Rajan Wilcox
The diesel-electric submarine has been a significant part of naval history, with its development spanning from the early 20th century to the present day. Initially, submarines were powered by gasoline or steam engines, but the first diesel-driven submarine, the Aigrette, was introduced in 1905. Over time, diesel engines became the primary propulsion method for conventional submarines due to their improved fuel efficiency and reduced flammability. Diesel-electric submarines played a crucial role during World War II, particularly with Germany's U-boats in the Battle of the Atlantic. After World War II, diesel-electric propulsion gradually became the dominant mode for conventional submarines, with navies such as Sweden, the US, and later the Soviet Union adopting this technology. However, the limitations of diesel submarines, including their shorter range and dependence on refuelling, led to the rise of nuclear-powered submarines. Today, diesel-electric submarines are still valued for their quiet operation and cost-effectiveness, but they face competition from nuclear-powered fleets.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Years submarines were fueled by diesel | Until the advent of nuclear marine propulsion, most 20th-century submarines used diesel. The diesel-boat era ended in the US Navy in 2007. |
| First diesel-driven submarine | Aigrette, completed in 1905 by the French Navy |
| First diesel-powered US submarine | USS F-1 (SS-20), commissioned in 1912 |
| Advantages of diesel-powered submarines | Quiet, inexpensive, highly capable, improved fuel efficiency, and greater range |
| Disadvantages of diesel-powered submarines | Lack autonomy, require more sub bases for refueling, loss of fuel efficiency when converting diesel to electricity |
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What You'll Learn
The first diesel-driven submarines
The history of submarines is a long and fascinating one, with the first submarines being propelled by humans. The first mechanically driven submarine was the French Plongeur in 1863, which used compressed air for propulsion. Over the following decades, various naval powers experimented with different designs and propulsion systems, including steam engines and electric batteries.
The first diesel-driven submarine was the French Aigrette, completed in 1904. It used a diesel engine for surface power, marking an improvement from the previous gasoline engine used in the French submarine Narval. Large numbers of these submarines were built, with seventy-six completed before 1914. The stage was now set for the 20th-century submarine, typically propelled by diesel engines on the surface and battery-powered electric motors underwater.
Germany completed its first submarine, the U-1, in 1905. This craft was 139 feet long and was also powered by a diesel engine on the surface and an electric motor when submerged. By the eve of World War I, all major navies included submarines in their fleets, although they were generally considered to be of questionable military value and were mostly used for coastal operations.
During World War I, diesel-engined submarines such as the U-19 class played a significant role, with a sufficient range of 5,000 miles and a speed of 8 knots to effectively operate around the entire British coast. In the years following World War I, interest in submarines remained high, with several countries, including Britain, France, Japan, and the United States, building improved types.
In the 1950s, nuclear power began to replace diesel-electric propulsion, and the first nuclear-powered undersea craft, the Nautilus, was commissioned in 1954. Over time, more and more diesel submarines were phased out, with the last full-fledged diesel attack boat, the Blueback, departing in 1990. However, diesel-electric submarines still offer advantages in terms of cost and quiet operation, and some navies continue to utilise them alongside their nuclear-powered counterparts.
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Diesel-electric transmission
The diesel-electric transmission system is a form of propulsion used in submarines, converting the mechanical force of a diesel engine into electrical energy. This electrical energy is then used to power traction motors, which propel the submarine. This method of propulsion was first introduced in the early 20th century, with the French Narval in 1899, the German U-1 in 1905, and the Swedish HMS Hajen in 1904, being some of the earliest examples.
The diesel-electric transmission system offered several advantages over the direct mechanical connection between the diesel engine and propeller that was initially common. One significant advantage was the reduction of noise, as it isolated the engine compartment from the outer pressure hull, resulting in a lower acoustic signature when the submarine was surfaced. This made diesel-electric submarines ideal for stealth operations. Additionally, by avoiding the need for a gearbox, the system provided more flexibility in terms of speed control, especially at low speeds.
The diesel-electric system also improved the submarine's endurance. While on the surface, the diesel engine could recharge the batteries and supply power to other electrical systems. When submerged, the batteries would power the electric motor, allowing the submarine to operate independently of the diesel engine. This capability enhanced the submarine's range and flexibility, as demonstrated by modern AIP (air-independent propulsion) diesel submarines, which can remain underwater for several weeks without surfacing.
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Diesel engine efficiency
The earliest submarines were powered by man-powered hand-cranked propellers, which consumed a lot of oxygen and were dangerous. Later, mechanically driven vessels used compressed air, steam, or electricity. The first successful attempt at a fuel that could burn anaerobically was in 1867 by a Spanish engineer, who developed a chemically-powered anaerobic steam engine.
The first diesel-driven submarines were developed in the early 20th century. The French Aigrette, completed in 1905, was the first diesel-driven submarine of any navy. Germany's U-1, also completed in 1905, was powered by a heavy oil engine on the surface and an electric motor when submerged.
Diesel-electric submarines are still used today and have been improved with new-generation diesel engines and advanced batteries. Diesel submarines are generally cheaper than nuclear-powered submarines and can operate very quietly.
Over the past two decades, the industrial sector has achieved substantial increases in diesel engine efficiency. Improvements in battery technology have extended the range of diesel-electric submarines. For example, German Type 212 submarines can stay underwater without snorkelling for up to three weeks, travelling 1,500 miles or more.
While nuclear power has been the defining characteristic of the US Navy's submarines since the USS Nautilus set sail in 1954, diesel-electric submarines are still relevant and offer a cost-effective solution. Nuclear submarines have performance advantages, but diesel-electric submarines have improved in stealth performance and endurance.
In conclusion, diesel engine efficiency has improved significantly over the years, making diesel-electric submarines a viable option for naval forces.
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Diesel submarines in the US Navy
The US Navy has long opposed the use of diesel-electric submarines due to concerns about the impact of submarine technology proliferation on the ability of its forces to operate securely in coastal waters worldwide. The US Navy currently has an entirely nuclear-powered submarine fleet. However, there are several advantages to using diesel-electric submarines.
Firstly, the US does not export nuclear technology because of security concerns, with information on the program classified as top secret. These restrictions are not in place for diesel submarines. Secondly, the market for conventional submarines is robust, with many Asian nations looking to modernize their submarine fleets to check Chinese aggression. Thirdly, diesel submarines are quiet, inexpensive, and highly capable. They are furtive but effective platforms, operating very quietly and conserving their energy for the post-attack escape. Improvements in battery technology have extended the range of diesel submarines. With electro-catalytic fuel cells and the high energy density of Lithium-ion batteries, AIP submarines can operate at a patrol-quiet state or rest on the seabed for several weeks without surfacing. German Type 212 submarines can stay underwater without snorkelling for up to three weeks, travelling 1,500 miles (2,400 kilometers) or more.
The Barbel-class submarines were the last diesel-electric-propelled attack submarines built by the US Navy. They became part of the US Navy's fleet in 1959 and were taken out of service between 1988 and 1990. They were smaller diesel-powered versions of the Skipjack-class nuclear submarines. They were the first warships built with the teardrop-shaped hull first tested on the experimental USS Albacore. They also did away with the conning tower, combining the functions of the attack centre and control room in the same space.
While nuclear-powered submarines are able to maintain operational excellence and meet mission requirements, diesel technology is catching up. The US Navy must counter other nations' expansions while maintaining its current force structure. Investing so heavily in a small number of nuclear-powered ships puts the US at greater risk in a shooting war. A nuclear submarine is a good investment if it lasts its entire expected lifespan, but if war breaks out and submarines are lost, the US Navy could not keep pace with its adversaries economically or industrially. For the price of one Virginia-class submarine, the Navy could buy six or seven conventional submarines of the German Type 212 class.
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Diesel-electric subs as a threat
Diesel-electric submarines have been a significant part of naval warfare for over a century. Their hybrid design, combining diesel engines for surface travel and electric batteries for underwater operations, offers greater flexibility and stealth capabilities. These submarines are highly effective in asymmetrical warfare, where their quiet operation allows them to conduct covert operations, gather intelligence, and target valuable assets without detection. They can also launch anti-ship missiles, making them lethal against surface vessels.
However, diesel-electric submarines also face several limitations. Firstly, they require frequent snorkelling to clear exhaust from running their diesel generators, which can make them more vulnerable to detection. Additionally, their endurance is limited, and they require regular refuelling, which can be a strategic weakness. Diesel fuel storage sites are easily targeted, and attacking these could cripple a fleet's operations.
Despite these limitations, diesel-electric submarines remain a viable option for many navies due to their affordability and versatility. They are particularly attractive to countries looking to establish or modernize their submarine fleets without incurring the high costs of nuclear-powered vessels.
In today's evolving strategic landscape, diesel-electric submarines can provide naval forces with the adaptability needed to address changing requirements. Their stealth capabilities and multi-role functions make them a continued threat in modern naval warfare.
To counter the threat posed by diesel-electric submarines, it is essential to consider their vulnerabilities. Targeting their fuel sources and bases can significantly impact their operations. Additionally, advancements in anti-access/area denial (A2AD) weapons have increased the vulnerability of surface fleets, necessitating the deployment of submarines to counter these threats.
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Frequently asked questions
For over 100 years, starting from 1905 when the first diesel-driven submarine was launched, until the 21st century when the last diesel-only submarine, the Dolphin, was decommissioned in 2007.
The first diesel-driven submarine was the Aigrette, completed in 1905 by the French Navy.
The last diesel-only submarine was the Dolphin, which was decommissioned in 2007.
Diesel-driven submarines are quiet, inexpensive, and highly capable. They also have improved fuel efficiency and greater range.
Diesel-driven submarines lack the autonomy of nuclear-powered submarines and require more refuelling stops. They also have lower fuel efficiency and power when compared to a direct mechanical connection between the diesel engine and the propeller.
