Submarine Propeller Technology News

Swedish submarine manufacturer Kockums Industrier AB, designer of Australia's new Collins class submarines, has taken legal action to stop Australia releasing its top secret submarine propeller design to the U.S. Navy. Kockums -- a wholly-owned subsidiary of Saab -- said it had taken federal court action to protect its intellectual property, fearing if the propeller was sent to the U.S. Navy for modifications, the design may be viewed by third parties and could leak to potential competitors. Submarine propeller technology is a closely guarded secret because it is a major factor in submarine noise emission. The quieter a submarine, the more effective it is as an attack craft.