Submarines

The capacity of a military submarine varies depending on its class and design. Generally, a typical military submarine can accommodate between 70 to 150 personnel, including officers, crew, and support staff. For example, a Virginia-class attack submarine can hold around 134 crew members, while larger submarines like the Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines can accommodate about 155 crew members. In addition to crew, these submarines may also have space for mission-specific personnel or equipment.

The convoys significantly enhanced the safety of American soldiers by providing increased protection against submarine attacks during World War II. By traveling in groups, ships could defend themselves more effectively against U-boat threats, using coordinated tactics and mutual support. This strategy reduced the likelihood of individual vessels being sunk and improved the overall supply chain to troops, ensuring they received necessary resources more reliably. Consequently, the convoy system contributed to maintaining morale and operational effectiveness among American forces.

Submarine loading refers to the process of loading cargo or materials onto a submarine, typically for military or research purposes. This can involve specialized equipment and techniques due to the confined space and unique operational requirements of submarines. The process must be carefully managed to ensure the safety and efficiency of the submarine's operations. It is essential for missions that require stealth and underwater capabilities.

The movement of a submarine is referred to as "submarine maneuvering." Submarines can move in various ways, including diving, surfacing, and navigating horizontally underwater. Their movement is controlled by adjusting buoyancy, using ballast tanks, and manipulating rudders and propellers for direction and speed. This allows submarines to operate stealthily and effectively in various marine environments.

The concept of a human-powered submarine was pioneered by engineer and inventor Howard Hughes, who designed the first successful human-powered submersible, named the "Mysterious Submarine," in the 1960s. However, it was the team led by Graham Hawkes in the 1980s that further advanced the design, creating the "Manta" and other models capable of sustained underwater travel powered by human effort. Various enthusiasts and researchers have since contributed to the development of human-powered submarines, leading to innovative designs and competitions.

The USS Mentor was a Civil War-era submarine, designed as a prototype for underwater warfare. Built in 1863 by the inventor and engineer Samuel A. P. L. H. M. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A. L. C. D. M. D. A

During the 1980s, approximately 200 Soviet submarines were decommissioned. This period saw a significant reduction in the Soviet Navy's submarine fleet due to various factors, including aging vessels, changes in military strategy, and economic constraints. The decommissioning process was part of a broader trend of military restructuring leading up to the end of the Cold War.

Yes, a submarine can experience an explosion in water, typically due to internal failures, accidents, or external attacks. Such explosions can result from issues like a catastrophic failure of the pressure hull, a fire, or a torpedo strike. However, submarines are designed with multiple safety features to minimize the risk of such incidents. When an explosion occurs, it can lead to significant damage and loss of life, depending on the severity and circumstances.

When entering ballast or fuel oil tanks, it is crucial to ensure proper ventilation to prevent the accumulation of hazardous gases. Workers should use personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves, goggles, and respiratory protection, as needed. Additionally, a permit-to-work system should be in place, and a buddy system is recommended to ensure safety during the entry. Always conduct a thorough inspection of the tank for any potential hazards before entry.

The 2k criterion in submarine power cables refers to a standard used to assess the thermal performance of the cables during operation. It indicates that the maximum temperature rise of the cable should not exceed 2 Kelvin above the ambient temperature to ensure safe and efficient operation. This criterion helps prevent overheating, which can lead to insulation degradation and reduced lifespan of the cable. Adhering to the 2k criterion is crucial for maintaining the reliability and safety of submarine power transmission systems.

Playing submarine typically refers to a game or activity where participants hide and attempt to avoid detection, similar to how a submarine operates stealthily underwater. In some contexts, it can also describe a competitive game where players must remain quiet and low-profile, often in tag or hide-and-seek variations. The term can also be used colloquially in sports to denote a player who plays defensively or avoids drawing attention.

If a submarine lacked fins, it would struggle with stability and maneuverability underwater. Fins, such as the stern and control surfaces, are crucial for controlling pitch, yaw, and roll, allowing the submarine to navigate effectively. Without them, the submarine would be more susceptible to unwanted movements and could find it difficult to maintain a steady course or ascend and descend properly. Overall, the absence of fins would significantly impair its operational capabilities.

The submarine has significantly impacted society by transforming naval warfare and enhancing maritime exploration. Its ability to operate stealthily underwater has shifted military strategies and defense tactics, leading to the development of advanced naval technologies. Additionally, submarines have facilitated scientific research, enabling studies of underwater ecosystems and geological formations. This dual role in defense and exploration has broadened our understanding of the oceans and their importance to global ecosystems and economies.

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.

Before submarines, people relied on surface ships for underwater exploration and military purposes. Early diving bells and primitive submersibles, like the one designed by David Bushnell in the 18th century, were among the first attempts to explore underwater. Additionally, divers used equipment such as weighted suits and air supply systems to reach and operate underwater, but these methods were limited in depth and duration.

In 1914, the Royal Navy had a total of 66 submarines. This fleet included both older designs and more modern vessels, reflecting the growing importance of submarines in naval warfare. The British submarine force was still in its early stages of development at this time, as World War I had just begun.

William Bourne built the submarine in the late 16th century primarily as a means to enhance naval warfare capabilities. His design aimed to create a vessel that could operate underwater, allowing for stealthy attacks on enemy ships. Bourne's innovation reflected the growing interest in military technology during his time, as well as a desire to protect England from potential naval threats. Ultimately, his work laid the groundwork for future advancements in submarine design.

The German policy of unrestricted submarine warfare, initiated in early 1917, aimed to cut off supplies to Allied nations by targeting merchant and military vessels without warning. This aggressive naval strategy significantly escalated tensions, particularly with neutral countries like the United States, which ultimately led to its entry into World War I. As a result, naval engagements became increasingly central to the conflict, highlighting the strategic importance of maritime control in modern warfare. The shift emphasized the vulnerability of supply lines and the critical role of naval power in determining the war's outcome.

Every submarine is equipped with a periscope, which allows the crew to observe the surface while remaining submerged. The periscope typically features a series of mirrors and lenses that provide a view above the waterline. Modern submarines may also use advanced imaging systems, including cameras and sensors, to enhance situational awareness. This capability is crucial for navigation, targeting, and avoiding detection by enemy forces.

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.

Small research submarines are commonly referred to as submersibles. These vehicles are designed for underwater exploration and can be used for scientific research, marine biology, and deep-sea exploration. Submersibles typically operate at various depths and are equipped with specialized instruments for data collection and observation. Examples include the Deepsea Challenger and the Alvin submersible.

The crew size of a submarine can vary significantly depending on the type and class of the vessel. Typically, a military submarine may have a crew ranging from about 30 to over 150 personnel. For instance, smaller submarines like the U.S. Navy's Los Angeles-class may operate with around 120 crew members, while larger ones like the Ohio-class can accommodate around 150 to 180. Additionally, research submarines may have fewer crew members, reflecting their specific operational needs.

The volume of the hull of a Kilo-class submarine is approximately 1,300 to 1,500 cubic meters. This volume can vary slightly depending on the specific variant of the Kilo-class submarine. The Kilo-class is designed for anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare, and its hull shape is optimized for underwater operations.

The number of men on a submarine varies depending on the type and class of the vessel. Generally, a U.S. Navy submarine can have a crew size ranging from about 70 to over 150 personnel. For example, a typical fast attack submarine like the Virginia-class usually has around 130 crew members, while a ballistic missile submarine like the Ohio-class can carry approximately 150 crew members.

As of now, the African countries known to possess submarines include Egypt, which operates a fleet of submarines, and Algeria, which has a number of Russian-made submarines. South Africa also has submarines, specifically the Type 209 class. These nations have developed submarine capabilities primarily for strategic defense and regional security purposes.