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fighting ships of the world

UNITED STATES NAVY (UNITED STATES OF AMERICA)

SUBMARINES

TENCH submarines (1944-1951)

Argonaut 1945

Trutta 1945

Spinax 1946

Requin 1954

nearly sister-ship Halfbeak 1954

nearly sister-ship Carp 1953

 

nearly sister-ship Sea Poacher 1953

 

nearly sister-ship Razorback 1955

 

nearly sister-ship Clamagore 1963

No Name Yard No Builder Laid down Launched Comm Fate
SS417, 10.1969- AGSS417, 6.1971- SS417 Tench   Portsmouth N Yd 4.1944 7.7.1944 10.1944 auxiliary submarine 10.1969, attack submarine 6.1971, stricken 8.1973, to Peru (spares)
SS418 Thornback   Portsmouth N Yd 4.1944 7.7.1944 10.1944 to Turkey 7.1971 (Uluç Ali Reis)
SS419, 4.1948- SSR419, 3.1961- SS419, 12.1963- AGSS419 Tigrone   Portsmouth N Yd 5.1944 20.7.1944 10.1944 radar picket submarine 4.1948, attack submarine 3.1961, auxiliary submarine 12.1963, stricken 6.1975
SS420 Tirante   Portsmouth N Yd 4.1944 9.8.1944 11.1944 stricken 10.1973
SS421 Trutta (ex-Tomatate)   Portsmouth N Yd 5.1944 18.8.1944 11.1944 to Turkey 7.1972 (Cerbe)
SS422, 7.1962- AGSS422 Toro   Portsmouth N Yd 5.1944 23.8.1944 12.1944 auxiliary submarine 7.1962, stricken 4.1963
SS423, 5.1968- AGSS423 Torsk   Portsmouth N Yd 6.1944 6.9.1944 12.1944 auxiliary submarine 5.1968, unclassified miscellaneous submarine IXSS423 6.1971
SS424 Quillback (ex-Trembler)   Portsmouth N Yd 6.1944 1.10.1944 12.1944 stricken 3.1973
SS425 Trumpetfish 559 Cramp, Philadelphia 8.1943 13.5.1945 1.1946 to Brazil 10.1973 (Goiás)
SS426 Tusk 560 Cramp, Philadelphia 8.1943 8.7.1945 4.1946 to Taiwan 10.1973 (海豹 [Hai Pao])
SS427 Turbot 561 Cramp, Philadelphia 11.1943 12.4.1946 --- cancelled 12.8.1945
SS428 Ulua 562 Cramp, Philadelphia 11.1943 23.4.1946 --- cancelled 12.8.1945
SS429 Unicorn 563 Cramp, Philadelphia --- --- --- cancelled 29.7.1944
SS430 Vandace 561 Cramp, Philadelphia --- --- --- cancelled 29.7.1944
SS431 Walrus 565 Cramp, Philadelphia --- --- --- cancelled 29.7.1944
SS432 Whitefish 566 Cramp, Philadelphia --- --- --- cancelled 29.7.1944
SS433 Whiting 567 Cramp, Philadelphia --- --- --- cancelled 29.7.1944
SS434 Wolffish 568 Cramp, Philadelphia --- --- --- cancelled 29.7.1944
SS435, 4.1960- AGSS435 Corsair 123 Electric Boat, Groton 3.1945 3.5.1946 11.1946 auxiliary submarine 4.1960, stricken 2.1963
SS436 Unicorn 124 Electric Boat, Groton 4.1945 1.8.1946 (9/1946) accepted without commission, stricken 6.1958
SS437 Walrus 125 Electric Boat, Groton 6.1945 20.9.1946 (10/1946) accepted without commission, stricken 6.1958
SS475 Argonaut   Portsmouth N Yd 6.1944 1.10.1944 1.1945 to Canada 12.1968 (Rainbow)
SS476, 2.1969- AGSS476 Runner   Portsmouth N Yd 7.1944 17.10.1944 2.1945 auxiliary submarine 2.1969, Naval Reserve TS 1970, unclassified miscellaneous submarine IXSS476 6.1971
SS477, 3.1962- AGSS477 Conger   Portsmouth N Yd 7.1944 17.10.1944 2.1945 auxiliary submarine 3.1962, stricken 8.1963
SS478 Cutlass   Portsmouth N Yd 7.1944 5.11.1944 3.1945 to Taiwan 4.1973 (海獅 [Hai Shih])
SS479, 7.1962- AGSS479 Diablo   Portsmouth N Yd 8.1944 1.12.1944 3.1945 auxiliary submarine 7.1962, to Pakistan 6.1964 (غازی [Ghazi])
SS480, 5.1967- AGSS480, 10.1969- SS480 Medregal   Portsmouth N Yd 8.1944 15.12.1944 4.1945 auxiliary submarine 5.1967, attack submarine 10.1969, stricken 8.1970
SS481, 1.1948- SSR481, 8.1959- SS481, 6.1968- AGSS481 Requin   Portsmouth N Yd 8.1944 1.1.1945 4.1945 radar picket submarine 1946, attack submarine 8.1959, auxiliary submarine 6.1968, Naval Reserve TS 1969, unclassified miscellaneous submarine IXSS481 6.1971
SS482, 6.1969- AGSS482 Irex   Portsmouth N Yd 10.1944 26.1.1945 5.1945 auxiliary submarine 6.1969, stricken 11.1969
SS483 Sea Leopard   Portsmouth N Yd 11.1944 2.3.1945 6.1945 to Brazil 3.1973 (Bahia)
SS484 Odax   Portsmouth N Yd 12.1944 10.4.1945 7.1945 to Brazil 7.1972 (Rio de Janeiro)
SS485 Sirago   Portsmouth N Yd 1.1945 11.5.1945 8.1945 stricken 6.1972
SS486 Pomodon   Portsmouth N Yd 1.1945 12.6.1945 9.1945 stricken 8.1970
SS487 Remora   Portsmouth N Yd 3.1945 12.7.1945 1.1946 to Greece 10.1973 (Κατσώνης [Katsonis])
SS488, 7.1962- AGSS488 Sarda   Portsmouth N Yd 4.1945 24.8.1945 4.1946 auxiliary submarine 7.1962, stricken 6.1964
SS489, 1.1948- SSR489, 8.1959- SS489, 6.1969- AGSS489 Spinax   Portsmouth N Yd 5.1945 20.11.1945 9.1946 radar picket submarine, attack submarine 8.1959, auxiliary submarine 6.1969, stricken 10.1969
SS490 Volador   Portsmouth N Yd 6.1945 17.1.1946 10.1948 to Italy 8.1972 (Gianfranco Gazzana Priaroggia)
SS491 Pompano   Portsmouth N Yd 7.1945 --- --- cancelled 12.8.1945
SS492 Grayling   Portsmouth N Yd --- --- --- cancelled 12.8.1945
SS493 Needlefish   Portsmouth N Yd --- --- --- cancelled 12.8.1945
SS494 Sculpin   Portsmouth N Yd --- --- --- cancelled 12.8.1945
SS516 Wahoo   Portsmouth N Yd 5.1944 --- --- cancelled 7.1.1946
SS517     Portsmouth N Yd 5.1944 --- --- cancelled 29.7.1944
SS522 Amberjack   Boston N Yd, Charlestown 2.1944 15.12.1944 3.1946 to Brazil 10.1972 (Ceará)
SS523 Grampus   Boston N Yd, Charlestown 2.1944 15.12.1944 10.1947 to Brazil 7.1972 (Rio Grande do Sul)
SS524 Pickerel   Boston N Yd, Charlestown 2.1944 15.12.1944 4.1949 to Italy 8.1972 (Primo Longobardo)
SS525 Grenadier   Boston N Yd, Charlestown 2.1944 15.12.1944 2.1951 to Venezuela 5.1973 (Picua)
SS526 Dorado   Boston N Yd, Charlestown 1944 --- --- cancelled 29.7.1944
SS527 Comber   Boston N Yd, Charlestown --- --- --- cancelled 29.7.1944
SS528 Sea Panther   Boston N Yd, Charlestown --- --- --- cancelled 29.7.1944
SS529 Tiburon   Boston N Yd, Charlestown --- --- --- cancelled 29.7.1944

 

Data variant as commissioned except SS489, 490, 523-525

Displacement standard, t

  

Displacement normal, t

1845 / 2415

Length, m

92.2 wl 95.0 oa

Breadth, m

8.31

Draught, m

4.70

No of shafts

2

Machinery

SS417-424, 475-491, 522-525: 4 Fairbanks-Morse diesel-generators / 4 electric motors

SS435-437: 4 General Motors diesel-generators / 4 electric motors

Power, h. p.

5400 / 2740

Max speed, kts

20.25 / 8.75

Fuel, t

diesel oil 378 - 472
Endurance, nm(kts) 11000 (10) - 12000 (10) / 96 (2)

Armament

SS417 - 424: 1 x 1 - 127/25 Mk 17, 1 x 1 - 40/56 Mk 1.2, 1 x 1 - 20/70 Mk 4, 10 - 533 TT (24 torpedoes or 40 mines, 6 bow, 4 stern)

SS425, 426, 435 - 437: 1 x 1 - 127/25 Mk 40, 1 x 1 - 40/60 Mk 3, 1 x 1 - 20/70 Mk 10, 10 - 533 TT (24 torpedoes or 40 mines, 6 bow, 4 stern)

SS475 - 486: 2 x 1 - 127/25 Mk 17, 1 x 1 - 40/56 Mk 1.2, 1 x 1 - 20/70 Mk 4, 10 - 533 TT (28 torpedoes or 40 mines, 6 bow, 4 stern)

SS487, 488, 522: 2 x 1 - 127/25 Mk 40, 1 x 1 - 40/60 Mk 3, 1 x 1 - 20/70 Mk 10, 10 - 533 TT (28 torpedoes or 40 mines, 6 bow, 4 stern)

Electronic equipment

presumably SS417 - 424: SD, SJ, ST radars, WDA, JP sonars, APR-1 ECM suite

presumably SS475 - 482: SJ, ST, SV radars, WDA, JP sonars, APR-1 ECM suite

presumably SS425, 426, 435, 483 - 488, 522: SS, ST, SV radars, WFA, JT sonars, APR-1 ECM suite

Complement

60

Diving depth operational, m

SS417 - 437: 120

SS475 - 529: 135

   

Project history: Further development of Gato and Balao classes. Design of new submarine received enhanced internal subdivision on compartments, hull durability also was raised, that has led to displacement growth approximately on 35-40t. In remaining they differed from predecessors a little. Last series, from SS475, was projected on the bigger operational diving depth (135 m, maximum permissible 225m), besides, they had increased to 28 torpedo stowage.

In total in 1942-1943 146 new submarines were ordered (SS417-562), however in 1944-1945 building of 112 boats (SS427-434, 438-474, 491-515, 517-521 and 526-562) was cancelled. In 1946 also SS516 was cancelled, and building of SS436 and 437 was suspended and eventually they were sold for scrap incomplete. As a result 31 boat were completed only.

Modernizations: 1945, Requin: + 6 x 12 - 127 Mk 51 RL

1.1946, SS417-424: 10 - 533 TT (6 bow, 4 stern, 24), 1 x 1 - 127/25 Mk 40, 1 x 1 - 40/60 Mk 3, 1 x 1 - 20/70 Mk 10, SD, SJ, ST radars, WDA, JP sonars, APR-1 ECM suite

1.1946, SS475-486: 10 - 533 TT (6 bow, 4 stern, 28), 2 x 1 - 127/25 Mk 40, 1 x 1 - 40/60 Mk 3, 1 x 1 - 20/70 Mk 10, SS or SJ, ST, SV radars, WFA, JT sonars, APR-1 ECM suite

1946 - 1953, part of submarines was converted to radar pickets by Migraine program with data as given in the table.

 

9.1946 (as completed), Spinax; 1946, Requin: converted by Migraine program, they can use their radars only when surfaced, later converted submarines had snorkel and can use radars in cruise position.

1948, Tigrone: was converted by Migraine I program

1950, Requin, Spinax: were converted by Migraine II program

Data variant Migraine conversion

Displacement standard, t

  

Displacement normal, t

Migraine 0, I: 1525 / 2410

Migraine II: 1570 / 2410

Length, m

95.1

Breadth, m

8.30

Draught, m

  

No of shafts

2

Machinery

4 Fairbanks-Morse diesel-generators / 2 electric motors

Power, h. p.

4610 / 1750

Max speed, kts

17 / 8

Fuel, t

diesel oil 378 - 472
Endurance, nm(kts) 12000 (10) /

Armament

1 x 1 - 40/60 Mk 3, 4 - 533 TT (12, bow)

Electronic equipment

Migraine: SS, SV-1, SV-2 radars, WFA, JT sonars, APR-1 ECM suite

Migraine I: SS, SV-1, SV-2, BPS-2 radars, sonars, WFA, JT sonars, APR-1 ECM suite

Migraine II: SS, SV, SV-2, SR-2 radars, sonars, WFA, JT sonars, APR-1 ECM suite

Complement

Migraine I: 82 - 90

Migraine II: 82 - 85

Diving depth operational, m

Migraine 0, II: 135

Migraine I: 120

 

1947, Odax, Pomodon:  were reconstructed by GUPPY I design, as follows: new, more powerful enlarged battery was installed, hull, CT and superstructure were streamlined, all guns were removed. See data in the table.

Data variant GUPPY I modernization

Displacement standard, t

  

Displacement normal, t

1830 / 2440

Length, m

93.6

Breadth, m

8.20

Draught, m

5.20

No of shafts

2

Machinery

4 Fairbanks-Morse diesel-generators / 4 electric motors

Power, h. p.

4610 / 5400

Max speed, kts

18 / 18

Fuel, t

diesel oil 378 - 472
Endurance, nm(kts) 11000 (10) / 96 (2)

Armament

10 - 533 TT (24 torpedoes or 40 mines, 6 bow, 4 stern)

Electronic equipment

 SS, ST, SV radars, BQR-2, BQS-2, JT sonars, APR-1 ECM suite

Complement

82

Diving depth operational, m

 135

 

1947, Grampus (as commissioned); 1948, Volador (as commissioned); 1949, Pickerel (as commissioned); 1951, Grenadier (as commissioned); 1947, Remora; 1948, Trumpetfish, Tusk, Cutlass, Amberjack; 1949, Sea Leopard, Sirago; 1951, Odax, Pomodon were commissioned by GUPPY II design and modernized, as follows: new, more powerful and enlarged battery was installed, hull, CT and superstructure were streamlined, all guns were removed. Snorkel was installed. See data in the table.

Data variant GUPPY II modernization

Displacement standard, t

  

Displacement normal, t

1870 / 2440

Length, m

93.6

Breadth, m

8.20

Draught, m

5.20

No of shafts

2

Machinery

4 Fairbanks-Morse diesel-generators / 4 electric motors

Power, h. p.

4610 / 5400

Max speed, kts

18 / 16 (9 with snorkel)

Fuel, t

diesel oil 378 - 472
Endurance, nm(kts) 11000 (10) / 96 (2)

Armament

10 - 533 TT (24 torpedoes or 40 mines, 6 bow, 4 stern)

Electronic equipment

 SS, ST, SV radars, BQR-2, BQS-2, JT or SQR-3 sonars, APR-1 ECM suite

Complement

82

Diving depth operational, m

SS425, 476: 120

SS478, 483 - 487, 522: 135

 

1947, Irex; 1952, Torsk, Argonaut, Runner, Medregal; 1964, Diablo: were modernized by "Fleet Snorkel" design, as follows: CT and superstructure were streamlined, all guns were removed. Snorkel was installed. Data was as given in the table.

Data variant Fleet Snorkel modernization

Displacement standard, t

  

Displacement normal, t

1830 / 2440

Length, m

95.0

Breadth, m

8.31

Draught, m

5.20

No of shafts

2

Machinery

4 Fairbanks-Morse diesel-generators / 4 electric motors

Power, h. p.

4610 / 2700

Max speed, kts

20 / 10 (6.5 with snorkel)

Fuel, t

diesel oil 378 - 472
Endurance, nm(kts) 11000 (10) / 96 (2)

Armament

1 x 1 - 127/25 Mk 40 (few), 10 - 533 TT (24 torpedoes or 40 mines, 6 bow, 4 stern)

Electronic equipment

 SS, ST, SV radars, BQR-2, BQS-2, JT or SQR-3 sonars, APR-1 ECM suite

Complement

82

Diving depth operational, m

SS423: 120

SS475, 476, 479, 480, 482: 135

 

1950, Tench: was modernized by GUPPY IA design, as follows: battery was enlarged, hull, CT and superstructure were streamlined, all guns were removed. Snorkel was installed. See data in the table.

Data variant GUPPY IA modernization

Displacement standard, t

  

Displacement normal, t

1830 / 2440

Length, m

93.6

Breadth, m

8.20

Draught, m

5.20

No of shafts

2

Machinery

4 Fairbanks-Morse diesel-generators / 4 electric motors

Power, h. p.

4610 / 5400

Max speed, kts

18 / 15 (7.5 with snorkel)

Fuel, t

diesel oil 378 - 472
Endurance, nm(kts) 11000 (10) / 96 (2)

Armament

10 - 533 TT (24 torpedoes or 40 mines, 6 bow, 4 stern)

Electronic equipment

 SS, SV, BPS-1 radars, BQR-2, BQS-2, JT or SQR-3 sonars, APR-1 ECM suite

Complement

82

Diving depth operational, m

120

 

1952, Tirante; 1953, Thornback, Trutta, Quillback: were modernized by GUPPY IIA design, as follows: battery was enlarged, hull, CT and superstructure were streamlined, all guns were removed. Snorkel and new sonars were installed. One diesel was removed. SS418 Thornback can also used as target. See data in the table.

Data variant GUPPY IIA modernization

Displacement standard, t

  

Displacement normal, t

1848 / 2440

Length, m

93.6

Breadth, m

8.20

Draught, m

5.20

No of shafts

2

Machinery

3 Fairbanks-Morse diesel-generators / 4 electric motors

Power, h. p.

3430 / 5400

Max speed, kts

17 / 15

Fuel, t

diesel oil 378 - 472
Endurance, nm(kts) 11000 (10) / 96 (2)

Armament

10 - 533 TT (24 torpedoes or 40 mines, 6 bow, 4 stern)

Electronic equipment

 BPS-1, BPS-4, SS radars, BQR-2, BQS-2, SQR-3 sonars, APR-1 ECM suite

Complement

82

Diving depth operational, m

 120

 

1956 - 1960, all "Migraine I and II" submarines were reconverted to conventional attack submarines, all additional radars were removed.

 

1962, Trumpetfish, Pickerel; 1963, Remora, Volador: were modernized by GUPPY III design, as follows: Hull was longed, CT was replaced by new. New sonars were installed. Submarines can launch Mk 45 Astor nuclear torpedoes. Data was as given in the table.

Data variant GUPPY III modernization

Displacement standard, t

  

Displacement normal, t

1975 / 2450

Length, m

99.5

Breadth, m

8.20

Draught, m

5.20

No of shafts

2

Machinery

4 Fairbanks-Morse diesel-generators / 4 electric motors

Power, h. p.

4610 / 5400

Max speed, kts

17.2 / 14.5

Fuel, t

diesel oil 378 - 472
Endurance, nm(kts) 11000 (10) / 96 (2)

Armament

10 - 533 TT (24 torpedoes or 40 mines, 6 bow, 4 stern)

Electronic equipment

 BPS-1, BPS-4, BPS-5 radars, BQR-2, BQS-2, SQR-3, BQG-4 PUFFS (most submarines), BLR-1 ECM suite

Complement

86

Diving depth operational, m

SS425: 120

SS487, 490, 524: 135

 

Naval service: Diablo and Medregal were sunk at trials of new weapons in 1971 and 1970 respectively.

Argonaut 1946

Spinax 1956

© Ivan Gogin, 2014-15