How Long Can Submarines Stay Submerged? Discover the Duration of Different Types
Learn how long submarines can stay submerged, from diesel-electric to nuclear-powered. Explore their endurance limits.
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A normal submarine can remain submerged for days to weeks depending on its type and technology. Diesel-electric submarines generally need to surface frequently to recharge batteries, usually every few days. In contrast, nuclear-powered submarines can stay submerged for months as they generate their own power, only needing to surface for crew supplies. Submarine endurance limits primarily revolve around food and air quality, rather than technical capabilities.
FAQs & Answers
- What factors limit how long a submarine can stay submerged? The primary factors are food supply and air quality, rather than technical capabilities.
- How often do diesel-electric submarines need to surface? Diesel-electric submarines generally need to surface every few days to recharge their batteries.
- Can nuclear submarines operate indefinitely underwater? While nuclear submarines can generate their own power for months, they still need to surface periodically for crew supplies.