Are submarines faster on the surface or submerged?
Yes, as Larry has succinctly pointed out with a neat cross reference, the modern submarine travels faster underwater than on the surface. The use of a single mode of propulsion and a hull form optimised for underwater travel has brought this about.
Why can a submarine go faster underwater than on the surface?
Drag. The modern submarines are designed to operate fully submerged, so they have less drag when submerged than on the surface. The resistance from water is skin drag, and this skin drag does go up as the wetted surface increases when the sub submerges.
Do U boats travel faster when they are completely submerged or when they are surfaced?
While U-boats were faster on the surface than submerged, the opposite is generally true of modern submarines. The most common U-boat attack during the early years of the war was conducted on the surface and at night.
What happens when a submarine wants to surface?
When the submarine is on the surface, the ballast tanks are filled with air. This makes the submarine’s density less than the density of the water. When the submarine dives, water is pumped into the ballast tanks to replace the air.
What is the top speed of a submarine?
There are established reports and manufacturer’s claims that would indicate two (or perhaps more) submarines are capable of speeds exceeding 30 knots (56 km/h). In 1965, USS Albacore reported a speed of 33 knots (61 km/h), but this was not an official record.
How fast can a submarine travel on the surface?
This is why, even in 2014, most submarines and torpedoes can’t go much faster than 40 knots (~46 mph). Higher speeds are possible, but it requires so much power that it’s not really feasible (torpedoes only have so much fuel).
Is a submarine faster than a ship?
Nuclear power allows submarines to go faster than surface ships. (This may be true.) The fastest submarine is claimed to be the Soviet K-162, launched in 1969, with a top speed of 44.7 knots (82.8 km/hr). Nuclear powered aircraft carriers have disclosed top speeds around 33 knots.