Midget submarine

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Some 80 Japanese Type D ("Koryu") Midget Submarines in a dry dock at Kure, 19 October 1945 Kure midget subs1.jpg
Some 80 Japanese Type D ("Koryu") Midget Submarines in a dry dock at Kure, 19 October 1945

A midget submarine is any submarine under 150 tons, [1] typically operated by a crew of one or two but sometimes up to six or nine, with little or no on-board living accommodation. They normally work with mother ships, from which they are launched and recovered and which provide living accommodation for the crew and support staff.

Contents

Both military and civilian midget submarines have been built. Military types work with surface ships and other submarines as mother ships. Civilian and non-combatant military types are generally called submersibles and normally work with surface ships. Most early submarines would now be considered midget submarines, such as the United States Navy's USS Holland (SS-1) and the British Royal Navy's HMS Holland 1 (both named for the same designer).

Military submarines

Uses

Crew of a British X-class midget submarine, part of the British Pacific Submarine Fleet X craft crewman WWII IWM A 30568.jpg
Crew of a British X-class midget submarine, part of the British Pacific Submarine Fleet

Midget submarines are best known for harbor penetration, although only two World War II boats, the British X-craft and the unsuccessful Welman submarine, were specifically designed with this in mind. Japan's Ko-hyoteki-class submarines were originally designed to take part in decisive fleet actions. However, as circumstances changed, they were given the task of harbor penetration. Germany's various World War II designs were mostly designed to attack Allied shipping off landing beaches and harbors, although the Seehund had a great enough range to attack shipping off the Thames estuary.

Midget submarines have also seen some use in support roles. X-craft were used for reconnaissance, and the Seehund was used to carry supplies. A number of modern midget submarines have also been built for submarine rescue.

Armament

Midget submarines are commonly armed with torpedoes and mines in the form of, for example, detachable side loads and nose sections. Alternatively they may function as swimmer delivery vehicles to deliver frogmen to the vicinity of their targets, which are then attacked with limpet mines.

Civilian

In civilian use, midget submarines are generally called submersibles; commercial submersibles are used in, for example, underwater maintenance, exploration, archaeology, and scientific research. Other commercially available submersibles are marketed as novelty tourist attractions and as specialised tenders for wealthy yacht owners. Also, a growing number of amateur submariners homebuilt submersibles as a hobby. [2] [3]

Types by nation

Belgium

Colombia

Finland

France

France also acquired a number of German midget submarines at the end of WW2.

Germany

German midget submarine Seehund, with a torpedo Submarine S622.jpg
German midget submarine Seehund, with a torpedo

Most German midget submarines were developed late in World War II in an attempt to stop the Allied invasion of Europe and used later to disrupt its supply lines. As a result, the submarines mostly engaged in open water attacks rather than harbour penetration. [5] [6]

India

The Indian Navy is planning to acquire two midget submarines at an estimated cost of ₹2000 Crores for use as swimmer delivery vehicles. [12] These submarines will be used for conducting underwater special operations by MARCOS. [13] Both submarines will be constructed by Hindustan Shipyard Limited. [12]

Indonesia

The Indonesian Navy has shown[ when? ] some interest in having a new Midget-class submarine, built by local shipyards, for coastal rather than open water patrol. The submarine was designed a number of years ago by a retired Indonesian Navy submariner officer, Colonel (Ret) Ir. R. Dradjat Budiyanto, Msc. The midget experiment project involves the construction of a submarine, designated MIDGET IM X −1, which will weigh about 150 – 250 tonnes, with a tubular frame design 24 – 30 meters long, and four torpedo tubes. The submarines will have minimum of 8 – 10 crew members including officers. They will have a 40 km range non-hull-penetrating optronic mast as the attack periscope, and a 20 km range navigation periscope.[ citation needed ]

Indonesian defence minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro has backed the project. Construction should commence at the Indonesian PT.PAL INDONESIA shipyard by late 2011, and will take about three or four years to complete.

Iran

Italy

An Italian CB-class submarine in the Nikola Tesla Technical Museum in Zagreb, Croatia Malisan CB-20.JPG
An Italian CB-class submarine in the Nikola Tesla Technical Museum in Zagreb, Croatia

Japan

Japanese Type A Midget Submarine recovered in 1960 off Pearl Harbor, Hawaii Japanese Type A Midget Submarine.jpg
Japanese Type A Midget Submarine recovered in 1960 off Pearl Harbor, Hawaii
DSV Shinkai Shinnkai 6500 01.JPG
DSV Shinkai

North Korea

South Korea

Pakistan

China

Poland

Taiwan

Romania

Russia

Spain

Foca I (SA-41) and Foca II (SA-42) at Cartagena Submarinos de ataque clase foca SA41.jpg
Foca I (SA-41) and Foca II (SA-42) at Cartagena

Sweden

Turkey

The Turkish navy has evaluated two midget submarine designs from German firm ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems, Type 200 and Type 300 classes:

United Kingdom

X24 a British X class submarine on display at the Royal Navy Submarine Museum X24 view from side.jpg
X24 a British X class submarine on display at the Royal Navy Submarine Museum

The Royal Navy has used a number of midget submarines. Most were developed during the Second World War. The decommissioning of the Stickleback class 1958–early 1960s marked the end of midget submarines designed for combat in the Royal Navy.

United States

The US X-1 at sea X-1 Submarine, sea trial (undated).jpg
The US X-1 at sea

Former Yugoslavia

See also

Related Research Articles

Type A Kō-hyōteki-class submarine World War II Japanese submarine class

The Type A Ko-hyoteki class was a class of Japanese midget submarines (Kō-hyōteki) used during World War II. They had hull numbers but no names. For simplicity, they are most often referred to by the hull number of the mother submarine. Thus, the midget carried by I-16-class submarine was known as I-16's boat, or "I-16tou."

V-boat Group of U.S. Navy submarines and classes derived from them

The V-boats were a group of nine United States Navy submarines built between World War I and World War II from 1921 to 1934 under authorization as the "fleet boat" program.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Submersible</span> Small watercraft able to navigate under water

A submersible is an underwater vehicle which needs to be transported and supported by a larger watercraft or platform. This distinguishes submersibles from submarines, which are self-supporting and capable of prolonged independent operation at sea.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Diver propulsion vehicle</span> Powered device for diver mobility and range extension

A diver propulsion vehicle (DPV), also known as an underwater propulsion vehicle, sea scooter, underwater scooter, or swimmer delivery vehicle (SDV) by armed forces, is an item of diving equipment used by scuba divers to increase range underwater. Range is restricted by the amount of breathing gas that can be carried, the rate at which that breathing gas is consumed, and the battery power of the DPV. Time limits imposed on the diver by decompression requirements may also limit safe range in practice. DPVs have recreational, scientific and military applications.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Human torpedo</span> Early form of diver propulsion vehicle

Human torpedoes or manned torpedoes are a type of diver propulsion vehicle on which the diver rides, generally in a seated position behind a fairing. They were used as secret naval weapons in World War II. The basic concept is still in use.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Motor torpedo boat</span> Type of fast torpedo boat

A motor torpedo boat is a fast torpedo boat, especially of the mid 20th century. The motor in the designation originally referred to their use of petrol engines, typically marinised aircraft engines or their derivatives, which distinguished them from other naval craft of the era, including other torpedo boats, that used steam turbines or reciprocating steam engines. Later, diesel-powered torpedo boats appeared, in turn or retroactively referred to as "motor torpedo boats" for their internal combustion engines, as distinct from steam powered reciprocating or turbine propulsion.

<i>I-201</i>-class submarine Class of submarines of the Imperial Japanese Navy

The I-201-class submarines were submarines of the Imperial Japanese Navy during World War II. These submarines were of advanced design, built for high underwater speed, and were known as Sentaka-Dai type submarine or Sentaka type submarine. The type name, was shortened to Suichū Kōsoku Sensuikan Ō-gata.

The history of the submarine goes back to antiquity. Humanity has employed a variety of methods to travel underwater for exploration, recreation, research and significantly, warfare. While early attempts, such as those by Alexander the Great, were rudimentary, the advent of new propulsion systems, fuels, and sonar, propelled an increase in submarine technology. The introduction of the diesel engine, then the nuclear submarine, saw great expansion in submarine use – and specifically military use – during World War I, World War II, and the Cold War. The Second World War use of the U-Boat by the Kriegsmarine against the Royal Navy and commercial shipping, and the Cold War's use of submarines by the United States and Russia, helped solidify the submarine's place in popular culture. The latter conflicts also saw an increasing role for the military submarine as a tool of subterfuge, hidden warfare, and nuclear deterrent. The military use of submarines continues to this day, predominantly by North Korea, China, the United States and Russia.

The Russian submarine AG-12 was an AG-class submarine, designed by the American Holland Torpedo Boat Company/Electric Boat Company, built for the Imperial Russian Navy during World War I. The submarine was fabricated in Canada, shipped to Russia and reassembled for service with the Baltic Fleet. She was scuttled by the Russians at Hanko in April 1918.

The Chilean submarine Guacolda was an H-class submarine of the Chilean Navy. The vessel was originally ordered by the United Kingdom's Royal Navy as HMS H13, but was handed over to Chile in 1917 as H1.

Japanese submarine <i>I-201</i> 1st class submarine of the Imperial Japanese Navy

I-201 was the name ship of her class of high-speed submarines built for the Imperial Japanese Navy during World War II. She was commissioned in February 1945, and the war ended before she could carry out an operational patrol. She surrendered to the United States Navy in 1945 and was sunk as a target in 1946.

Peral was the first successful submarine to be entirely powered by electric batteries and the first fully military-capable submarine in history. It was built by the Spanish engineer and sailor Isaac Peral for the Spanish Navy at the Arsenal de la Carraca, the submarine was launched on 8 September 1888.

Russian submarine <i>AG-11</i> Russian submarine

The Russian submarine AG-11 was an AG-class submarine, designed by the American Holland Torpedo Boat Company/Electric Boat Company, built for the Imperial Russian Navy during World War I. The submarine was fabricated in Canada, shipped to Russia and reassembled for service with the Baltic Fleet.

Greek submarine <i>Xifias</i> (1913) Naval vessel

Xifias was a Greek submarine which served during World War I. It was the third submarine to enter service in the Greek navy, and the second and last vessel of the Delfin class. It was taken over by the French in 1916, and decommissioned in 1920 without seeing action.

Type UC III submarine

Type UC III minelaying submarines were used by the Imperial German Navy during World War I. They displaced 474 tonnes at the surface and 571 t submerged, carried guns, 7 torpedoes and up to 14 mines. The ships were double-hulled with improved range and sea-keeping compared to the UC II type. The type had better seagoing, maneuvering and turning capabilities than its predecessor, while underwater stability was reduced.

CosMoS CE2F were a series of swimmer delivery vehicles (SDV) built by M/s Cos.Mo.S Spa. which was based in Livorno, Italy.

Yugoslav submarine <i>Mališan</i> Yugoslav CB-class midget submarine

Mališan was a CB-class midget submarine that served in the Yugoslav Navy from 1953 to 1957. Laid down in 1943 by the Caproni company in Milan as CB-20, she was ordered by the Italian Regia Marina during World War II for harbour defence and anti-submarine warfare tasks, but she was incomplete at the time of the Italian surrender in September 1943.

French submarine <i>Amiral Bourgois</i> Experimental French Navy vessel

Amiral Bourgois was one of four experimental submarines ordered for the French Navy in 1906. Each boat was built to a different design and Amiral Bourgois was intended to test a novel powerplant. The experimental diesel engines took over six years to build and greatly delayed the boat's completion until 1913. Although engine problems plagued the submarine throughout her service, she was commissioned shortly after the start of the First World War in 1914, but never made an operational patrol. Amiral Bourgois was under repair when the war ended in 1918, but the work was cancelled shortly afterwards. The boat was struck the following year and offered for sale in 1920. There were no offers and she was used for torpedo testing in 1924–1926. The submarine was sold for scrap in 1927.

I-20 was one of five Type C cruiser submarines of the C1 sub-class built for the Imperial Japanese Navy. During World War II, she operated as the mother ship for a midget submarine during the attack on Pearl Harbor and the attack of Diego-Suarez, conducted war patrols in the Pacific Ocean and Indian Ocean, and served in the Guadalcanal campaign and New Guinea campaign. She was last heard from on 31 August 1943.

Japanese submarine <i>I-203</i>

The Japanese submarine I-203 was an I-201-class high-speed submarine built for the Imperial Japanese Navy during World War II. She was commissioned in May 1945, and the war ended before she could carry out an operational patrol. She surrendered to the United States Navy in 1945 and was sunk as a target in 1946.

References

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  2. ↑ "Personal Submersibles project page". www.psubs.org. Retrieved 13 August 2017.
  3. ↑ "More Euro-Subs ..." www.euronaut.org. Archived from the original on 13 August 2017. Retrieved 13 August 2017.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Wertheim, Eric (2007). naval institute guide to combat fleets of the world 15th edition. Naval Institute Press. ISBN   9781591149552 . Retrieved 18 June 2013.
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Helgason, Guðmundur. "Midget submarines - U-boat Types - German U-boats of WWII - Kriegsmarine". uboat.net. Retrieved 4 May 2019.
  6. ↑ "German Midget submarine operations - U-boat Operations - uboat.net". uboat.net.
  7. 1 2 3 4 5 Lenton, H.T. GERMAN WARSHIPS of the Second World War Arco Publishing (1976) pp. 285–286
  8. ↑ Taylor, J.C. German Warships of World War II Doubleday & Company (1967) p. 109
  9. ↑ Taylor, J.C. German Warships of World War II Doubleday & Company (1967) p.110
  10. ↑ Lenton, H.T. GERMAN WARSHIPS of the Second World War Arco Publishing (1976) p.212
  11. 1 2 Watts, Anthony J (2001). "Submarines". Jane's Underwater Warfare Systems, 2001-02 edition. IHS Inc (formally Jane's Information Group Inc). ISBN   978-0710623331.
  12. 1 2 Datta, Sujan (26 October 2014). "'Midgets' on navy mind". The Telegraph. New Delhi. Archived from the original on April 24, 2015. Retrieved 4 May 2019.
  13. ↑ "6 Made-in-India Submarines for Navy for 53,000 Crores".
  14. 1 2 Kemp, Paul (1996). Underwater Warriors. Arms & Armour Press. pp. 55–57. ISBN   1-85409-228-6.
  15. 1 2 "By sea & stealth: maritime special forces tend to arrive in hostile territory by sea and by stealth, but where once they would be delivered by rubber dinghies from a submarine now they are using Special Delivery Vehicles (SDV) and even midget submarines" . Retrieved December 1, 2005.
  16. ↑ Hearst Magazines (May 1942). "Jap Sub Had Guard to Cut Net in Harbor". Popular Mechanics. Hearst Magazines. pp. 71–. ISSN   0032-4558 . Retrieved 2 October 2011.{{cite book}}: |journal= ignored (help)
  17. ↑ "NOAA's Hawaii Undersea Research Laboratory (HURL)" . Retrieved 11 November 2014.
  18. 1 2 Watts, Anthony J. Japanese Warships of World War II Doubleday & Company (1967) p.213
  19. ↑ Watts, Anthony J. Japanese Warships of World War II Doubleday & Company (1967) p.216
  20. ↑ Kemp, Paul (1996). Underwater Warriors. Arms & Armour Press. pp. 225–228. ISBN   1-85409-228-6.
  21. ↑ Robert Gardiner, Conway's All the World's Fighting Ships 1922-1946, Naval Institute Press, 1980, pp. 311 and 361
  22. ↑ Preston, Antony (2001). The Royal Navy Submarine Service A Centennial History. Conway Maritime Press. p. 19. ISBN   0-85177-891-7.
  23. ↑ "Project APL. Deepstorm.ru" . Retrieved 11 November 2014.
  24. 1 2 "Spanish Foca & Tiburón midget subs" . Retrieved 24 June 2013.
  25. ↑ "Sea Dagger midget sub" . Retrieved 11 November 2014.
  26. ↑ "UVS-1300 Malen" . Retrieved 12 December 2014.
  27. 1 2 Funnell, Clifford (2009). "Submarines". Jane's Underwater Warfare Systems, 2009-10 edition. IHS Inc (formally Jane's Information Group Inc. ISBN   978-0710629029.
  28. ↑ Hobson, Robert (2004). Chariots of War. Ulric Publishing, pp. 61 & 62. ISBN   0-9541997-1-5
  29. ↑ Kemp, Paul (1996). Underwater Warriors. Arms & Armour Press. p. 158. ISBN   1-85409-228-6.
  30. ↑ Preston, Antony (2001). The Royal Navy Submarine Service: A Centennial History. Conway Maritime Press. p. 129. ISBN   0-85177-891-7.
  31. ↑ Colville, Tom. "Welfreighter". Archived from the original on 2005-09-22. Retrieved 2008-06-29.
  32. ↑ Cole, William (25 July 2009). "Prototype mini-sub shelved". DMZ Hawai'i. Archived from the original on 6 September 2018. Retrieved 5 September 2018– via Honolulu Star Advertiser.
  33. ↑ Kaharl, Victoria A. (1 October 1990). Water Baby: The Story of Alvin. Oxford University Press, USA. ISBN   0-19-506191-8.
  34. ↑ McCullough, George. "GIMIK OSS Project "FEU" in World War II" (PDF).
  35. ↑ Anderson, Jim; Smith, Dirk (December 2014). "GIMIK and SKIFF A tale of two semi-submersibles" (PDF). Studies in Intelligence. 58 (4): 19–29 – via Central Intelligence Agency.
  36. ↑ "Gimik | Battleship Cove". Battleship Cove. Retrieved 2023-10-14.
  37. ↑ Pike, John (7 July 2011). "Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle DSRV". GlobalSecurity.org. Retrieved 4 May 2019.
  38. ↑ Ryan, Mary (2011). "Rescuing Submariners: From DSRVs to the SRDRS" (PDF). Undersea Quarterly. 15 (2). Naval Undersea Museum Foundation: 1–6. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2014-03-25.
  39. ↑ McRaven, William (March 14, 2015). Hearing on National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015 and Oversight of Previously Authorized Programs before the Committee on Armed Services, House of Representatives, One Hundred Thirteenth Congress, Second Session (PDF). Subcommittee on Intelligence, Emerging Threats and Capabilities Hearing on Fiscal Year 2015 National Defense Authorization Budget Request from the U.S. Special Operations Command and Posture of the U.S. Special Operations Forces. Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office. Retrieved January 23, 2019.
  40. ↑ "Navy Tests First Midget Submarine As Close In Weapon". Popular Mechanics, February 1956, p. 124, bottom of page.
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