Mine-resistant and super quiet, Sweden's new Blekinge-class stealthy GHOST submarine starts to make waves

Sept. 10, 2020
In addition to these kinds of acoustic silencing features, perhaps the most significant is the Blekinge-class’s air-independent power technology.

STOCKHOLM – The Swedish Blekinge-class submarine makes use of rubberized mounts and baffles inside the vessel to reduce noise from on-board machinery or crew. Additionally, frames within the sub are filled with acoustic damping plates that absorb ambient sound. The National Interest reports. Continue reading original article

The Military & Aerospace Electronics take:

10 Sept. 2020 -- Saab’s Ghost stealthy technology, which stands for Genuine HOlistic STealth, is Saab’s quietest technology ever—and even quieter than their upgraded Gotland-class submarine.

The incredibly low acoustic signature of this super-quiet submarine is achieved through a variety of means. Saab, the submarine's designer, claims that all interior surfaces are optimized to minimize noise, including flexible hoses and compensators; and specifying maximum flow speed in air ducts, minimum bending radius on cables and pipes, and the design of out-board holes and cavities.

Saab says that the Blekinge-class uses a new hull shape and fin design that reduces hydrodynamic noise caused by water flowing along the hull surface and fins. Amazingly, the sub’s radar cross-section also has been taken into consideration and reduced through a careful mast design.

Related: Leidos test and measurement experts help quiet Navy submarines against enemy sonar detection

Related: Commercial computer servers help Navy ply the ocean's depths for hostile submarines

Related: ASW targets that simulate the sounds and behavior of quiet enemy submarines to be built by Lockheed Martin

John Keller, chief editor
Military & Aerospace Electronics

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Military Aerospace, create an account today!