So... Difference between subs?...

Ducimus · 03-18-10, 04:42 PM

An escalation of tensions during the latter part of the 1930's indicating the possibility of a war in the Pacific led the US Navy to actively develop a submarine capable of supporting surface fleet operations. Since Submarines were originally looked upon to serve as scouts and screens for the navy's capital warships; the desired "fleet boat" would be required to possess the speed, the range and the ability to maintain extended deployments which would be necessary for a war in the world's largest ocean.

This design evolved slowly during pre war years that culminated with the Tambor and gar class at the outbreak of war. Two more designs were evolved during the war. The Balao and Tench.

The evolution of design is as follows:

S Class - WW1 submarine with 4 bow torpedos

Porpoise Class - 4 bow, and 2 aft torpedos

Salmon Class - 4 bow, and 4 aft tubes

Sargo Class - a refinement of the Salmon class, with the same number of tubes

Tambor/Gar Class - The first fleet boat that had the specifications the Submarine service was looking for with 6 bow and 4 stern torpedo tubes.

Gato Class - This was the "standard" fleet submarine of WWII. A refinement of the Tambor and Gar class, with the same number of torpedo tubes

Balao Class - The Balao class was an upgraded version of the Gato class, mostly noted for increased diving depth.

Tench Class - a further refinement of the Balao.

Most don't realize, but some of the Gato, and many of the Balao and Tench boats served well into the cold war. The last one being decommissioned in 1972 if i remember correctly.

As for shallow crush depths.... give this thread a read.
http://forum.kickinbak.com/viewtopic.php?f=29&t=414

03-18-10, 04:42 PM	#11
Ducimus Rear Admiral Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 12,987 Downloads: 67 Uploads: 2	An escalation of tensions during the latter part of the 1930's indicating the possibility of a war in the Pacific led the US Navy to actively develop a submarine capable of supporting surface fleet operations. Since Submarines were originally looked upon to serve as scouts and screens for the navy's capital warships; the desired "fleet boat" would be required to possess the speed, the range and the ability to maintain extended deployments which would be necessary for a war in the world's largest ocean. This design evolved slowly during pre war years that culminated with the Tambor and gar class at the outbreak of war. Two more designs were evolved during the war. The Balao and Tench. The evolution of design is as follows: S Class - WW1 submarine with 4 bow torpedos Porpoise Class - 4 bow, and 2 aft torpedos Salmon Class - 4 bow, and 4 aft tubes Sargo Class - a refinement of the Salmon class, with the same number of tubes Tambor/Gar Class - The first fleet boat that had the specifications the Submarine service was looking for with 6 bow and 4 stern torpedo tubes. Gato Class - This was the "standard" fleet submarine of WWII. A refinement of the Tambor and Gar class, with the same number of torpedo tubes Balao Class - The Balao class was an upgraded version of the Gato class, mostly noted for increased diving depth. Tench Class - a further refinement of the Balao. Most don't realize, but some of the Gato, and many of the Balao and Tench boats served well into the cold war. The last one being decommissioned in 1972 if i remember correctly. As for shallow crush depths.... give this thread a read. http://forum.kickinbak.com/viewtopic.php?f=29&t=414