What is an emergency blow on a submarine?

An emergency main ballast tank blow is a procedure used aboard a submarine that forces high-pressure air into its main ballast tanks. The high-pressure air forces ballast water from the tanks, quickly lightening the ship so it can rapidly rise to the surface.

How do submarines emergency surface?

The emergency blow activator, or “chicken switch,” is located at the ballast control panel in the submarine’s attack center. Throwing the switch immediately blasts large volumes of compressed air into all of a submarine’s ballast tanks, bringing the boat to the surface as quickly as possible.

How high can a submarine breach?

Pick Your Spot. Typical submarines can break through about three feet of ice. Vessels that have been specifically strengthened can go through about nine feet.

How do submarines blow ballast?

The main ballast tanks are normally filled with sea water when the submarine is submerged. These tanks cannot be pumped; therefore, when the submarine is surfacing, compressed air must be used to blow the water out through the flood ports to the sea. Two separate systems are provided to blow the main ballast tanks.

What is a chicken switch on a submarine?

Maritime roots: In the Navy, a submariner would use the emergency blow activator or “hit the Chicken Switch” on the ballast control panel to blow compressed air into the ballasts on a submarine in an emergency. This action would rapidly ascend the vessel to the surface of the water.

How do submarines get air?

Oxygen onboard a submarine is released either through compressed tanks, an oxygen generator, or by some form of an ‘oxygen canister’ that works by electrolysis. Oxygen is either periodically released throughout the day at specific time intervals or whenever the computerized system detects a reduction in oxygen levels.

How thick ice can a submarine break through?

Also, while some submarines in the Arctic have features to help surface through the ice, they still cannot surface through ice that is greater than three meters (nine feet) thick. Submarines that are not ice-strengthened can only surface through ice that is less than one meter (three feet) thick.

Do submarines carry compressed air?

A supply of compressed air is maintained aboard the submarine in air flasks for life support and for use with the ballast tanks. In addition, the submarine has movable sets of short “wings” called hydroplanes on the stern (back) that help to control the angle of the dive.

Are submarines Pressurised?

Pressure increases by 1 atmosphere every 10 meters. So, yes—that submarine at 300 meters has a pressure on the hull of 31 atmospheres. Because the internal and external forces are not equal (but the surface areas are), there is a much greater force pushing on the outside of the hull than the inside.

Why is it called Chicken Switch?

Aerospace roots: Dictionary.com defines Chicken Switch as “a device by which an astronaut may eject the capsule in which he or she rides in the event that a rocket malfunctions.” Martek has made “Chicken Switch” a powerful name in electrical arc flash safety.

What kind of submarine is the 688 Attack Sub?

In popular culture. 688 Attack Sub, a 1989 MS-DOS submarine simulator, allowed the player to control a Los Angeles -class submarine during a set of Cold War missions. Jane’s 688 (i) Hunter/Killer, Sub Command, and Dangerous Waters developed by Sonalysts Inc. are video games where players control the 688i Los Angeles -class submarine.

Why does a 688 class submarine have a diesel engine?

The diesel engine in a 688 class can be quickly started by compressed air during emergencies or to evacuate noxious (non volatile) gases from the boat, although ‘ventilation’ requires raising a snorkel mast.

When was the first Los Angeles class submarine built?

The Los Angeles–class submarines, also known as the 688 class, were first designed in the early 1970s. The first ship, Los Angeles (SSN-688), was laid down in 1976.

What was the most successful submarine of the Cold War?

The Los Angeles–class nuclear attack submarines were the most successful American submarines of the Cold War. The United States built sixty-two Los Angeles–class subs, more than any class except for the Gato class of World War II. Fast, powerful and heavily armed, the submarines are slowly being replaced by Virginia-class attack boats.