A WWII Gato (A boat with Diesel Electric so its running electric motors when surfaced) could make something like 21 and a half knots on diesels pushed beyond spec. You put sufficient power in to the motor you can get some real speed at the risk of burning up the motors. A burned out motor is better than flaming crushing death at times. :yep:

As I understand it, electric motors are wound directly on the shaft. thus no need for gears at all. The motors are what turn the screws at all times. The source of the electical power is what varies. Batteries for normal submerged ops and diesels (with the battery floating for a charge) for surface/snorkel ops.

If talking about speed on a batttery the USS Albacore, while a non-combat vessel, topped out at 30+ knots. According to some reports, it was faster than the Skipjack class and was the fastest US submarine until the Seawolf class come onto the scene.

Moral: Battery does NOT equal slow speed.

On a diesel-electric drive yes but not on a direct drive diesel. ;)

Are there still direct drive boats? :hmm: :lol:

I dont think so, but there is also AIP to bring into this.