While many may think of DARPA as the (un)official mad science division of the Pentagon, the agency does manage to kick-off some amazing technology once in a while. This time, it is the Underwater Express mini-sub that can go as fast as 100 knots, and uses a technology that has a rudimentary similarity to the warp field from Star Trek.
The 100 knot speed is far in excess of the 30 knots that submarines can do today, and is achieved by a hydrodynamic effect called supercavitation. As the sub gathers enough speed, a gas bubble envelops it to reduce drag, thereby increasing the possibilities for greater speed. The submarine will go on trial soon, starting with a quarter scale model, which if successful, will give way to testing of a full scale 100-ft sub.
Via: Popular Science/ Gizmodo
