Submarine Survival During World War II: Factors and Longevity

During World War II, submarines played a critical role in the conflict due to their ability to operate beneath the ocean's surface. The duration a submarine could remain submerged varied significantly based on several factors, including maintenance, technology, and enemy detection. This article explores how long the best submarines could stay underwater during the war and the challenges they faced.

Submarines and Radiation Safety

Surviving the war as a submarine was more than just staying submerged; it meant enduring the hostile conditions and the unpredictable nature of enemy actions. One of the most significant threats to submarine survival was the aftermath of a nuclear conflict.

The novel On the Beach vividly illustrates the horror of such a scenario. The story follows the impact of nuclear war and the subsequent fallout, which would leave the Earth uninhabitable for any vessel that resurfaced. In a post-apocalyptic setting, submarines would need to remain submerged until the radiation levels on the ocean surface became safe and then find a safe location to resurface.

Factors Influencing Submarine Longevity

The endurance of a submarine primarily depended on its ability to conserve its resources and avoid detection. Non-nuclear submarines would likely face fuel shortages, requiring them to resurface to get diesel fuel. Nuclear submarines, on the other hand, had more extended endurance but were still subject to the depleting resources and the need for oxygen.

To extend their time underwater, submarines often employed various techniques such as spreading out CO2 absorbers to remove carbon dioxide from the air banks and recharging other air banks with stale air. Additionally, they would introduce oxygen from oxygen bottles to maintain breathable air. However, the exact limits of these techniques were not always tested, and the long-term sustainability of these methods was uncertain.

Recorded Submarine Survival Times

A notable example that underscores the potential longevity of submarines is the U-166. This German U-boat has been lurking under the ocean since July 1942, surviving an astonishing 80 years. While the U-166 case is beyond the span of the war, it demonstrates the incredible endurance a submarine can achieve with proper conditions.

While some hypothetical scenarios suggest submarines could theoretically remain underwater for up to 1000 years, the reality is much more complex and constrained by the practical needs of the crew and the ship's systems.

Conclusion

The endurance of submarines during World War II was a critical aspect of their operational success. While the best submarines could theoretically stay submerged for months, their actual time underwater was often limited by factors such as fuel availability, air quality, and the need to avoid detection. The U-166 case offers a fascinating glimpse into the potential longevity of submarines, but it also highlights the practical challenges they faced during their missions.

Understanding these factors is essential for appreciating the technical and tactical advancements made during the war and for future maritime operations.