Submarines are among the most fascinating and powerful machines in the world. They can dive deep into the oceans and perform various tasks, such as spying, attacking, exploring, or rescuing. However, they are also known for being very slow compared to other vehicles. The average speed of a submarine is around 5 to 10 knots, which is equivalent to 6 to 12 miles per hour. This is much slower than the speed of a car, which can travel at around 60 miles per hour. Why are submarines so slow? There are several reasons for this.
Stealth and Noise Reduction
One reason is that submarines are designed to be stealthy and avoid detection, which requires them to move slowly to minimize the noise they make. Submarines use propellers or jet propulsion to move through the water, but these also create sound waves that can be picked up by sonar or hydrophones. The faster the submarine moves, the louder it becomes, and the easier it is for enemies to locate and track it. Therefore, submarines have to balance their speed and their stealth, often choosing to sacrifice speed to remain undetected.
Size and Weight
Another reason is that submarines are bulky and heavy. They are not designed for speed but rather for endurance and carrying large payloads. Submarines have to carry a lot of equipment and weapons, such as torpedoes, missiles, mines, sensors, batteries, fuel, and crew. They also have to withstand the high pressure and low temperature of the deep sea. All these factors add weight and drag to the submarine, making it harder to accelerate and maneuver.
Power Source
Submarines are also limited by their power source, which can be diesel-electric or nuclear. Diesel-electric submarines have to surface periodically to recharge their batteries using air-breathing engines, which reduces their speed and stealth. Nuclear submarines can stay submerged for longer periods, but they also generate more heat and noise. Both types of power sources have their own limitations that affect the submarine’s speed.
Importance Despite Slowness
Despite their slow speed, submarines are still an important part of modern warfare and science. They can carry out missions that other vehicles cannot do. For example, they can attack enemy ships or submarines, launch strategic nuclear strikes, protect friendly ships or aircraft carriers, and conduct covert operations behind enemy lines. Submarines are also used for exploring and mapping the ocean floor, collecting data and samples of marine life, water, rocks, and minerals for scientific analysis. Additionally, they can recover lost items from sunken ships or planes and offer underwater sightseeing tours to visitors.
In summary, submarines are slow because they prioritize stealth and endurance over speed. Their design, size, weight, and power source all contribute to their slower pace. However, their unique capabilities make them invaluable for military, scientific, and exploratory missions.
