Meet the underwater cable cutter that’s got everyone talking. Developed by the China Ship Scientific Research Center and the Deep-Sea Manned Submersible Laboratory, this tool can slice through steel, rubber, and polymer internet cables – the very ones that connect 95% of the world’s data.
How it works
The cutter is wrapped in titanium alloy and sealed with a oil-filled replacement to prevent expansion. A 150mm diamond-coated disc spins at 1,600 rpm, generating enough power to cut through steel cables at depths of up to 4,000 meters – twice as deep as current underwater telecom infrastructure. It’s also designed to work with manned and unmanned underwater vehicles, like the Fendouzhe and Haidou series.
Originally, this tool was meant for underwater salvage and seabed mining. But its military potential is significant. Take the strategic cable near Guam, for example. Cutting it could disrupt global communications.
A technical marvel
Hu Haolong, the lead engineer, wrote in a research paper published in the Chinese journal Mechanical Engineer that the design overcomes the technical challenges of deep-sea conditions, withstanding pressure over 400 atm. The diamond-coated disc was created because regular blades can’t cut through steel-reinforced cables. This disc reduces coastal sediment disturbance and creates enough energy to destroy steel.
For use in underwater vehicles, the tool comes with a 1 kW electric motor, 8:1 gear reduction, and a balancing shaft. However, prolonged use may cause overheating. It also features advanced positioning technology for precise cuts and a system that makes detection difficult.
The scientists behind this tool insist it’s meant to promote coastal resource development, boosting China’s blue economy and maintaining its status as a marine power.