How Long Can Submarines Stay Submerged Without Surfacing?
Discover the underwater endurance of submarines. Learn how long nuclear and diesel-electric submarines can stay submerged.
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Nuclear submarines can stay underwater for up to 90 days without surfacing, thanks to their ability to produce their own oxygen and freshwater through the use of advanced systems. The limiting factors are typically food supplies and crew endurance, rather than technological constraints. Conventional diesel-electric submarines, on the other hand, may need to surface or use a snorkel more frequently for air, often every few days to a couple of weeks.
FAQs & Answers
- What factors limit the time submarines can stay underwater? The main limiting factors for submarines staying submerged are food supplies and crew endurance, rather than technological capabilities.
- How do nuclear submarines generate oxygen underwater? Nuclear submarines produce their own oxygen and freshwater using advanced systems, allowing them to stay submerged for extended periods.
- How frequently do diesel-electric submarines need to surface? Diesel-electric submarines typically need to surface or use a snorkel for air every few days to a couple of weeks.
- What are the advantages of nuclear submarines? Nuclear submarines have a significantly longer underwater endurance and can operate independently for months without surfacing.