A submarine question?

Question

I once had a computer game that had subs that were like fighter aircraft. One pilot, relatively small compared to regular subs. So why isn't this idea being used. What would be the obsticals to making this concept work.

Answer 1

Actually the Japanese use three man subs to attack Pearl Harbor. A normal size sub could not negotiate the shallow waters without being detected.

The subs could only carry two torpedoes and the batteries were only good for a few hours.

The driver sat in the conney tower. He operated the periscope and called out the targets to the torpedo operator. The torpedo operator sat in the front. The engineer sat in the rear. He controlled the throttle, monitored the air supply, and the batteries.

If memory serves there were only three such subs. One crashed. One was sunk by the US Navy. The last one was lost due to a leak or some mechanical failure.

With computers, to automate much of the controls, a two man sub may be possible, but it could not carry enough battery power to travel far.

A one man sub is not very practical. Navigating under water, without crashing into anything, is more difficult than flying an aircraft. The operator would have to try to navigate and fire on targets. This would not be easy.

Small subs exist. The US navy has one that can dock, and piggy back with larger subs. Again the range is very limited.

Answer 2

The range of those subs would be small, plus imagine being in a cramped quarters hundreds of feet under water... alone... under constant threat...that could come from nowhere... while you sleep...
Prolonged missions were taking a serious toll on a mental health as it was.
Not to mention that 1 man means sub is only operational a portion of a time (when he does not sleep, eat, crap, etc.)

In additon, the subs with a crew that could operate 24/7 were more cost efficient, and more effective in military operations.

Enough reasons for you?

Answer 3

Small sub have been made since the Civil war and experiments have been tried since the Revolution. What's the problem these days? Shorter range, poor handling in rough weather and limited firepower.

Answer 4

It has been done in ww2 they were small 1 man subs called kitans and they were not successful

Answer 5

Go buy Silent Hunter III. Its a DVD (PC version). You'll never go back to that other game again nor will you even consider any other concept.

Answer 6

I don't know all the obstacles but funding is always one of the biggest when it comes to new military systems.

Answer 7

yes

Answer 8

It would be very boring.