What does the Navy of the future look like? New technology has changed the fundamental development pattern of one of the world’s
strongest military organizations. The navy ship of the future will be difficult to detect
by radar, equipped with lasers, powered by ocean water, and able to launch
projectiles with electromagnetic waves. It is no longer science fiction but is
currently being run and adapted to modern warfare. The wave of the future is one of constant
development and transformation.
This week the Navy will christen its most advanced destroyer
called the USS Zumwalt (1).
The canopy of the ship is built on angles which make it difficult to spot on radar.
Its impact and detection would look more like a fishing boat to the electronic eye. It will also
carry the Advanced Gun Systems (AGS) which fires computer-guided and
self-propelling shells that can reach three times the distance of an ordinary destroyer.
In addition, over the next few years lasers (LaWs) will be installed
on some ships. They will afford the ability to shoot aircraft and small water vessels
at a price of a dollar. Unlike other small craft defense mechanisms, it can be
used to pinpoint the engine, specific location, or even person (2). This creates the ability to handle smaller objects with precision and cost effectiveness.
Let’s not forget that in 2016 an electromagnetic gun will be
tested on fast paced seafaring ships. The gun cuts expenses of projectiles to
$25,000 from $1 million (3).
The ships will store more projectiles, shoot faster, and do it cheaper than
conventional methods. With a simple electromagnetic pulse a projectile is
launched seven times the speed of sound and carry the strength of missiles.
Of course we cannot forget the development of perpetual fuel
made from sea water. A new catalytic converter can transform carbon dioxide and
hydrogen from seawater into a liquid hydrocarbon fuel (4).
Navy researchers will be working over the next few years to produce the fuel in
quantity on land and then make it commercially available to its ships. This
cuts cost of fuel to $3-$6 per gallon.
The military of the near future will be cheaper, pinpoint
resources better, conserve costs and do more with less. It will be powerful and
unmatched in the waters. Ships will sail to the furthest ends of the earth
without needing to refuel and micro-manufacturing will ensure they can do more
with less space. It will be a military that uses science to enhance its
mechanical and human abilities. Robotics and miniaturization will become the
name of the game. None of this is possible without the fundamentals of STEM
oriented education, the scientific mind, and the human capital to make it all
possible. Cheers to the American Military!
