Designed by naval architects, they are simply metal tubes with equipment crammed into them. Unlike surface vessels which must have some sort of architecture top-side to react with the atmosphere, subs need no such structures to mesh with anything above the surface of the ocean...they're just tubes (with men & machines inside them).
Submarines are designed with enough ballast and control systems to allow them to submerge and surface as needed.Surface ships are designed only with enough ballast and control systems to keep them on the surface. While they can sink just as well as submarines can, their ability to re-surface without a salvage operation is non-existent.
Submarines can launch a variety of munitions, primarily torpedoes and missiles. Torpedoes are underwater weapons designed to target ships and submarines, while missiles, such as cruise missiles, can be used for land strikes or targeting other ships. Submarines may also deploy naval mines as a means of area denial or to disrupt enemy naval operations. Each type of weapon is designed to be launched from a specific system onboard the submarine.
Yes, there are submarines capable of diving to depths of 12,500 feet. Military submarines, such as the U.S. Navy's Virginia-class submarines, can operate at significant depths, though exact capabilities are often classified. Additionally, deep-sea research submarines, like the DSV Alvin and the Triton Submarines, are designed to reach such depths for exploration and scientific purposes.
Nuclear Submarines can stay almost indefently for them it is a question of Stores (food). Diesel Submarines are really not designed for under ice operations. AIP Subs can stay submerged for prolonged periods depending on the amount of Liquid Oxygen it has.
Seeing how submarines are designed to move underwater, the antonym that makes the most sense would be airplane.
Normal ships are designed to move on the surface of the water. Submarines are designed to be able to submerge and travel under the water's surface, as well as on the surface. When normal ships go down, they stay down. Submarines are able to come back up after they go down. All American submarines are nuclear powered. With the exception of Aircraft carriers, surface ships are powered conventially.
A submarine's primary weapon is typically its torpedoes, which are designed to be launched underwater to target enemy ships and submarines. Modern submarines can also carry cruise missiles, providing them with a long-range strike capability against land targets. The stealth and mobility of submarines allow them to position themselves strategically for effective attacks while remaining hidden from enemy detection.
Absolutely, and they do so more often than people realize. All submarines are designed with many strategic variables in mind, including passage through strategic waterways such as the canal.
As of October 2023, the United States has 14 Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs). These submarines serve as a key component of the U.S. nuclear deterrent strategy, carrying Trident II (D5) ballistic missiles. The Ohio-class submarines are designed for stealth and long-duration missions, ensuring a continuous at-sea deterrent capability.
Yes, submarines can operate on the surface of the water. While they are primarily designed for underwater navigation, they can surface to recharge batteries, conduct operations, or allow crew members to breathe fresh air. When on the surface, submarines resemble conventional ships but retain the capability to dive and operate underwater as needed.
Yes, submarines did exist in the 1800s, although they were in their early developmental stages. The first practical submarine, the American vessel known as the "Nautilus," was designed by Robert Fulton and launched in 1800. While these early submarines were experimental and not widely used in combat, they laid the groundwork for future advancements in submarine technology.
Modern submarines are designed to go much faster submerged. This design also limits their surface speed capability. WW1 and WW2 submarines were not considered true submersibles by today's standards. They were essentially surface vessels that had the capability of limited submerged operations. As such, their design and propulsion made them faster on the surface and much slower underwater. Modern submarines are true submersibles in that their only limitation is that of their crews.