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Submarine Parts and Equipment Basics

Explore the fascinating world of submarine parts and equipment

By Kathryn Keep
The military originally developed submarine equipment and technology for war. Today, submarines play a key role in research, tourism and underwater filming. Privately owned submarines are generally smaller than those used by the military and get their power from electricity generated by diesel fuel. Most military submarines today use nuclear power.

To classify as a submarine, a ship must operate underwater without support from a larger ship, otherwise it classifies as a submersible. Here are a few submarine parts and equipment basics:

1. The pressure hull is usually made of two separate metal hulls that protect those inside from the high pressure underwater.

2. Ballast tanks fill with water to submerge the submarine or air to lift the submarine to the surface.

3. GPS technology, which works deep under the surface while a periscope works only at the surface, acts as an integral part of submarine equipment.

 

Learn more about the parts of a submarine

Technology has advanced the capabilities of submarines through the years, but the basic concept remains the same. A brief history of submarines can help you determine the key parts of a submarine. A tour of submarine can also help you learn the parts, their placement and their uses.
Try: Explain That Stuff describes key submarine parts in detail as well as a brief history of submarines. Nautilus has a list of historical submarines located in the US and worldwide that you can tour.

Find information on specific submarine engines for sale

There are many different submarine engines in use today that allow submarines to stay submerged longer and at greater depths than ever before.
Try: FleetSubmarine.com offers detailed information about submarine propulsion systems. Kokes Marine Technologies describes the latest technology available in its submarine engines, such as argon drive closed cycle diesel engines that use inert argon gas as a recyclable catalyst for the combustion reaction in the engine.

Search for submarine equipment online

Finding submarine parts may not be easy. Some companies specialize in submarine gear rather than parts. You can often find used submarines for sale at auction, which you can use for scrap. If you can't find the part you need, look for a company that manufacturer's parts or that can find parts for you.
Try: Government Liquidation is the official site for the sale of submarine surplus and junk marine equipment for the US military. Century Components sells spare parts for military equipment including submarines. If you don't see the part you need in its inventory, contact the company; it may be able to find you the part you need.

 

  • Some people are looking to submarine surplus as their shelter in case of biological, chemical or nuclear attack. Even without going underwater, a submarine is a sealed environment.
  • Safety is of key importance in submarine design and use. Submarine sellers often offer classes for the safe operating of your submarine. Pilot training courses are necessary for anyone operating a submarine.

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