Woolner & Jones

On Thursday 5 th March 2020 the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) commissioned the 11 th Soryu-class diesel-electric attack submarine (SSK), the JS Oryu (SS-511). The JS Oryu is the world’s first operational naval attack submarine to be equipped with lithium-ion (LIB) main batteries, replacing the lead acid (LAB) main batteries and air independent propulsion (AIP) systems fitted to earlier Soryu-class submarines. A second Soryu-class submarine equipped with LIB main batteries, the JS Toryu , was launched in November 2019 and is expected to enter service in March 2021. There is very little published technical detail about the JS Oryu’s LIB main batteries, but it is understood that they have approximately double the capacity of the earlier Soryu-class LAB main batteries. This would give JS Oryu about twice the submerged patrol endurance (battery-only), and around three times the endurance when running submerged at full speed. Notwithstanding the lack o...

Because something is happening here But you don’t know what it is Do you Mister Jones Bob Dylan, “Ballad of a Thin Man” The old paradigm of energy predominantly being created by the consumption of matter and generally used instantaneously, is declining. The new model developing to replace it is, increasingly, one of the capture of existing energy, its storage when not consumed at creation, and use when needed. This transformation is occurring through the development of a range of technologies, each with their own requirements, performance and potentials whilst carrying implications or presenting opportunities. The Australian Defence Force needs a mechanism to understand and best utilise these emerging technologies. The Impact of a Transforming Energy Paradigm on Military Operations This blog originated as a study into propulsion options for the RAN’s next generation of submarines, the Attack class program. The chief issue here was that the acquisition strategy for ...

A chance conversation about submarines and emerging battery technology in 2012 lead to a six-year long dialogue and the shared conclusion that Australia's Future Submarine Program faced significant technology challenges in the coming decades. In early 2019 we co-authored a series of three articles on this subject  ( Future Proofing the Attack-class , ASPI  The Strategist , June-July 2019) , intended for publication just prior to the May 2019 Federal Election.  Delays in editing the articles to meet publication requirements meant that the articles weren't published until after the election, and were substantially altered from our original submissions. We determined that we needed more effective control over both the timing and content of future publications and posts, and have established our blog-of-record for this purpose.  Our published articles will be evidence-based with provided references, and where we are expressing views or opinions we will indicate this ...