Top 10 Submarines of all time!!

[kiwi_2005]

Watched this documentary on Discovery channel last night on the Top 10 subs of the world according to them.

So what you experts here think on the list would you agree with it or add one of your own choices. They stated the reasons how the Subs are ranked:

*Innovation
*Combat Performace
*Stealth
*Fear Factor
*Service Lenth.

I wasn't going to type all that out so the list will have to do.

For some reason i just knew the No.1 sub would be a ww2 Uboat. I was slightly wrong though i was guessing the VIIC.


10. Georege Washington Class Nuclear Ballistic Misile Submarine -USA
9. Type 31 Uboat -Germany (WWI)
8. Typoon Class - Nuclear Strategic Missile Submarine - Russia
7. Sentoku Class - Aircraft carrying Submarine - Japan WW2
6. X-Craft - Midget Submarine. - United Kingdom
5. USS Nautilus - Nuclear powered submarine - USA
4. T Class - Attack Submarine - United Kingdom
3. Gato Class - Attack Submarine - USA
2. Seawolf Class - Nuclear Attack Submarine - USA
1. Type 7 VII U-Boat - Medium range attack submarine - Germany

[Penelope_Grey]

Shouldn't the russian sub the Lelinski Konsomol codenamed K3 make that list, it was after all the first nuclear sub to feature the tear drop hull. The Los Angeles class should have made the top 10 too.

Tell you what you learn some amazing stuff being into Subsims and being part of the Grey Wolves.

[kiwi_2005]

Shouldn't the russian sub the Lelinski Konsomol codenamed K3 make that list, it was after all the first nuclear sub to feature the tear drop hull. The Los Angeles class should have made the top 10 too.

Tell you what you learn some amazing stuff being into Subsims and being part of the Grey Wolves.
You know more than me about subs! :o :oops: :)

I dont know, from the program the Russian Typoon Class Nuclear Strategic Missile Submarine was voted over other RUS subs for reasons i'll put in short from memory. It was built to survive a nuclear war when the dust settles the typoon and its crew will be the survivors of the planet. (thats if a US attack submarine doesn't get it first) Its main task is to sleep under the ice until the time comes to strike where it will break through the ice and let of its nukes at targets. The typoon is the decision maker:hmm:

[Letum]

......"fear factor"? :shifty:

[CCIP]

Interesting choices, but ultimately I think the criteria are skirted here a bit and (as it often seems to be with these kinds of popular history docs) really the main thing here seems to be notoriety. Mind you, there's certainly reasons for the notoriety, but some subs are definitely absent because of their relative obscurity. What about Type IX U-boats, which held some of the top results and also made the longest war patrols? What about the Type XXI, the first "true submarine" and the progenitor of modern designs (I was most surprised to not see the XXI mentioned)? What about the already-mentioned K-3? What about the new-generation AIP subs like the 212?

Also kind of too bad to not see any of the pioneer subs there. Subs were interesting before WWI, too...

Ah well. On the bright side all the subs in there are certainly good candidates either way :)

[Torplexed]

What? No Seaview on this list? :p Cue the theme music...Lala...la-la-lala-lah.

http://www.hobbyandtoycentral.com/photos/509906.jpg

[FIREWALL]

The Beatles Yellow Submarine - No Class :D

[lesrae]

4. T Class - Attack Submarine - United Kingdom
I presume that's the current T Class not the WWII ones?

[Takeda Shingen]

The Los Angeles class should have made the top 10 too.


I agree. They place the Sentoku on the list for the sake of novelty, but leave out the 688s, which have continued to serve with stealth, versatility and reliability for more than 30 years. Also, yes, the Typhoons were nifty, but they were just too expensive to operate regularly.

With the Typhoon, Sentoku and Seawolf (assuming it is the SSN 21), it appears that the list designers were giving innovation a higher priority than just about any other consideration, which leaves me to wonder where the Alfa is? Those little buggers were the Porsches of combat submarines. Sure, almost all of them melted down (some at the dock), but being a white elephant seems to matter little on this list.

Finally, the Type 31? Seriously? Come on, how can you include that when you have no Victor, Akula, Type IXB (the most successful wartime submarine variant of all time), Ohio, Oberon, Whiskey (they served forever) and Guppy?

[geetrue]

I would make the top ten submarine sailors of all time, but I can't even find the remote control around here most of the time ... :lol:

They left my old boat off USS Salmon SS-573 350' long ... SSR to SS in the late fifties.
We were the end of the diesel boats.
I think they made one or two tear drop designs after her, but we were the best.

http://www.theworldwideweather.com/salmonyards.jpg

Seven battle efficency "E"'s ... Admiral Nitmiz himself presented us with the fifth Gold "E" at Mare Island Naval shipyard in 1964.

They probably didn't know how good we really were without going on patrol with some of the best and crazyest men I have ever met.

[Syxx_Killer]

4. T Class - Attack Submarine - United Kingdom I presume that's the current T Class not the WWII ones?

I just watched this show about a week ago. They are talking about the WWII sub. I was hoping the Los Angeles class would have been on there rather than the Seawolf when I watched it.

[Onkel Neal]

Saw this tonight, not impressed :x First, the narrator's style was really annoying, like he was naming the top ten pop song countdown. And the ranking was really bogus--it was not a top ten "best" or "deadliest" submarines, simply a ten count of a variety of subs. Who would compare a Type VII or a mdget sub to a Seawolf? I mean, 75% the Type VIIs were lost in combat, what does that say about it's performance?


And some of the facts were wrong, too. For one, the Gato did not have 10 bow tubes :o , it had 6 bow and 4 stern. Oh well, I guess it serves to educate the non-sub enthusiast to a degree.

Slideshow (http://military.discovery.com/convergence/topten/subs/slideshow/slideshow.html)

,

[Sea Demon]

I was glad to see Nautilus on there. But I was also hoping to see USS Halibut on there for all her exploits as well. Halibut did some truly remarkable stuff.

[Hakahura]

What about HMS Conqueror, UK, Churchill Class?

Her record speaks for itself.

Rule Britannia.

[Fish]

Watched this documentary on Discovery channel last night on the Top 10 subs of the world according to them.

So what you experts here think on the list would you agree with it or add one of your own choices. They stated the reasons how the Subs are ranked:

*Innovation
*Combat Performace
*Stealth
*Fear Factor
*Service Lenth.

I wasn't going to type all that out so the list will have to do.

For some reason i just knew the No.1 sub would be a ww2 Uboat. I was slightly wrong though i was guessing the VIIC.


10. Georege Washington Class Nuclear Ballistic Misile Submarine -USA
9. Type 31 Uboat -Germany (WWI)
8. Typoon Class - Nuclear Strategic Missile Submarine - Russia
7. Sentoku Class - Aircraft carrying Submarine - Japan WW2
6. X-Craft - Midget Submarine. - United Kingdom
5. USS Nautilus - Nuclear powered submarine - USA
4. T Class - Attack Submarine - United Kingdom
3. Gato Class - Attack Submarine - USA
2. Seawolf Class - Nuclear Attack Submarine - USA
1. Type 7 VII U-Boat - Medium range attack submarine - Germany

For innovation, they forgot the O16

First boat in the world equipped with a snorkel system.

http://www.dutchsubmarines.com/classes/class_o16.htm

[Stanny]

I am very glad that my favourite SSN-21 Seawolf is on the 2nd position.I just love that submarine. :D

[d@rk51d3]

. Who would compare a Type VII or a mdget sub to a Seawolf? I mean, 75% the Type VIIs were lost in combat, what does that say about it's performance?

Well, the type VII did serve during WW2, that would account for the losses.:D

When compared to the only (1) "Seawolf" that served at the time with 100% lost in combat.:hmm:

Must admit though, that I haven't studied the post war "Seawolf" type yet.

[Stanny]

Must admit though, that I haven't studied to post war "Seawolf" type yet.

SSN Seawolf Class submarine has reached or even surpassed the limits of submarine stealth levels.It is 70 precent more stealthy then 688 Los Angeles class submarine at all speed ranges,being absolutely silent and virtually undetectible at 20-25 knot speeds.As you know 688i Improved Los Angeles class is still far more quiet than any other,for example,russian SSN.Seawolf surely beats 688i in comparison of stealth and is undoubtedly a leader.

There are very quiet modern diesel submarines,for example german Type 212,and russian Lada Class,but they will all loose to nuclear powered Seawolf in such aspects:

1.Their absolute silence is achieved only at low engine revolutions,thus resulting in slow silent running speeds.
2.They are smaller and carry much less weapons in their stores.
3.The are not as autonomous.
4.They are designed primarily for operations in shallow waters.

[d@rk51d3]

Must admit though, that I haven't studied to post war "Seawolf" type yet.

SSN Seawolf Class submarine has reached or even surpassed the limits of submarine stealth levels.It is 70 precent more stealthy then 688 Los Angeles class submarine at all speed ranges,being absolutely silent and virtually undetectible at 20-25 knot speeds.As you know 688i Improved Los Angeles class is still far more quiet than any other,for example,russian SSN.Seawolf surely beats 688i in comparison of stealth and is undoubtedly a leader.

There are very quiet modern diesel submarines,for example german Type 212,and russian Lada Class,but they will all loose to nuclear powered Seawolf in such aspects:

1.Their absolute silence is achieved only at low engine revolutions,thus resulting in slow silent running speeds.
2.They are smaller and carry much less weapons in their stores.
3.The are not as autonomous.
4.They are designed primarily for operations in shallow waters.

Cheers M8.:up:

[Puster Bill]

So why wasn't the Hunley included? It was certainly innovative, had at least one combat success, was very stealthy, and certainly had a large 'fear factor' for both it's opponents *AND* it's crew.

The only criteria that it fails is length of service, although it did outlast 2 of it's 3 crews ;)

[Kapitan]

Well heres my list:

Top 10 submarines of all time:

10: Project 971 akula
9: Los angles 688 / 688i
8: British submarine conquorer
7: British oberon class
6: russian oscar class
5: russian Typhoon class
4: British Astute class
3: US Seawolf class
2: Japanese I400/1
1: german type 212 / 214

[AVGWarhawk]

I vote the Red October:up:


Ok, well, all classes have their strong points and their weak points. I agree with Neals assessment.

Note of interest. They included 'fear factor' in the criteria. Type VII did strike fear in the hearts of merchantmen. Probably more than any other submarine. I certainly would have been scanning the horizon from port to port during the war.

[Jimbuna]

Anyone mentioned Stingray yet ? http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/5158/winkbigid2.gif

I've noticed the very early pioneering designs aren't too popular http://img255.imageshack.us/img255/621/thinkbigsw1.gif

[XXi]

For me, this sort of top 10 list does not make much sense actually as the timeframe is too wide and there`s hardly any way to compare these subs except the very fact they`re subs.
I mean, on one hand we have vessels that have been tested in various combat situations. On the other hand, there are some cold war projectswith some data and information available and there are brand new, highly advanced projcets but we don`t know everything about their capabilities.


However,if I was to make a list....


1. Holland submarine.
2. XXI, for revolutionary design and deep impact on postwar projects
3. 212 - some doubt here, I admit, but it looks there`s something new on the horizn with this sub.
4. IXB - for the best kills/losses ratio, even though their design wasn`t that good as prooved later in the war
5. Komsomolec - new design and new attempt in hunter subs, lost in a really stupid way, nevertheless it was a VERY interesting sub, without the drawbacks of the Alpha class.
6. 688/Los Angeles. A good example of a good design, not a revolutionary but certainly good enough to make for its time.
7. Gato/Balao/Tench. Not the best sub of the war IMHO, yet still a very good design, that suited perfectly the Pacific. Well designed and well operated.
8. VIIC - rather for the fear factor, the fact it was most widely produced sub with good design for its original tasks. Not that high as IXB for example because of losses and drawback clear later in the war.
9. Typhoon - very interesting project, a really huge boat but not good enough to be higher in the list.
10. U 31 Type from WWI, for extremely high kills. Boats of aces.

There are clearly some boats I ommitted. Just to name the few with reasons:

I 400 - OK, it was an interesting design and a really big huge boat. On the other hand though, I always considered it an exaggeration, time and materials devouring project with very limited usage. I just cannot imagine this boat attacking an enemy more directly and surviving it. Way too big and stubborn for that.
Akula - OK, it`s a good project, I admit. But then, I`d have to drop some other, not less interesting ones. Perhaps it`s wrong, I`m not 100% sure about this one.
O 16 - actually, this boat desevres its place for beeing very innovative. However there weren`t many of them and their impact on later design was not so immediate. let`s say they`ve added to the score of XXI.
Astute - don`t know what to say about this one so far, except the fact it would be among most expensive and long to be completed subs. If we start running such top, then Astute would surely rank high.
Oscar - interesting, but apparently not that hard to detect and somehow hard to judge from the service (IMHO, but I`m not a real expert to say the least).
K3 - not sure if this one shouldn`t be at the list. Certainly, this boat should be mentioned.

Cheers,

[Sea Demon]

Well heres my list:

Top 10 submarines of all time:

10: Project 971 akula
9: Los angles 688 / 688i
8: British submarine conquorer
7: British oberon class
6: russian oscar class
5: russian Typhoon class
4: British Astute class
3: US Seawolf class
2: Japanese I400/1
1: german type 212 / 214

I'm surprised the Alfa didn't make your list. That was one hot submarine that definitely deserves an honorable mention.

[nikimcbee]

What? No Seaview on this list? :p Cue the theme music...Lala...la-la-lala-lah.

http://www.hobbyandtoycentral.com/photos/509906.jpg
Wait, in't that the "La Quinta" hotel music?:rotfl:

[Pingjockey]

What no mention of the Virginia class????

[Stanny]

What no mention of the Virginia class????

Do we have anything revolutionary in the Virginia Class?There are only ideas of Seawolf implemented in the style of i688 Los Angeles.It is just some kind of Seawolf's adaptation in order to face the modern threats,that were not the primary task in times when Seawolf was developed.

I'm surprised the Alfa didn't make your list. That was one hot submarine that definitely deserves an honorable mention.

Everyhting considering submarine warfare is valued in terms of effectiveness.What has Alfa Class really got?Only 44.5 knots burst speed and 1300 metre crush depth.A question is whether these technical characteristics are reallly useful in the modern submarine warfare.Awesome submerged speed caused awesome noise levels and stealth reductions.I have doubts about why it could be needed to dive down to 1300 metres?Maybe during evasive maneuvering?

[Sea Demon]

What no mention of the Virginia class????
Do we have anything revolutionary in the Virginia Class?There are only ideas of Seawolf implemented in the style of i688 Los Angeles.It is just some kind of Seawolf's adaptation in order to face the modern threats,that were not the primary task in times when Seawolf was developed.

I'm surprised the Alfa didn't make your list. That was one hot submarine that definitely deserves an honorable mention.
Everyhting considering submarine warfare is valued in terms of effectiveness.What has Alfa Class really got?Only 44.5 knots burst speed and 1300 metre crush depth.A question is whether these technical characteristics are reallly useful in the modern submarine warfare.Awesome submerged speed caused awesome noise levels and stealth reductions.I have doubts about why it could be needed to dive down to 1300 metres?Maybe during evasive maneuvering?

The Virginia has new sensor packages, and combines the best of Seawolf and 688(I) in profile. Both great subs. In that regard, I think Pingjockey has a point that Virginia SSN's might be worth a mention. There may also be things included that we'll never know about that supersedes Seawolf. Maybe not as Seawolf was built to be the extreme hunter of the Cold War. But that's just a guess/hope.

My own thoughts on the Soviet Alfa was that it had enough significance to cause a stir in NATO naval forces at the time. And it's performance was remarkable to say the least. Plus it just looks cool. :up:

[Stanny]

My own thoughts on the Soviet Alfa was that it had enough significance to cause a stir in NATO naval forces at the time. And it's performance was remarkable to say the least. Plus it just looks cool. :up:

Yes,that is true.If there would had been no Alfa Class,state-of-the-art U.S. MK-48 ADCAP and British Spearfish torpedoes would never be developed,actually.These projects were the adequate response to Alfa's torpedo-like burst submerged speed. :)

[kiwi_2005]

Saw this tonight, not impressed :x First, the narrator's style was really annoying, like he was naming the top ten pop song countdown. And the ranking was really bogus--it was not a top ten "best" or "deadliest" submarines, simply a ten count of a variety of subs. Who would compare a Type VII or a mdget sub to a Seawolf? I mean, 75% the Type VIIs were lost in combat, what does that say about it's performance?


And some of the facts were wrong, too. For one, the Gato did not have 10 bow tubes :o , it had 6 bow and 4 stern. Oh well, I guess it serves to educate the non-sub enthusiast to a degree.

Slideshow (http://military.discovery.com/convergence/topten/subs/slideshow/slideshow.html)

,

Thats why i made sure in my first post i put "according to them" :) Your last line about the Gato with 10bow tube error really says it all - they dont know jack sh*t!:yep:

[Pingjockey]

What no mention of the Virginia class????

Do we have anything revolutionary in the Virginia Class?There are only ideas of Seawolf implemented in the style of i688 Los Angeles.It is just some kind of Seawolf's adaptation in order to face the modern threats,that were not the primary task in times when Seawolf was developed.

I'm surprised the Alfa didn't make your list. That was one hot submarine that definitely deserves an honorable mention.

Everyhting considering submarine warfare is valued in terms of effectiveness.What has Alfa Class really got?Only 44.5 knots burst speed and 1300 metre crush depth.A question is whether these technical characteristics are reallly useful in the modern submarine warfare.Awesome submerged speed caused awesome noise levels and stealth reductions.I have doubts about why it could be needed to dive down to 1300 metres?Maybe during evasive maneuvering?

I disagree, the Virginia class brings alot of things to the table that the seawolf can't do. Esp. in regard to delivering special forces and other technolgical advances in all aspects of submarine technology.

Trying to pigeon hole a Virginia class boat in the same vane as a seawolf is silly.

[Pingjockey]

What no mention of the Virginia class????
Do we have anything revolutionary in the Virginia Class?There are only ideas of Seawolf implemented in the style of i688 Los Angeles.It is just some kind of Seawolf's adaptation in order to face the modern threats,that were not the primary task in times when Seawolf was developed.

I'm surprised the Alfa didn't make your list. That was one hot submarine that definitely deserves an honorable mention.
Everyhting considering submarine warfare is valued in terms of effectiveness.What has Alfa Class really got?Only 44.5 knots burst speed and 1300 metre crush depth.A question is whether these technical characteristics are reallly useful in the modern submarine warfare.Awesome submerged speed caused awesome noise levels and stealth reductions.I have doubts about why it could be needed to dive down to 1300 metres?Maybe during evasive maneuvering?

The Virginia has new sensor packages, and combines the best of Seawolf and 688(I) in profile. Both great subs. In that regard, I think Pingjockey has a point that Virginia SSN's might be worth a mention. There may also be things included that we'll never know about that supersedes Seawolf. Maybe not as Seawolf was built to be the extreme hunter of the Cold War. But that's just a guess/hope.

My own thoughts on the Soviet Alfa was that it had enough significance to cause a stir in NATO naval forces at the time. And it's performance was remarkable to say the least. Plus it just looks cool. :up:

Thanks for the concurence as I speak with experience on this topic. :)

[Stanny]

I disagree, the Virginia class brings alot of things to the table that the seawolf can't do. Esp. in regard to delivering special forces and other technolgical advances in all aspects of submarine technology.

The last of Seawolf class,SSN-23 Jimmy Carter has longer hull,due to integrated capsule for carrrying and deploying special forces.

[Kapitan_Phillips]

I disagree, the Virginia class brings alot of things to the table that the seawolf can't do. Esp. in regard to delivering special forces and other technolgical advances in all aspects of submarine technology.
The last of Seawolf class,SSN-23 Jimmy Carter has longer hull,due to integrated capsule for carrrying and deploying special forces.

Before it disappeared :rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

[Stanny]

Before it disappeared :rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

What do you mean by saying "disappeared"?SSN-23 Jimmy Carter is in active service as for the present time. ;)

[nikimcbee]

They need some sort of scoring system for each one 1 to 10; 1 least 10 highest. Then we could redo the list.

[nikimcbee]

What no mention of the Virginia class????

Do we have anything revolutionary in the Virginia Class?There are only ideas of Seawolf implemented in the style of i688 Los Angeles.It is just some kind of Seawolf's adaptation in order to face the modern threats,that were not the primary task in times when Seawolf was developed.

I'm surprised the Alfa didn't make your list. That was one hot submarine that definitely deserves an honorable mention.

Everyhting considering submarine warfare is valued in terms of effectiveness.What has Alfa Class really got?Only 44.5 knots burst speed and 1300 metre crush depth.A question is whether these technical characteristics are reallly useful in the modern submarine warfare.Awesome submerged speed caused awesome noise levels and stealth reductions.I have doubts about why it could be needed to dive down to 1300 metres?Maybe during evasive maneuvering?

Plus the Alfa/ Lira was a safety train wreck. It looks great on paper, but I'll let you crew it.

We should do a new list of the most over-rated subs.:hmm:

[Jimbuna]

I'll throw the Alpha in for starters......too noisy :down:

[Galanti]

If they only had a more successful operational life, I'd nominate the old, old WWI British R class, the first purpose-built hunter-killers. Almost teardrop hull, greater underwater performance, enhanced hydrophone outfit.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_R_class_submarine

Pretty ahead of their time, not so much in terms of technology, but more in terms of concept and vision. Pity they were treated as freaks and used for ASW training purposes. One did manage to hit a U-boat, but of course, the torpedos was a dud.

But imagine how the course of submarine history would have changed had that one warhead went off...

[Kapitan_Phillips]

Before it disappeared :rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:
What do you mean by saying "disappeared"?SSN-23 Jimmy Carter is in active service as for the present time. ;)

I was referring to a thread that cause us giggles, where elite_hunter proposed it had gone missing :p

[Konovalov]

I'd have the Oberon in my top 10 list any day after it's many long years of excellent service in the RAN. :up:

[Jimbuna]

I thought nikimcbee was asking for a list of 'over-rated' subs :hmm:

[JSLTIGER]

Before it disappeared :rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:
What do you mean by saying "disappeared"?SSN-23 Jimmy Carter is in active service as for the present time. ;)
I was referring to a thread that cause us giggles, where elite_hunter proposed it had gone missing :p
:roll:

[nikimcbee]

I'll throw the Alpha in for starters......too noisy :down:

I think the alfa is a great "on paper" submarine. It makes the list, because it made the US freak out (hence the mk-48):oops: , but the sub was sooooo great, the soviets got rid of all of them. And they don't throw away anything.