China’s ultra-stealthy Type 096 subs “are going to be a nightmare”

Plus: Rating gadgets from the movie Aliens, Mercedes’ public EV crash test, China’s 6G optical breakthrough. A new and undetectable threat may soon haunt the world’s oceans, one that is able to cruise unobserved through enemy waters. China's next-gen Type 096 nuclear submarine, with radical stealth technology drawn from Russian designs, could enter service this decade. Virtually invisible to hunting sonars, this silent behemoth may be shielded against even the most concerted allied anti-sub efforts. With naval tensions in the South China Sea already high, the Type 096's unmatched stealth capability could present a fiendish test for China’s neighors and global adversaries. The US and its naval partners are on alert, but countering the threat of this ghostly class of submarine may prove almost impossible. Find out what’s at stake in today’s [Must Read](. This comes hot on the heels of China’s success in testing 6G technology, discovering a new source of a crucial rare earth metal, and issuing the first type-approval for a passenger drone, as you'll learn below. Good morning. I’m Tim, newsletter editor at IE. This is the Blueprint. What else is new in the world of tech? VIDEO OF THE DAY [Is Nikola Tesla Overrated?]( Could the sound of a rocket launching kill you? The Saturn V rocket's launch into space, with its astonishing 204-decibel roar, marked the loudest event in human history and a marvel of engineering. SUPPORT INTERESTING ENGINEERING Invest in science and engineering Insider access to exclusive content, featuring riveting stories that take you right to the heart of the action. Engage with our thriving online community, dive into captivating science discoveries, and stay informed with our enlightening weekly premium newsletters. With IE+, quality reporting is more than just news - and it is Ad-Free. 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Must Read [🤫 China‘s stealth submarine development ‘a nightmare’ for US and allies]( China has reportedly made advances in developing its new Type 096 nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine. Analysts say its extreme stealthiness, aided by Russian technology, will make detecting the sub incredibly difficult. This raises concerns of intensifying undersea arms race tensions. Details remain scarce, but the sub‘s silencing tech and adaptations of Russian designs may enable unmatched stealth. As the US and allies strengthen their anti-sub capabilities, China’s coming technological edge echoes challenges from the Cold War era. Defense experts warn the Type 096’s undetectable nature poses a formidable threat. Faced with China's expanding naval power, the US and its partners are bracing for the Type 096 subs to dramatically enhance China's nuclear deterrent. The expected deployment this decade will present a major detection and defense test. China's submarine progress threatens to tip the balance of power at sea. [[Read More]( [Lists]( [🎬 5 items of tech from the movie Aliens that we could build today]( In this new feature, we examine how close we are to the imaginative tech in the movie Aliens. While smart-aiming guns aren't quite ready, certain devices are pretty much here, such as motion scanners and caseless ammunition in rifles with electronic firing mechanisms. Aliens blended sci-fi with scientific reality that may be closer than we think. Explore which 5 gadgets are most attainable now. [[Read More]( [Innovation]( [🛰 Chinese scientists take a step closer to 6G with optical switch]( Could switching signals optically rather than electrically transform our communications? Chinese scientists’ new optical switch has successfully routed light beams directly, strongly hinting that the answer could soon be yes. This development promises to accelerate data transmission and overcome bottlenecks to enable 6G’s potential. China’s breakthrough suggests the future of communications is coming quicker than expected. [[Read More]( [Transportation]( [💥 Mercedes conducts first public frontal offset crash between two EVs]( In a first, Mercedes publicly crash-tested two electric SUVs head-on using real vehicles at higher speeds than regulations. The EVs effectively absorbed the severe impact through crumple zones, showing comparable safety to conventional cars. Mercedes demonstrated that EVs can protect occupants in high-energy collisions, with automatic high-voltage shutdown. The test challenges misconceptions about greater EV crash risks. 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Thank you for voting! 55% Sometimes 27% Yes, every time! 14% Rarely 4% Never “The Type 096s [submarines] are going to be a nightmare. 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