What was ASDIC and how did it work?
Asdic, later known as sonar, was a secret device for locating submerged submarines by using sound waves. It was named after the Anti-Submarine Detection Investigation Committee. It consisted of an electronic sound transmitter and receiver. This was housed in a metal dome beneath the ship’s hull.
When was ASDIC used?
Between 1939 and 1943, German U-boats have a clear advantage over Allied escort ships. They can close in on convoys without being detected, fire torpedoes and escape without too much difficulty. To counter their devastating attacks, Allied scientists will develop underwater (ASDIC) or surface (radar) detection systems.
How did Allies detect U-boats?
Sonar (ASDIC in Britain) allowed Allied warships to detect submerged U-boats (and vice versa) beyond visual range, but was not effective against a surfaced vessel; thus, early in the war, a U-boat at night or in bad weather was actually safer on the surface.
When did ASDIC become sonar?
Reference to ASDIC was still being used into the early 1960s. The year 1965 seems to be a watershed year in which the term SONAR became standard terminology thus generating other terms such as passive-sonar and active-sonar. The terms ASDIC and SONAR will be used ere depending on which is more historically appropriate.
What ASDIC sounds like?
In the book “Das Boot” it was described as like a shovel of gravel thrown against the hull.
How did they detect submarines in WW2?
Aircraft radar also evolved to became one the best ways to hunt submarines. Towards the end of WWII radar equipped aircraft is credited for most of Allied kills against U-Boats. Enemy submarines had great difficulty seeing the planes above them until it was too late.
How long could WW2 subs stay submerged?
48 hours
Two 126-cell battery groups gave her a submerged top speed of 8.75 knots (16.2 km/hr); holding her speed to 2 knots (4 km/hr), she could remain submerged for 48 hours. Before sonar became dependable, most submarine combat took place during the day, for the advantage of sunlight (depending on depths).
How long would a German U-boat stay underwater?
The Germans’ most formidable naval weapon was the U-boat, a submarine far more sophisticated than those built by other nations at the time. The typical U-boat was 214 feet long, carried 35 men and 12 torpedoes, and could travel underwater for two hours at a time.
Did German U-boats have sonar?
German U-boats of WW2 DID have active sonar..they just did not use it and it was eventually removed. (again these are under ideal conditions). An active ‘array’ would have given much greater range (probably out to 15000 meters).
Can you hear a submarine ping?
In short, yes. Sound propagates very well through the water compared to air. ASDIC was initially designed to work in a 14-22 KHz range, with 20 KHz being the high end of normal human hearing.
How loud is a submarine ping?
Sonar systems—first developed by the U.S. Navy to detect enemy submarines—generate slow-rolling sound waves topping out at around 235 decibels; the world’s loudest rock bands top out at only 130.
Who lost the most ships in WW2?
the U.S. Merchant Marine
According to the War Shipping Administration, the U.S. Merchant Marine suffered the highest rate of casualties of any service in World War II. Officially, a total of 1,554 ships were sunk due to war conditions, including 733 ships of over 1,000 gross tons.
How many submarines did the US lose in World war 2?
52 US submarines
In World War II, 52 US submarines were lost, with a total of 3,506 officers and enlisted men killed. The US Navy Submarine Service had the highest casualty percentage of any American forces in the War: about 20%.
Does it stink in a submarine?
You are probably wondering why I would call this post such thing… Since Submarines remain submerged with a sealed atmosphere they rely on a chemical called Amine to remove the carbon dioxide. This chemical makes everything stink.
Did ww2 submarines have showers?
Making fresh water from sea water meant running it through a condenser situated in the lower flat of the engine room. This process used up electricity that was being generated by an auxillary engine, which needed precious fuel to operate. As a result, we only had one shower a week.
How many U-boats are still missing?
According to the definitive website Uboat.org, a total of 50 German U-boats remained unaccounted for after the end of World War II.
Which country has the best submarines in ww2?
The Imperial Japanese Navy operated the most diverse fleet of submarines in the war, including midget submarines, medium-range submarines, and long-range fleet submarines. Japan also deployed the fastest subs, subs that could carry multiple aircraft, and subs equipped with the most advanced torpedoes.
How long could ww2 Subs stay submerged?
Can the US track Russian subs?
Tracking each other’s submarines was a major headache for the U.S. and the Soviet Union during the Cold War. Salt water is mostly opaque to electromagnetic radiation, so subs are invisible to radar. Sonar can locate underwater objects, but modern submarines are built to be very quiet.
Is active sonar lethal?
Low frequency active sonar (LFA sonar) is a dangerous technology that has the potential to kill, deafen and/or disorient whales, dolphins and all marine life, as well as humans, in the water.
Do submarines harm whales?
Unfortunately for many whales, dolphins and other marine life, the use of underwater sonar (short for sound navigation and ranging) can lead to injury and even death.
Are sonar pings lethal?
There are no noise-cancelling headphones to stop the U.S. Navy’s 235-decibel pressure waves of unbearable pinging and metallic shrieking. At 200 Db, the vibrations can rupture your lungs, and above 210 Db, the lethal noise can bore straight through your brain until it hemorrhages that delicate tissue.
Who had the strongest navy in ww2?
The largest naval fleet of all time belonged to the United States during World War II. At its peak, the U.S. Navy consisted of 6,768 vessels. Since that peak, most countries around the world have reduced the size of their navies, investing in fewer, but more capable ships or other assets entirely.
Who had the best navy in ww2?
1939 – 1945
At the beginning of World War II, the Royal Navy was the strongest navy in the world, with the largest number of warships built and with naval bases across the globe. It had over 15 battleships and battlecruisers, 7 aircraft carriers, 66 cruisers, 164 destroyers and 66 submarines.
How many Japanese subs were sunk in ww2?
128 submarines
The tremendous accomplishments of American submarines were achieved at the expense of 52 subs with 374 officers and 3,131 enlisted volunteers lost during combat against Japan; Japan lost 128 submarines during the Second World War in Pacific waters.