Teardrop hull

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Until the introduction of the teardrop hull on USS Albacore, most submarines (such as this German Type VIIc submarine, U-955) were designed with an emphasis on surface performance.
Until the introduction of the teardrop hull on USS Albacore, most submarines (such as this German Type VIIc submarine, U-955) were designed with an emphasis on surface performance.
Astute is demonstrative of teardrop ("Albacore") hull design, lacking protrusions other than the sail, bow planes, and fins.
Astute is demonstrative of teardrop ("Albacore") hull design, lacking protrusions other than the sail, bow planes, and fins.
German Type 212 submarine in dock, displaying the distinctive teardrop hull
German Type 212 submarine in dock, displaying the distinctive teardrop hull

A teardrop hull is a submarine hull design which emphasizes hydrodynamic flow above all other factors. Benefits over previous types include increased underwater speed and a smaller acoustic signature, making detection by sonar more difficult. The design was initially introduced on USS Albacore,[1] and for this reason, is often referred to as an "Albacore hull." USS Barbel was the first operational submarine to feature this hull design,[2] and some form of the design has been present in the operational submarine fleets of almost every navy since that time.

[edit] References

  1. ^ "USS Albacore (AGSS-569), 1953-1984." Naval Historical Center, United States Navy. September 12, 2003.
  2. ^ "Submarine Centennial Log: The Cold War." Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, United States Navy.


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