ClassX Video Lessons Youtube Channel SmarterEveryDay Crawling Down A Torpedo Tube -US NAVY Nuclear Submarine – Smarter Every Day 241
Welcome to an insightful exploration into the world of nuclear submarines. Today, we delve into the fascinating mechanics of torpedoes, a critical component of naval warfare. Our journey takes us aboard a US nuclear submarine in the Arctic Ocean, where we uncover the intricate workings of torpedo tubes.
Torpedoes have been a pivotal element in naval combat since World War I. Despite their modern advancements, they are rooted in technology that has been refined over decades. Understanding their operation offers a glimpse into both historical and contemporary naval strategies.
Our exploration begins in the torpedo room of the USS Toledo, a 688 class submarine. Here, Alan Howell, the Torpedo Division Chief Petty Officer, introduces us to the layout and maintenance of the torpedo tubes. The submarine is equipped with four torpedo tubes, two on each side, which undergo monthly maintenance to ensure optimal functionality.
We examine a Mark 48 ADCAP torpedo, distinguished by its yellow stripe indicating it is live. TM2 Knight, a torpedoman’s mate, guides us through the features of this advanced capability torpedo, highlighting its significance in modern naval operations.
Jacob, the assistant weapons officer, explains the logistics of loading torpedoes. The process involves the command passageway and the weapon shipping hatch, designed for efficient loading. The torpedo can be loaded hydraulically or manually, with the breach door operated hydraulically for secure closure.
The torpedo launching system is a marvel of engineering. Once the torpedo is secured in the tube, the breach door is closed and locked. To launch, the tube is flooded with water from the Water Round Torpedo tank, equalizing pressure with the ocean. Upon receiving the fire command, the locking lugs retract, and pressurized water propels the torpedo out of the tube. Post-launch, the system is reset to its original state by draining water and venting air back into the submarine.
Venturing into the torpedo tube offers a unique perspective on its construction and functionality. The cold environment, influenced by Arctic conditions, underscores the importance of maintaining the system’s integrity and cleanliness.
This exploration is part of a broader series on nuclear submarines, offering a deeper understanding of their complex systems. For those interested in further insights, subscribing to the series promises more engaging content on this captivating subject.
Thank you for joining this educational journey into the heart of naval technology. Stay tuned for more explorations into the world of submarines.
Research the evolution of torpedo technology from World War I to the present day. Create a presentation that highlights key advancements and their impact on naval warfare. Share your findings with your peers, focusing on how these innovations have shaped modern naval strategies.
Engage in a virtual tour or simulation of a submarine’s torpedo room. Pay close attention to the layout and maintenance procedures. Reflect on how these elements contribute to the overall functionality and safety of the submarine. Discuss your observations with classmates.
Conduct a technical analysis of the Mark 48 ADCAP torpedo. Examine its features, capabilities, and role in modern naval operations. Prepare a detailed report that includes diagrams and technical specifications, and present your analysis to the class.
Participate in a hands-on simulation of the torpedo loading process. Use models or virtual tools to understand the logistics involved in loading torpedoes. Practice both hydraulic and manual loading methods, and discuss the challenges and solutions encountered during the process.
Join an engineering workshop focused on the mechanics of torpedo launch systems. Explore the principles of pressure equalization and propulsion. Collaborate with peers to design a simple model that demonstrates the launch process, and present your model to the group.
Sure! Here’s a sanitized version of the YouTube transcript:
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Hey, it’s me, Destin. Welcome back to Smarter Every Day. We’re in the middle of a deep dive into nuclear submarines, investigating how they work and learning detailed information about various components. Today, we’re going to talk about torpedoes, which I find fascinating because I’ve experienced a torpedo engaging a target. Back in 2018, I was in a helicopter filming the USS Racine as a Mark 48 torpedo impacted a target during RIMPAC, the Rim of the Pacific exercise, at the Barking Sands Missile Range Facility.
Interestingly, while torpedoes are modern and constantly evolving, they are based on very old technology, having been used effectively during World War I. Most people don’t know how they work. Today, we’re going to explore the torpedo tube of a US nuclear submarine in the Arctic Ocean and learn how it all functions.
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We’re heading towards the torpedo room. This is an important space on the submarine.
I’m here with Alan Howell, the Torpedo Division Chief Petty Officer on the USS Toledo. He explained that there are four torpedo tubes on the 688 class submarine, two on the starboard side and two on the port side. The breach doors are what we see here, and after our discussion, we can open them up for a closer look.
Alan mentioned that they perform maintenance on the torpedo tubes every month. I’m excited to see inside the torpedo tube.
Alan introduced TM2 Knight, a torpedoman’s mate, who will help us understand the torpedo tube. The torpedo we’re looking at is a Mark 48 ADCAP, which stands for advanced capability. The yellow stripe indicates that it is a live torpedo.
As we explore, Jacob, the assistant weapons officer, explained the command passageway and the weapon shipping hatch, which is the primary means of loading torpedoes. The geometry of loading torpedoes has been carefully designed, dating back to the first Los Angeles class submarines in the ’70s.
We discussed the process of loading torpedoes into the tube, which can be done using hydraulics or manually. The breach door is hydraulically operated, and once opened, we can see the torpedo tube.
Before we crawl down into the tube, I want to explain how the torpedo launching system works. The torpedo is secured in the tube by locking lugs, and once the breach door is closed and locked, the torpedo is stable and ready for use.
To fire the torpedo, the tube must be flooded with water from the Water Round Torpedo tank. This involves venting air to maintain air pressure inside the submarine. Once the tube is filled with water, the pressure is equalized with the ocean, allowing us to open the muzzle door.
When the fire command is given, the locking lugs retract, and pressurized water pushes the torpedo out of the tube. After firing, the system must be returned to its original state without gaining or losing mass, which involves draining the water and venting any pressurized air back into the submarine.
Now, I’m ready to crawl down into the torpedo tube and sign my name. It’s quite cold in here, likely due to the Arctic conditions.
After signing, we discussed the mechanics of the torpedo and the importance of keeping everything clean and functional.
This video is part of the Smarter Every Day deep dive series into nuclear submarines. I encourage you to subscribe to learn more about this fascinating subject.
This episode is sponsored by Raycon, and I highly recommend their Everyday E25 earbuds. They offer great sound quality at a competitive price and are very comfortable. If you’re interested, you can get 15% off your order at buyraycon.com/smarter.
Thank you for joining me on this journey. I’m Destin, and I hope you stay tuned for more episodes where we explore various aspects of submarines. Have a great day!
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This version removes any informal language, personal anecdotes, and specific details that may not be suitable for all audiences while retaining the overall message and structure.
Torpedoes – Self-propelled underwater missiles used as a weapon in naval warfare, designed to detonate on contact or in proximity to a target. – The engineering team focused on improving the guidance systems of torpedoes to enhance their accuracy in targeting enemy submarines.
Submarines – Underwater vessels capable of independent operation below the surface of the sea, often used for military purposes. – The design of modern submarines incorporates advanced stealth technology to evade detection by enemy sonar systems.
Mechanics – The branch of physics concerned with the behavior of physical bodies when subjected to forces or displacements, and the subsequent effects of the bodies on their environment. – Understanding the mechanics of fluid dynamics is crucial for engineers designing efficient propulsion systems for submarines.
Engineering – The application of scientific and mathematical principles to design, build, and maintain structures, machines, and systems. – The engineering team successfully developed a new composite material that significantly reduces the weight of the submarine hull without compromising its strength.
Loading – The process of applying forces or weights to a structure or system, often used in the context of testing or operational conditions. – Engineers conducted a series of loading tests to ensure the submarine’s hull could withstand extreme underwater pressures.
Launching – The process of setting a vessel or projectile into motion, often referring to the initial deployment of a ship or missile. – The successful launching of the new torpedo system marked a significant milestone in the naval defense project.
Functionality – The range of operations that can be performed by a device, system, or component, often related to its design and intended use. – The engineers enhanced the functionality of the sonar system to improve the submarine’s ability to detect distant objects.
Logistics – The detailed coordination and implementation of complex operations, often involving the movement of materials, equipment, and personnel. – Effective logistics planning ensured that all necessary components were delivered on time for the submarine’s construction phase.
Pressure – The force exerted per unit area, often measured in pascals, and a critical factor in the design of underwater vessels. – The submarine’s hull was designed to withstand the immense pressure encountered at great ocean depths.
Maintenance – The process of preserving a system or equipment in working condition through regular inspection, repair, and servicing. – Routine maintenance of the submarine’s propulsion system is essential to ensure its reliability during extended missions.
