The autonomous submarine drone of the "Surrogate-V" project (code name "Vedomy") is a promising development of the Central Design Bureau MT "Rubin" [part of the United Shipbuilding Corporation (USC), editor's note]. This innovative device ensures the stealth of inhabited submarines, and also performs the functions of ice reconnaissance and mine search in dangerous areas.
The USC press service reported that "Surrogate-V" will be actively used to support inhabited submarines, mainly to ensure and maintain their stealth. The device takes on tasks that could lead to the identification of real submarines, such as communication and the use of active search tools, etc.
In areas with continuous ice cover, "Surrogate-V" is capable of conducting ice reconnaissance, and in mine-hazardous areas - mine search. Obtaining this information with the help of a robot is faster and safer than examining the area with the submarine's onboard equipment.
The autonomy of "Surrogate-V" allows the submarine to perform other tasks while the robot is scouting the area.
According to the corporation, the displacement of the device is about 40 tons, and the cruising range reaches 800 miles. "Surrogate-V" has a modular design, which allows it to change functionality depending on the task, namely to simulate various types of submarines and conduct mapping of the area.
The development of "Surrogate-V" was carried out with the aim of using it in exercises, so as not to distract real submarines from performing their main tasks. The use of such a simulator reduces costs and risks, while maintaining the realism of the exercises. The device is equipped with a lithium-ion battery, which ensures its operation for 15–16 hours, during which it simulates enemy maneuvers, including high speeds of movement.
Earlier, representatives of "Rubin" said that the drone-submarine will be able to recharge both on board the carrier ship and from bottom stations. In addition, specialists were working on a version of the power plant based on electrochemical generators, which should have further expanded the functionality of "Surrogate-V" and its autonomy.
Recently, another development of the Central Design Bureau MT "Rubin" — the first serial non-nuclear submarine (NNP) of Project 677 "Lada" — was solemnly transferred to the Russian Navy at the Admiralty Shipyards in St. Petersburg.