China conducts test flight of a giant coil array. Can it detect nuclear submarines?
At an undisclosed test site, a helicopter takes off, towing a kite-like array of massive coils. The system, called Airborne Transient Electromagnetic (Atem) detection, works by firing a powerful pulse of electricity through a giant transmitter coil. This creates a brief, strong electromagnetic field that penetrates the ground or water. When the pulse is turned off, the magnetic field induces tiny, decaying “eddy currents” in any conductive material it hits. These currents, in
Chinese researchers have successfully conducted flight trials of a specialized electromagnetic detection system suspended from a helicopter. This technology, known as Airborne Transient Electromagnetic (Atem) detection, utilizes a massive coil array to generate high-intensity electrical pulses that penetrate deep into the earth or ocean. By analyzing the secondary currents triggered in conductive materials, the device can effectively map subsurface features or identify hidden metallic objects. While the technology has clear applications in geological surveying and mineral exploration, its potential to locate submerged vessels has drawn significant international scrutiny. The ability to detect conductive anomalies from the air could theoretically assist in tracking submarines that were previously difficult to pinpoint. Experts suggest this development marks a notable advancement in Beijing's efforts to enhance its maritime surveillance and anti-submarine warfare capabilities.
This technology represents a significant shift in underwater detection methods that could alter the strategic balance of naval power by making stealth-reliant submarines more vulnerable.
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