Shanghai to San Francisco in 100 minutes by Chinese supersonic submarine

[yuiyoshida]

China has moved a step closer to creating a supersonic submarine that could travel from Shanghai to San Francisco in less than two hours.

New technology developed by a team of scientists at Harbin Institute of Technology's Complex Flow and Heat Transfer Lab has made it easier for a submarine, or torpedo, to travel at extremely high speeds underwater.

Li Fengchen, professor of fluid machinery and engineering, said the team's innovative approach meant they could now create the complicated air "bubble" required for rapid underwater travel. "We are very excited by its potential," he said.

Water produces more friction, or drag, on an object than air, which means conventional submarines cannot travel as fast as an aircraft.

http://www.scmp.com/news/china/article/1580226/shanghai-san-francisco-100-minutes-chinese-supersonic-submarine

[eppur_se_muova]

1. One whale collision = one less supersonic submarine.

Can't imagine how much destruction of marine life something like this could cause.

[byronius]

2. Such considerations have not historically been attributable to the Chinese.

These are the inventors of the plastic-pouch live turtle charms, after all.

[Warpy]

4. That was my thought, too

It wouldn't even take a whale, a good sized tuna would do it.

[indie9197]

3. So China has "moved a step closer" to creating this sub?

Well today I moved a step closer to becoming a billionaire. I found a dime on the sidewalk.

To go from Shanghei to SF in 100 minutes means you are going over 3000 mph. The fastest manned airplane, the SR71 Blackbird, can only go about 2500 mph and it only holds a couple of people I think.

So I think they have a lot of work to do still.