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The Star
6 days ago
- Science
- The Star
China is working on an ultra-fast torpedo powered by AI for submarine warfare
In the recent Chinese blockbuster Operation Leviathan , an American nuclear submarine uses hi-tech acoustic holograms to bamboozle Chinese torpedoes and their human operators. Months after the film hit cinema screens, military researchers in China revealed they were working on an artificial intelligence system designed to cut through exactly this type of underwater deception. In a peer-reviewed paper published in Chinese-language journal Command Control & Simulation in April, the team from the PLA Navy Armament Department and China State Shipbuilding Corporation said their system had unprecedented accuracy for torpedoes travelling at high speeds. Tested against data from classified high-speed torpedo ranges, the technology achieved an average 92.2 per cent success rate in distinguishing real submarines from decoys even during tense exchanges, according to the paper. That is a leap from the legacy systems that often miss the target. Future submarine warfare hinges on deceiving torpedoes using illusions. Hi-tech decoys – as dramatised in Operation Leviathan – are used to replicate a vessel's acoustic signature, generate a false bubble trail to make it look like it is making an emergency turn, or deploy in coordinated swarms to project ghost targets across sonar screens. These tactics are particularly effective against what is known as ultra-fast supercavitating torpedoes – weapons that generate cavitation, or vapour bubbles, around their hulls to reduce drag. The resulting roar drowns out genuine target echoes while distorting acoustic fingerprints, according to the Chinese researchers. 'Current target recognition methods for China's underwater high-speed vehicles prove inadequate in environments saturated with advanced countermeasures, necessitating urgent development of novel approaches for feature extraction and target identification,' said the team led by senior engineers Wu Yajun and Liu Liwen. 'Only those underwater high-speed systems equipped with long-range detection capabilities and high target recognition rates can deliver sufficient operational effectiveness,' they added. The solution they proposed came from an unorthodox combination of physics and machine learning. Facing scarce real-world combat data, the team began by simulating decoy profiles using hydrodynamic models of bubble collapse patterns and turbulence. To do that they used raw data collected from the PLA Navy's high-speed torpedo test range. These simulations were then added to a 'generative adversarial network' – a duelling pair of AI systems. One of them, the generator, refined decoy signatures by studying submarine physics and acoustic principles. Its opponent, the discriminator, trained to detect flaws in these forgeries using seven layers of sonic pattern analysis. After many rounds of training, the system had created a huge collection of artificial decoy profiles. The AI uses a specialised neural network architecture inspired by image recognition, according to the paper. Sonar signals go through a process where they are normalised for amplitude, filtered through correlation receivers to suppress noise, and finally rendered as spectral 'thumbnails' using a mathematical tool known as a Fourier transform. These sonic snapshots then pass through convolutional layers in the neural network that are tuned to detect anomalies in frequency modulation. Pooling operations then average out distortions like bubble interference. The team said that when confronted with the most sophisticated type of decoys, detection rates went from 61.3 per cent to more than 80 per cent. It comes amid a global race to develop 'smart' torpedoes. Russia's VA-111 Shkval torpedo and its US counterparts under development all rely on supercavitation at present, and they struggle with target discrimination at extreme speeds. 'With continuous advancements in modern underwater acoustics, electronic technologies and artificial intelligence, today's underwater battlespace often contains multiple simultaneous threats within a single operational area – including decoys, electro-acoustic countermeasure systems, electronic jammers and diverse weapon systems,' the paper said. In such intense underwater environments where multiple targets or decoys can appear simultaneously, these systems must be able to instantly distinguish authentic targets from false ones to avoid mission failure or a wasted trajectory and to prioritise the highest-threat targets, according to the team. 'Critically, given the autonomous nature of underwater high-speed vehicles, all decisions must be made without real-time external communication support, substantially increasing algorithmic complexity and computational demands,' the team said. 'The deep-learning recognition model proposed in this study, combined with the generative adversarial networks' small-sample identification solution, enables effective underwater target discrimination. This lays the technical groundwork for field deployment,' they added. – South China Morning Post
Economic Times
22-04-2025
- Science
- Economic Times
China's new weapon shocks the world: Is this Hydrogen bomb a game-changer for modern warfare?
A revolutionary weapon Test results and military applications Live Events The role of Magnesium Hydride China's military modernisation and clean energy focus (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel Chinese researchers have successfully detonated a new hydrogen-based explosive device, signalling a leap in the country's military capabilities. This breakthrough, described as a non-nuclear hydrogen bomb , was developed by the China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC), with the device tested in a field experiment. Unlike traditional nuclear bombs, it harnesses a magnesium-based solid-state hydrogen storage material that ignites to create a sustained fireball, capable of producing heat 15 times longer than a TNT device, weighing just 2 kilograms, has a unique explosive mechanism. Instead of using nuclear materials, it relies on magnesium hydride, which stores hydrogen at a much higher density than conventional pressurised tanks. When detonated by a standard explosive, the magnesium hydride undergoes rapid thermal decomposition, releasing hydrogen gas mixes with air and ignites, creating a blazing fireball that can burn at temperatures exceeding 1,000°C. This intense heat persists for over two seconds, making the device far more effective in terms of sustained damage than conventional explosives.'Hydrogen gas explosions ignite with minimal ignition energy, have a broad explosion range, and unleash flames that race outward rapidly,' said Wang Xuefeng, a lead researcher at the CSSC. The sustained heat can melt materials like aluminium alloys, offering a strategic advantage in targeting specific military assets or test, conducted under controlled conditions, showed that the device could generate peak overpressure of 428.43 kilopascals at two meters, around 40% of TNT's blast force, but with far more significant heat damage. The bomb's unique feature is its ability to create a self-feeding combustion loop, which means it can continue producing intense heat after initial detonation, devastating large weapon's potential military applications are wide-ranging: from denying the enemy access to strategic routes by incinerating roads to precisely targeting critical infrastructure such as power stations or communication weapon is not only a significant military advancement but also an example of China's growing expertise in energy-based weaponry. The bomb's sustained heat and ability to target specific points, without indiscriminately affecting a broad area, allow the PLA (People's Liberation Army) to carry out precision strikes on high-value recently, magnesium hydride was only produced in small quantities, due to its highly reactive nature. However, China has invested heavily in scaling up its production capabilities. A new facility in Shaanxi province is now able to produce 150 tonnes annually, using a novel "one-pot synthesis" method developed by the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics. This breakthrough not only makes the production of magnesium hydride safer but also more cost-effective, which is a crucial factor in mass production for military is exploring additional uses for magnesium hydride, including as a power source for submarine fuel cells and long-endurance drones. The material's potential as an energy source is expanding beyond explosives, indicating that China's military strategy includes integrating clean energy solutions into its test comes amid China's broader military modernisation efforts, which are increasingly incorporating clean energy technologies. The country has been upgrading its fleet of warships with electric propulsion systems, including advanced vessels like the Type 055 Renhai-class cruisers. Additionally, China has made significant strides in aerospace with the development of eco-friendly propulsion technologies. In 2023, it launched the world's first methane-powered rocket to reach orbit, a feat that underscores its ambition to lead in sustainable military timing of this development is significant, as tensions rise between China and Taiwan. Beijing has ramped up its military presence around Taiwan, viewing any external support for the island as a direct challenge to its sovereignty. The increased military activity follows rising US arms sales to Taiwan and high-profile visits by American officials. This month, China conducted large-scale drills, including live fire exercises, further heightening tensions in the has made it clear that it sees any intervention in Taiwan's affairs as interference in its internal matters, and has warned the US against providing military aid to Taiwan. Despite these warnings, the US has reaffirmed its commitment to Taiwan, pledging continued support and engaging in joint military exercises with regional allies.
India Today
21-04-2025
- Science
- India Today
China detonates non-nuclear hydrogen bomb, blast creates 1,000°C fireball
Chinese researchers have detonated a new non-nuclear hydrogen bomb capable of generating a sustained, ultra-high-temperature fireball, marking a significant leap in military and energy a controlled field test, as reported by the South China Morning Post, the 2kg device produced a white-hot inferno exceeding 1,000C for over two seconds—15 times longer than equivalent TNT blasts—by leveraging magnesium hydride, a solid-state hydrogen storage BEHIND THE WEAPONDeveloped by the China State Shipbuilding Corporation's (CSSC) 705 Research Institute, the bomb uses magnesium hydride, a silvery powder that stores hydrogen more efficiently than pressurized tanks. When triggered by conventional explosives, the material fractures into micron-scale particles, releasing hydrogen gas that mixes with air and ignites. This creates a self-sustaining combustion loop: the heat from the initial explosion propagates further decomposition of magnesium hydride, releasing more hydrogen and extending the fireball's blast generated 428.43 kilopascals of overpressure at two meters — 40% of TNT's force — but its thermal damage radius far surpassed traditional explosives, melting aluminum alloys and enabling precise, large-area destruction. The technology allows directed energy deployment, making it suitable for neutralizing high-value targets or saturating vast zones with intense heat. (Photo: Getty) advertisementMILITARY AND STRATEGIC IMPLICATIONSThe technology allows directed energy deployment, making it suitable for neutralizing high-value targets or saturating vast zones with intense the study did not specify deployment scenarios, the device aligns with China's push for cleaner military energy solutions, including electric warships and long-endurance highlight its potential for submarine fuel cells and drone power systems, bridging defense and sustainable energy BREAKTHROUGHSA key enabler is China's new magnesium hydride production facility in Shaanxi, which uses a safer, cost-effective 'one-pot synthesis' method to produce 150 tonnes annually—a stark contrast to previous lab-scale outputs of mere grams per industrial-scale production, developed by the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, reduces explosion risks during manufacturing and supports both military and civilian innovation echoes historical energy-driven military shifts, from coal-powered steamers to thermonuclear arms. As the People's Liberation Army advances its 'green' modernisation, this technology shows China's dual focus on strategic dominance and sustainable Watch
India.com
21-04-2025
- Science
- India.com
China might not require nuclear weapons anymore as it creates deadlier bomb, its dreadful features..., its heat will melt even ...
New Delhi: China has created a new hydrogen bomb. Chinese researchers have successfully tested it. It is different from a traditional nuclear bomb but is much more powerful. China's hydrogen bomb generates heat 15 times more than TNT explosives used for weapons. This is considered a significant leap in China's military strength. Following this successful test, China now has a highly powerful weapon apart from nuclear weapons. This bomb has been developed by the China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC). It uses hydrogen storage material made from magnesium. This material burns to create a fireball. It burns longer than traditional explosives, making it much more dangerous. The hydrogen bomb does not use nuclear material. This Chinese bomb is extremely powerful China has tested a two-kilogramme bomb made of magnesium hydride. This powder, which is silver in colour, can store a large amount of hydrogen. It is ignited with a small explosion, causing the magnesium hydride to heat up rapidly. This releases hydrogen gas, which then burns when it mixes with the air. This creates a fireball with a temperature of over 1,000 degrees Celsius. This fire can burn for more than two seconds, allowing it to cause more damage than other bombs like TNT. Researcher Wang Juefeng and his team have reported that it takes very little energy for a hydrogen gas explosion. Its flame spreads very quickly and covers a large area. This combination helps control the intensity of the explosion. The terrifying heat generated can easily destroy targets over large areas. According to experts, when a hydrogen bomb is triggered by conventional explosives, magnesium hydride produces heat. This releases hydrogen, which mixes with the air. When this gas reaches a certain level, it ignites. This process continues until all the fuel is exhausted. This bomb will produce unimaginable heat Researchers found that this new weapon from China has an explosion 40 percent less than TNT. In tests, the explosive power measured 428.43 kilopascals, which was two meters away from the blast site. The strength of this weapon is the heat it generates. This intense heat can cause damage over a large area.
NDTV
21-04-2025
- Science
- NDTV
China Tests Non-Nuclear 'Blowtorch' Bomb That Generates Fireball Longer Than TNT
Chinese scientists have developed a non-nuclear explosive device based on hydrogen fuel that produces a white-hot fireball lasting over two seconds, as per a report in South China Morning Post (SCMP). This duration of the fireball generated by the two kg bomb is 15 times longer than the equivalent TNT blasts. The temperature reached 1,000 degrees Celsius without using any nuclear material, the outlet further said. The explosive has been developed by China State Shipbuilding Corporation's (CSSC) 705 Research Institute. It uses a magnesium-based solid state hydrogen storage material. The SCMP report said that the explosive was originally developed to bring gas to off-grid areas, to power fuel cells for clean electricity and heat. The discovery has been published in a peer-reviewed paper published in Chinese language Journal of Projectiles, Rockets, Missiles And Guidance. The paper says that the silvery powder present in the explosive device, called magnesium hydride, undergoes rapid thermal decomposition when activated by conventional explosives and released hydrogen gas that turned into a sustained fireball. "Hydrogen gas explosions ignite with minimal ignition energy, have a broad explosion range, and unleash flames that race outward rapidly while spreading widely," SCMP quoted the team as saying in a statement. "This combination allows precise control over blast intensity, easily achieving uniform destruction of targets across vast areas," the statement further said. While the fireball produced by the new weapon lasted 2 seconds, a TNT blast causes a 0.12-second flash, said the researchers. The temperature in the fireball, which ie being compared to a blowtorch, is enough to melt aluminium alloys. The blast was carried out in a controlled environment, and delivered 40 per cent of the TNT's blast force, yet the weapon showed a greater thermal damage radius. The researchers also looked at the weapon's other potential military applications, such as using it to cover a large area with intense heat and focusing its power on high-value targets to destroy them. This outlook has led to some chatter about the new explosive, but it's not clear how the People's Liberation Army (PLA) plans to use it.
