Submarines are the stealthy giants of the sea, gliding beneath the waves with speeds that vary widely depending on their purpose and design. Modern submarines are designed for different tasks, from military operations to scientific exploration, and each has its own speed range, depending on its size, power, and function. But just how fast can submarines go? Let’s dive into the specifics.
Typical Speed Ranges for Submarines
Submarine speed is measured in knots, a unit of speed used in maritime contexts, where one knot equals one nautical mile per hour (about 1.15 miles per hour or 1.85 kilometers per hour).
Civilian and Research Submarines
Civilian and research submarines, which often prioritize safety and endurance over speed, tend to be slower than their military counterparts.
- Average Speed: Most non-military submarines cruise at speeds of around 3 to 6 knots (3.5 to 7 mph or 5.5 to 11 km/h) when moving through the water.
- Top Speed: Some advanced deep-sea research submarines can reach up to 10 to 15 knots (11 to 17 mph or 18 to 28 km/h), though this is rare and often unnecessary for their missions.
Military Submarines
Military submarines are much faster, particularly those designed for combat and rapid response.
- Attack Submarines (Fast Attack Subs): These are among the fastest submarines, built to engage enemies quickly or evade threats. U.S. Navy Los Angeles-class and Virginia-class submarines, for example, can reach speeds exceeding 30 knots (34.5 mph or 55 km/h) when submerged. Russian Akula-class submarines, known for their speed, can hit around 35 knots (40 mph or 65 km/h) underwater.
- Ballistic Missile Submarines (Boomers): These subs, which are designed to stay hidden and patrol for long periods, tend to be slower than attack submarines. Their cruising speed is typically between 20 to 25 knots (23 to 28.5 mph or 37 to 46 km/h), though they can sometimes reach speeds above 25 knots if necessary.
How Are Submarines Powered to Reach These Speeds?
Military submarines use nuclear reactors, which provide a tremendous amount of power for propulsion, allowing them to reach higher speeds and travel longer distances without needing to refuel. Conventional submarines, like diesel-electric subs, are generally slower and need to surface periodically to recharge their batteries, giving them less speed and endurance overall.
Why Speed Matters for Submarines
Speed is critical for military submarines in certain situations:
- Evasion and Combat: In combat, speed allows a submarine to outmaneuver enemy vessels or torpedoes, making it a crucial factor in attack and evasion.
- Stealth Missions: Faster speeds help submarines cover large areas or escape quickly if detected. However, high speeds create more noise, so stealth submarines tend to cruise at slower speeds (often around 5 knots) to remain undetected.
- Operational Range and Flexibility: Faster speeds also allow military submarines to move between strategic locations more quickly, making them versatile assets in global military operations.
Record-Breaking Submarine Speeds
The fastest known military submarine was the Soviet K-222, also known as the “Papa” class, which reportedly reached speeds of around 44.7 knots (51.5 mph or 83 km/h) during trials in the 1970s. However, this speed was achieved with significant noise and fuel use, making it impractical for stealth or extended missions.
Conclusion: Submarines Move at a Range of Speeds, Depending on Purpose
In summary, submarine speeds vary greatly based on design and purpose. Civilian submarines move slowly and steadily, while military subs, especially attack submarines, can reach impressive speeds underwater. While speed is important, submarines often prioritize stealth, endurance, and operational effectiveness over sheer speed, making them silent but formidable forces beneath the waves.