue Whale is equipped with a multibeam sonar system for high-resolution seabed mapping and a sub-bottom profiler capable of detecting oil, gas, and combustible ice deposits. During trials in the South China Sea, the vessel demonstrated its efficiency by mapping 3,000 square kilometers in just 15 days, a pace five times faster than conventional research vessels.

Additionally, the submersible features an intelligent monitoring network comprising water quality sensors, underwater cameras, and bioacoustic detectors. This system enables real-time observations of ecological phenomena such as red tides, fish migrations, and coral bleaching, issues that are increasingly significant in regions like the South China Sea.

A Booming Market and China’s Growing Role

The global market for uncrewed maritime vehicles is projected to grow at an annual rate of 6.7%, reaching $2.5 billion by 2034, according to GlobalData. China, along with the US, Turkey, France, South Korea, and Russia, is emerging as a key player in this expanding sector. The development of the Blue Whale builds on China’s earlier achievements in deep-sea exploration, such as the Jiaolong research submersible and the Shenhai-1 ultra-deep-water gas field.

Yunzhou, the company behind the Blue Whale, has filed over 600 patents and established a robust supply chain involving more than 30 partner companies. Beijing-based *Science and Technology Daily* described the Blue Whale as a “breakthrough leap” that positions China as a leader in marine intelligent equipment, transitioning from technological catch-up to innovation leadership. The vessel is expected to contribute to ocean exploration, maritime rights protection, and resource development.

Construction of the Blue Whale began in June 2024, and the vessel is set to undergo harbor and sea trials before its anticipated full operational deployment in 2026. As China continues to push the boundaries of maritime technology, the Blue Whale stands as a testament to the nation's commitment to innovation and its growing influence in the global marine exploration landscape.

Source: Adapted from reporting by the South China Morning Post.