Vanguard Magazine

www.vanguardcanada.com DECEMBER 2021/JANUARY 2022 35 NAVAL flexibility, including vertical launch sys- tems and balancing pressure hull length and hull diameter whilst always remaining cognizant of other factors that impact to- tal project costs – bigger submarines may impact shore support infrastructure. Day Two – What will likely be achievable in 2040? On the second day, the Deep Blue Forum 2021 shifted to a future outlook with an outstanding opening keynote speaker - the innovator Dr Sankar Das Gupta – re- counting his experience in the challenges of developing innovative solutions with his company Electrovaya. Notably, lithi- um-ion battery technology is much fur- ther ahead than many appreciate, and it is rapidly evolving, driven by the market, particularly the automotive industry. The second panel discussion of the con- ference, on covert transits by conventional submarines, was moderated by Command- er Martin Byrne with Naval Group, tkMS and Saab/Kockums participation. The consensus was that current technical chal- lenges will be overcome resulting in con- ventional submarines having much better speed for longer periods with increased endurance and smaller crews. While tech- nology will change significantly over next 20 years, batteries will remain the main source of energy storage, of which all con- sidered lithium-ion batteries to be the fu- ture. Higher efficiency systems will be able to reduce the power draw on non-nuclear Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) sys- tems, however, all AIP systems are limited by the amount of liquid oxygen that can be carried in the submarine. Finally, Saab/ Kockums noted that stealth equates to sur- vivability, and that signature reduction is more than just acoustic. The third panel discussion of the con- ference, on ice edge operations for non- nuclear powered submarines, was mod- erated by Lieutenant-Commander Eric Isabelle, with Cellula Robotics, Kraken Robotics and DRS Leonardo participa- tion. While everyone acknowledged the limitations of non-nuclear powered sub- marines working under the ice, they all saw the potential of AUVs, particularly large AUVs, with the prospect of a "con- stellation" of AUVs being controlled by a mother submarine. Moreover, while AUVs can offer a number of solutions to under-ice missions, most notably hydrog- raphy, there are challenges with process- ing the huge amount of data these sys- tems will generate. This was followed by a presentation by Dominis Engineering de- scribing high performance propellers and CNC milling to final form and process. The fourth and final panel discussion of the conference, on fuel energy and storage (including non-nuclear AIP), was moderated by Captain(N) Eric Mc- Callum with Collins Aerospace and Elec- trovaya participation. The consensus was that AIP represents the future for non- nuclear submarines. Non-nuclear AIP technology is here now and continues to be driven by the commercial market, however, liquid oxygen storage remains a limiting factor for submarine AIP en- durance. With regards to battery technol- ogy, commercial electric vehicles are driv- ing the process, as lithium-ion batteries represent the highest energy density in a reusable battery. Their eventual success- ful application to submarine operations is seen positively, as they offer fast charg- ing, no battery gassing and two to three times the life of a conventional lead acid battery. While lithium-ion battery manu- facturing is rapidly improving for com- mercial applications, submarine safety is- sues, particularly the potential for thermal runaway, must be addressed. Summary The takeaway from two days of discussion was clear – a future Canadian submarine must meet Canadian requirements, both technically and politically, while remain- ing affordable. Canada must now look ahead to leverage innovation, of which the presentations at the Deep Blue Forum 2021 highlighted the potential of innova- tive technology that is currently being de- veloped by industry, particularly in energy generation and storage. To be successful, there must be continual dialogue between government and industry to manage ex- pectations and risk. Simply put, the Navy needs to understand what is within the art of the possible today and into the im- mediate future, government needs to see that it is affordable, and industry needs to understand Canada's unique require- ments that are governed by geography and national will. Captain Norman Jolin, RCN (Ret'd) is an Associate Consultant with CFN Consultants specializing in naval and maritime issues. Prior to joining CFN, he provided advice on Canadian defence procurement in the pri- vate sector, following a 37-year career in the Royal Canadian Navy. Canada must now look ahead to leverage innovation, and the presentations delivered at Deep Blue 2021 highlighted the potential of innovative technology that is currently being developed by industry, particularly in energy generation and storage. To be successful, there must be continual dialogue between government and industry to manage expectations and risk.

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