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What are Some Different Types of Submarines?

Michael Anissimov
Michael Anissimov
Michael Anissimov
Michael Anissimov

A submarine is a diving vehicle with a better range than a submersible, and is defined as being relatively autonomous and independent. Crude submarines have been constructed for centuries, but submarine design didn't really take off until the 19th century. Some of the earliest modern submarines were used for war, still by far their primary mode of usage, but in the last 60 years many research submarines have been constructed for scientific and archaeological purposes, broadening the role of these fascinating machines. A submarine has even been used to descend into the Mariana Trench, the deepest point in the ocean, which is about seven miles below the surface.

Three main types of submarines are pleasure submarines, scientific submarines, and military submarines. Pleasure submarines are usually quite small and expensive, used by the wealthy to admire undersea life. These aren't that popular, as snorkeling or SCUBA gear generally fulfill the same function with a fraction of the cost. Scientific submarines are used to investigate the floor of oceans or lakes and bring back biological samples or artifacts. Military submarines are used for naval wars, recon, and to hold nuclear missiles, making up a crucial node of the nuclear triad along with ballistic missiles and heavy bombers.

The diesel submarines that were constructed up until the late 1950s usually did not have teardrop shaped hulls because they spent most of their time on the surface.
The diesel submarines that were constructed up until the late 1950s usually did not have teardrop shaped hulls because they spent most of their time on the surface.

One of the most famous scientific submarines is DSV Alvin, a 16-ton deep ocean research submersible that was the first maneuverable deep ocean research vessel. The vessel was made possible by the development of syntactic foam, a composite material that consists of tiny hollow microspheres embedded in a larger structure. The microspheres decrease its density while maintaining strength, allowing for deeper dives. The DSV Alvin is one of the few craft in existence that can travel more than about half a mile under the surface of the ocean. Most other craft, including military submarines, would be entirely crushed at a depth of no more than half a mile.

The Russian/Soviet Typhoon class submarines are designed to carry ballistic missiles.
The Russian/Soviet Typhoon class submarines are designed to carry ballistic missiles.

The best known, largest, and most expensive submarines are all used by the militaries of the world, especially the US, UK, and Russian military. One example would be the American Seawolf class submarine, which has a displacement of 8,000 tons, length of 353 ft (107 m), width of 40 ft (12 m), complement of 140, and, due to its nuclear power plant, a range limited only by the food supplies and sanity of the crew. These submarines can go anywhere on Earth where the World Ocean stretches, including the water beneath the floating ice of the North Pole.

Michael Anissimov
Michael Anissimov

Michael is a longtime AllTheScience contributor who specializes in topics relating to paleontology, physics, biology, astronomy, chemistry, and futurism. In addition to being an avid blogger, Michael is particularly passionate about stem cell research, regenerative medicine, and life extension therapies. He has also worked for the Methuselah Foundation, the Singularity Institute for Artificial Intelligence, and the Lifeboat Foundation.

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Michael Anissimov
Michael Anissimov

Michael is a longtime AllTheScience contributor who specializes in topics relating to paleontology, physics, biology, astronomy, chemistry, and futurism. In addition to being an avid blogger, Michael is particularly passionate about stem cell research, regenerative medicine, and life extension therapies. He has also worked for the Methuselah Foundation, the Singularity Institute for Artificial Intelligence, and the Lifeboat Foundation.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

cougars

@ Glasshouse- Do you know how US submarines match up to Russian Submarines? Is the United States developing new attack or ballistic missile submarines? I looked at the specs on the Ohio class submarine, and it seems like the Russian Borei Class submarines that you mentioned below could outmatch them.

Glasshouse

@ Amphbious54- The newest Russian Submarine is the "Borei Class" Project 955 Submarine. The first of this class is supposed to launch early next year. It is slightly shorter than the Typhoon, but much narrower. The submarine is about thirty percent narrower than the Typhoon. Unlike the dual reactor, dual shaft Typhoon, the Borei will be powered by a single reactor and single shaft pump jet propulsion system. This more streamlined look makes the Borei much faster than the Typhoon, more agile than the Typhoon, and able to dive to deeper depths.

The Borei loses diameter in a couple of its torpedo tubes as well as surface to air missile capabilities. The Borei is also equipped with four fewer Surface Launched Ballistic Missiles (SLBM) than the Typhoon. It should be noted however, that the SLBMs developed for the Borei Class Submarines can carry ten 150 Kiloton warheads that are each individually maneuverable, and individually guided. The Russian Government had the missiles developed from scratch to be the cornerstone of the Russian missile platform.

Amphibious54

What are the newest soviet submarines? I saw an article about a new class of American Submarines being commissioned and built, so I can only assume that the Russians are following suit. Are next generation submarines going to be as big as the Akula Typhoon class submarines or are submarines moving towards smaller submarines that do not stay down as long as a Typhoon?

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    • The diesel submarines that were constructed up until the late 1950s usually did not have teardrop shaped hulls because they spent most of their time on the surface.
      By: James Steidl
      The diesel submarines that were constructed up until the late 1950s usually did not have teardrop shaped hulls because they spent most of their time on the surface.
    • The Russian/Soviet Typhoon class submarines are designed to carry ballistic missiles.
      By: iruhsa
      The Russian/Soviet Typhoon class submarines are designed to carry ballistic missiles.
    • The Dutch Walrus-class submarine uses diesel-electric propulsion.
      By: VanderWolf Images
      The Dutch Walrus-class submarine uses diesel-electric propulsion.
    • The U.S. Navy uses several nuclear-powered submarines, such as the Ohio class submarine.
      The U.S. Navy uses several nuclear-powered submarines, such as the Ohio class submarine.
    • Many submarines used by the Navy are designed to fire ballistic missiles.
      Many submarines used by the Navy are designed to fire ballistic missiles.
    • The Astute class, which carries ballistic missiles, forms the backbone of the UK's nuclear deterrent.
      The Astute class, which carries ballistic missiles, forms the backbone of the UK's nuclear deterrent.