Technology and Operations
This forum is for discussing technological & operational matters pertaining to U-boats.
RE: Achilles heel outside of pressure hull?
Posted by:
J.T. McDaniel
()
Date: April 18, 2001 12:26PM
It may have been considered, but the impracticalities would have almost instantly ruled it out. Being able to dive to, say, 500 metres, would obviously have been useful, and could have been accomplished even in a relatively thin pressure hull by increasing internal pressure during the dive.
The problems, though, would include the need to gradually increase the pressure over a relatively long period, making for a very slow diving time, and having to wait just below the surface for up to several hours for the crew to decompress before being able to surface and open the hatch.
The solution to deeper dives has always been the same, and is the same one used today. You need a thicker hull and stronger steel. This also means, generally, a larger boat to compensate for the additional weight.
J.T. McDaniel
The problems, though, would include the need to gradually increase the pressure over a relatively long period, making for a very slow diving time, and having to wait just below the surface for up to several hours for the crew to decompress before being able to surface and open the hatch.
The solution to deeper dives has always been the same, and is the same one used today. You need a thicker hull and stronger steel. This also means, generally, a larger boat to compensate for the additional weight.
J.T. McDaniel