Crawling Down A Torpedo Tube -US NAVY Nuclear Submarine - Smarter Every Day 241

TL;DR

Join Destin on a deep dive into nuclear submarines as he explores the inner workings of torpedoes and how they are loaded, fired, and maintained.

Transcript

Hey, it's me, Destin. Welcome back to Smarter Every Day. We're right in the middle of a deep dive here on Smarter Every Day into nuclear submarines. We're investigating all these different things about how nuclear submarines work, and we're trying to learn very detailed information about each individual thing. Today we're going to talk about torpe... Read More

Key Insights

• 🥶 Torpedoes, although considered old technology, continue to play a crucial role in modern submarines.
• ❓ Loading and firing torpedoes involve complex processes that require careful coordination and attention to detail.
• 🚀 Submarines must carefully balance their buoyancy and pressure to ensure successful torpedo launches.

Questions & Answers

Q: How are torpedoes loaded into a submarine?

Torpedoes are loaded into torpedo tubes using hydraulics or snatch blocks, which allow them to be safely placed and secured in the tube.

Q: How are torpedoes launched from a submarine?

To launch a torpedo, the entire system must be carefully prepared, including flooding the tube, equalizing pressure, and opening the muzzle door and slide valve to release the torpedo using pressurized water.

Q: How do submarines maintain balance after firing a torpedo?

After firing a torpedo, submarines use a carefully choreographed process to remove water from the tube without changing the overall mass of the boat, ensuring that balance is maintained.

Q: What is the purpose of the locking lugs on the torpedo?

Locking lugs on the torpedo tube help secure the torpedo in place and prevent it from sliding forward or backward when the breach door is open.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Torpedoes, although old technology, continue to be fascinating and constantly evolving weapons used in submarines.

• The Mark 48 torpedo is a commonly used torpedo that is loaded into torpedo tubes on submarines.

• Firing a torpedo involves a complex process, including flooding the tube, equalizing pressure, and releasing the torpedo using pressurized water.