China has developed an underwater drone boat Blue Whale

China has launched the Blue Whale research vessel, capable of operating in an unmanned capacity underwater.

Xinhua China reported that the drone is fully autonomous and can stay at sea for up to 30 days.

This 11-meter-long drone, with a displacement of 12 tons, is capable of reaching speeds of up to 40 knots on the surface and remaining undetected at depth for an extended period.

While in the underwater position, it can remain motionless for more than a month, similar to a stealthy nuclear submarine.

The Blue Whale can reach a surface speed of up to 36 knots (66 km/h) and an underwater speed of up to 4 knots (7.5 km/h).

It is primarily intended for civilian use and is expected to make a significant contribution to ocean research.

The vessel can sail hundreds of kilometers without refueling and dive to a depth of 60 meters to hide from storms, and while passing through the storm area, it is able to collect data.

The artificial intelligence decision-making system uses deep learning algorithms to increase the efficiency of work in difficult conditions.

Special coatings help reduce the noise level during the vessel’s operation to the ambient ocean level, allowing for more accurate hydroacoustic monitoring for scientific research.

The drone is equipped with an intelligent monitoring network that includes water quality sensors, underwater cameras, and bioacoustic detectors, enabling real-time monitoring of the ocean’s situation.

The Blue Whale’s versatile design allows it to carry more than 20 types of payloads, including equipment for meteorological research, underwater mapping, photography, water sampling, and inspections of submarine cables and pipelines.

Large underwater unmanned technologies are not a new development. Recently, a large underwater technology demonstrator was launched in the UK.