Submarine

A submarine (often shortened to sub) is a watercraft that can travel underwater on its own. It is different from a submersible, which can only stay underwater for a short time. Submarines have been used by many navies and have been important, especially during World War I.

Submarines have many uses. In the military, they can help protect ships, gather information, and support land operations. In everyday life, they help with marine science, salvage, exploration, and even tourism. Some submarines are very small, while others, like the Russian Typhoon class, are very large and can stay underwater for many months.

Most submarines have a round body with special ends and a tall part in the middle that holds important tools like periscopes. They move underwater using a propeller or pump jet at the back and can change how deep they go by filling special tanks called ballast tanks with water. These amazing vehicles let us explore and work in the deep ocean, far beyond where people can swim.

History

Main article: History of submarines

The word submarine means 'underwater' or 'under-sea'. It refers to a vessel that can travel underwater. Submarines are usually called boats rather than ships, no matter their size.

In the 1600s and 1700s, people started designing and building early submarines. These were small and powered by people, and could dive and come up to the surface. One early example was a submarine built in 1620 by Cornelis Drebbel, which used oars to move.

By the mid-1700s, inventors began using special tanks to control how deep a submarine could go. In the 1800s, more advanced submarines were made, like the Turtle in 1775, which was the first to use screws to move, and Nautilus in 1800, which was powered by people. During the American Civil War, the H. L. Hunley became the first military submarine to sink an enemy ship.

In the 1900s, submarines started using engines and electricity, making them faster and able to stay underwater longer. They were used in both World War I and World War II, where they had important roles in naval battles. Submarines keep getting better with new technologies, such as nuclear power, which lets them stay far from any port for a long time.

Usage

Military

During World War II, submarines were used to attack ships. They could do this with guns or by using torpedoes. Submarines helped stop enemy ships and supplies. They were also used for special jobs, like helping spies or rescuing pilots.

After World War II, new technology let submarines find each other better. They could also launch missiles to faraway places. Today, submarines are made to stay hidden underwater, making them hard to find.

Civilian

Some submarines are used for peaceful work. They help with tourism, exploring the ocean, checking oil and gas platforms, and looking at pipelines. Tourist submarines let people see reefs and other underwater sights. Sadly, some submarines are also used for bad things, like moving illegal goods.

Polar operations

Submarines have worked in cold, icy waters for years. They have gone under ice in the Arctic and Antarctic, reaching the North Pole and mapping the ocean floor. These trips help scientists learn about the poles and test submarines in tough places.

Technology

Modern submarines are made to travel underwater with special tools for floating, steering, and moving. Submarines use special tanks to change their depth by adding or letting out water and air. They also have parts like diving planes to help them turn underwater.

Submarines have different shapes to make it easier to move and be quieter under the water. Some have one outer shell, while others have an outer shell for shape and a strong inner pressure hull to stay safe from deep water pressure. Ways to move change over time. Old submarines used people to pedal or compressed air, but newer ones use diesel-electric power, nuclear power, or better batteries. Sensors such as sonar help submarines find things, and navigation tools like GPS help them know where they are. Life support systems give oxygen and keep the air clean, so submarines can stay underwater for a long time.

Crew

A nuclear submarine usually has a crew of over 80 people. Conventional submarines have fewer than 40 crew members. Life on a submarine can be hard because crew members must work in tight spaces and for long periods without seeing family. Submarines stay quiet to stay hidden.

For many years, most navies did not allow women to serve on submarines. The Royal Norwegian Navy was the first to allow women on submarine crews in 1985. Other navies followed, like the Royal Danish Navy, Swedish Navy, and Royal Australian Navy. In 2011, the UK decided to allow women on submarines starting in 2013. The US Navy also began allowing women on submarines in 2010. Today, many navies allow women to serve on submarines. Pregnant women are usually not allowed for health reasons.