posted on Jan, 1 2005 @ 06:59 PM
If a plane was designed properly it would be possible. The physics of lift and drag are the same. The only big problem is propulsion. Making the
cockpit watertight isnt a problem. If it's been proofed for chem of bio weapons it can keep out water. NASA has been working on a jet/rocket engine
hybrid for their future space vehicles and that technology could easily carry over. Plus, if the plane was built to supercavitate in the water it
could achieve a couple hundred mph underwater which would be enough to takeoff and sustain lift.
The only other things that need consideration is pressure and landing speed. Alloys would be needed to sustain heavy pressures that exist underwater
while also being light enough to allow the plane to fly. Also if the plane is going to be able return to it's launch sub it's going to have to be
able to land at a slow speed or it would be destroyed when it hit the water.
This would be very desirable to any navy, being able to sneak a stealthy attack squadron up to an enemies coastline, attack, and leave again leaving
almost no sign that any ship had ever been there. There is also the benefit of using the technology as a highspeed attack sub, like an underwater
dogfighter/interceptor against other enemy subs.