History of Submarines
Submarines are the type of ship people use to travel and fight underwater. The history of submarines dates back to ancient times. Here is a brief history of the development of submarines:
Antiquity: Humans developed various tools and techniques to breathe underwater. Simple tools such as shallow underwater breathing tubes and underwater chambers were used in antiquity.
Renaissance Period: In the 16th century, one of the Italian inventors, Giovanni Borelli, designed a floating submarine to move underwater. However, this design was not realized.
and 18th Century: Studies on submarine technology gained momentum. In 1620, Cornelius Drebbel built the first submarine that could travel underwater. In 1775, American inventor David Bushnell developed the submarine called the Turtle. This submarine was used to attack British ships during the American Revolutionary War.
Century: Submarine technology has made great advances. In the early 1800s, Robert Fulton designed submarines powered by a powerful steam engine. In 1864, American inventors Horace Hunley and James McClintock built the first combat submarine called the Hunley. This submarine was used during the American Civil War.
Century: The Second World War was a period when submarine technology experienced great development. Submarines were frequently used to attack enemy ships. In 1945, the first nuclear submarine, the USS Nautilus, entered service. Nuclear power allowed submarines to stay underwater longer and increased their mobility.
Cold War Era: After the Second World War, submarines were used for reconnaissance, espionage, and nuclear deterrence. The nuclear submarine race between the USA and the Soviet Union intensified during this period. Both sides have developed submarine fleets carrying strategic nuclear missiles.
Century: Submarine technology has advanced rapidly in the 21st century. The performance and detection capabilities of submarines have been increased by using more advanced materials, sensors and communication systems. More effective weapon systems such as advanced torpedoes, cruise missiles and ballistic missiles are integrated into submarines.
Special Operations: Submarines are also frequently used for special operations. It has become common for special forces to use submarines to conduct underwater reconnaissance, intelligence gathering, and targeted attack operations.
Research and Exploration: Submarines have become an important tool for exploration and scientific research in the depths of the ocean. Submarines are actively used in many areas such as the study of deep-sea creatures under the ocean, mapping of the sea floor and exploration of natural resources.
Autonomous Submarines: In recent years, autonomous submarines have gained importance. Autonomous submarines, which can be programmed and fulfill their duties without the need for human intervention, are used in tasks such as sea exploration, submarine research and underwater mapping.
Submarine Tourism: Submarines are also used in the tourism sector. Tourists are offered underwater world exploration and engaging submarine experiences with submarine tours.
Submarine technology is constantly advancing and new discoveries are being made. In the future, more advanced, quieter, faster and longer submersible submarines are being developed.
Submarine Technology
Submarine technology is an advanced technology used for underwater travel, research, exploration and military operations. Here is a description explaining the key components and features of submarine technology:
Hull and Compressive Strength: Submarines’ hulls are usually made of strong and durable materials such as steel or titanium. Their bodies are designed to withstand the high pressure outside of the water. Also, the air pressure inside the hull is balanced for safe underwater travel.
Ballast System: Ballast systems are used to ensure the swimming and diving ability of submarines. Submarines have ballast tanks that can be filled with water or air to dive or surface underwater. Ballast tanks filled with water allow the submarine to sink, while ballast tanks filled with air allow the submarine to rise.
Propulsion Systems: Submarines have propulsion systems that enable them to move. In conventional submarines, internal combustion engines or electric motors generate forward and reverse thrust through propellers. In advanced submarines, different energy sources such as nuclear reactors, hydrogen fuel cells or lithium-ion batteries can be used.
Navigation and Communication Systems: Submarines have specialized navigation and communication systems to determine their position and communicate while traveling underwater. These systems may include magnetic compass, gyroscope, sonar, and satellite-based navigation systems. For communication, submarines use periscopes, special devices for radio, voice and data transmission.
Weapons and Defense Systems: Military submarines can carry different weapon systems. Weapons such as torpedoes, cruise missiles or ballistic missiles are tools that submarines can use for offensive or defensive purposes. Submarines are often equipped with advanced acoustic and radar systems to detect and avoid enemies.
Life Support Systems: Submarines have life support systems necessary for crews to survive underwater. These systems are designed to meet the needs of the crew such as oxygen supply, air conditioning, clean water supply and waste management. In addition, submarines are equipped with food storage and ration systems for long-term missions.
Sound Detection and Sonar Systems: Submarines use sonar (sound navigation and range finding) systems to detect objects and other submarines in their environment as they move underwater. These systems are based on the principle of propagation and reflection of sound waves underwater. Submarines use this technology to detect enemies, overcome obstacles and navigate through their advanced sonar systems.
Silence Technologies: Submarines have the ability to operate silently to make enemy detection difficult and protect their secrecy. Insulation and isolation techniques are used to minimize vibrations and noise in engine and propeller systems. In addition, acoustic isolation is provided by using special materials that absorb sound waves and prevent their spread.
Submarine technology is constantly evolving and advancing. Studies continue on submarines that are quieter, faster, more maneuverable and can stay underwater for longer periods of time. These developments offer new opportunities for military operations, scientific research, exploration and a better understanding of the underwater world.
Submarine Types
Submarines come in various types that are designed and used for different purposes. Here are some commonly known types of submarines:
Attack (Angriff) Submarines: This type of submarine is specially designed to attack enemy ships. They carry weapon systems such as torpedoes, cruise missiles or ballistic missiles and conduct offensive operations by targeting enemy ships. These submarines are often used for military purposes.
Nuclear Submarines: Nuclear powered submarines have the advantage of being submerged for long periods of time and reaching higher speeds. These submarines usually carry strategic nuclear missiles and are used for nuclear deterrence. They can also be used in reconnaissance and intelligence gathering operations.
Frigate Submarines: This type of submarines are submarines used by special forces to carry out operations under water. Their duties include performing special operations such as reconnaissance, intelligence gathering, sabotage, targeted attacks. Frigate submarines often focus on features such as silence, maneuverability and stealth.
Research and Scientific Submarines: These types of submarines are used for scientific research such as ocean exploration, mapping of the seafloor, submarine volcanoes and deep-sea ecosystems. These submarines are equipped with special equipment such as submarine research instruments, sample collection systems and underwater cameras.
Touristic Submarines: Touristic submarines are submarines that are used to provide tourists with an unforgettable underwater experience. These submarines often have glass cabins and allow passengers to observe natural attractions such as underwater coral reefs, sea creatures and sunken ships.
These are just some examples, and as submarine technology is constantly evolving, new and different types of submarines may emerge. It can vary depending on the intended use of submarines and the requirements.
Famous Submarines
USS Nautilus (SSN-571): The USS Nautilus, owned by the US Navy, is the world’s first nuclear submarine, launched in 1954. This submarine made history by being the first nuclear powered submarine and traveling under the North Pole for the first time under water in 1958.
K-19: K-19, belonging to the Soviet Navy, suffered a nuclear accident in 1961 known as the K-19 disaster. K-19 suffered a nuclear leak as a result of a failure in the reactor compartment, posing a great danger to the crew. This event marked a turning point with significant implications for submarine safety and nuclear submarine technology.
HMS Dreadnought: HMS Dreadnought, belonging to the British Royal Navy, is a war submarine launched in 1906. Unlike other submarines of that period, this submarine was designed as a fully nuclear powered submarine. HMS Dreadnought is considered a landmark in the design of modern combat submarines.
U-boat Type VII: II. Manufactured by Nazi Germany during World War II, the U-boat Typ VII is the main class of submarine of the German Navy. These submarines participated in strategic battles known as Convoy Wars in the Atlantic Ocean and inflicted great damage on allied convoys. U-boat Type VII, II. It is considered one of the most effective submarines of World War II.
These are just some notable examples of submarines, and there are many more famous and influential submarines in history. Each has played an important role in the development and history of submarine technology.
Submarine Education and Life
Submarine training and life includes the processes and conditions necessary for submarine personnel to work professionally on the submarine. Here is a general description of submarine training and life:
Submarine Training: Submarine personnel go through an extensive training process before participating in submarine operations. This training includes theoretical lectures, simulations and practical applications. Submarine training enables crews to learn submarine systems, submarine operations, submarine safety and emergency procedures, communications and navigation techniques, and weapons systems.
Submarine School: Naval forces of many countries have private submarine schools to provide training for submarine personnel. These schools enable submarine personnel to acquire the skills required by submarine operations and adapt to the rigors of submarine life.
Submarine Adaptation Process: A newcomer to the submarine is accustomed to submarine life, often through a process called the “green christmas tree”. In the process, newcomers learn about the daily routines, working order, safety procedures and living conditions on the submarine. In addition, information is given about special conditions such as long-term missions, limited space, air quality and social interaction experienced in the submarine.
Living Conditions: Submarines have harsh living conditions such as limited space, high humidity, limited natural light and noisy working conditions. The crew sleep in narrow dormitories and share common areas such as work areas, dining hall and entertainment areas. Submarine personnel live and work in isolation from the other world during extended missions.
Duty Period: During the duty, the personnel must meet the operational requirements of the submarine and comply with the watch order. Working hours and rest periods on the submarine are strictly regulated. The shifts are usually divided into four-hour periods, with staff taking turns taking turns. This arrangement ensures that the submarine operates continuously.
Psychological Effects: Personnel on long-term missions to the submarine may be subject to psychological effects due to factors such as limited space, prolonged isolation, routine and elaborate procedures. Therefore, submarine crews provide resources for psychological support and social interaction and try to keep crew morale and motivation high.
Emergencies and Drills: Submarine personnel regularly conduct exercises to improve their ability to deal with emergencies. These drills simulate emergency scenarios such as fire, flood, gas leak. Personnel frequently review and update their ability to use emergency procedures and rescue equipment.
Submarine Culture: Submarine life develops a distinctive culture and spirit of solidarity. As part of a team, submarine personnel trust each other, work in solidarity, and tackle challenges together. Those who work on submarines often carry a “submarine” identity and pride.
Submarine training and life is an important part of the life of a submarine crew, which requires discipline, endurance and professionalism. Working in this challenging environment requires special skills, expertise and dedication. However, submarine crews play an important role in the advancement of submarine technology and submarine warfare, taking on important tasks in terms of security, stealth and military strategy.
Environmentally Friendly Technologies in Submarines
The use of environmentally friendly technologies in submarines aims to reduce the environmental impact of submarine operations and protect marine ecosystems. Here are some examples of eco-friendly technologies in submarines:
Hybrid or Electric Propulsion Systems: Hybrid or electric propulsion systems can be used instead of diesel engines used in conventional submarines. These systems reduce dependence on fossil fuels and operate with less carbon emissions. Electric propulsion systems increase the privacy of submarines with their silence feature, while minimizing environmental impacts.
Fuel Cells: Fuel cells generate electricity using hydrogen or other renewable fuels. Only water vapor is released during the combustion of these fuels, thus reducing carbon emissions to almost zero. Fuel cells can be considered as an environmentally friendly option for powering submarines.
Energy Efficiency and Use of Renewable Energy: Measures can be taken to increase energy efficiency in submarines. Well insulated materials can reduce energy consumption and use more efficient heating, cooling and lighting systems. In addition, the potential to benefit from renewable energy sources such as solar or wave energy can also be evaluated.
Waste Management and Water Treatment Systems: It is important to provide water and food for the needs of the personnel living in the submarine. Water-saving systems and recycling technologies can be used. In addition, the correct treatment of wastewater and waste is ensured by using advanced treatment systems for waste management.
Sound Insulation: Quiet operation is important on submarines because silence increases the submarine’s stealth and operational efficiency. By using advanced materials and technologies for sound insulation, the noise and vibrations emitted by submarines can be minimized.
These eco-friendly technologies are considered important steps to reduce the environmental impact of submarine operations and protect marine ecosystems.
