16 Fascinating Facts About Submarines
Long before GPS, sonar apps, or digital navigation, submarines were already exploring the silent world beneath the sea. These underwater giants have shaped wars, broken records, and sparked curiosity in every corner of the world.
Let’s dive right into some of the most interesting things about submarines that most people don’t hear about in school.
Submarines don’t actually “sink” in the usual way
People often think submarines just drop down like rocks when they go underwater, but that’s not true. They don’t sink so much as they dive with purpose.
The first military submarine was hand-powered
Way before engines and nuclear reactors, there was a wooden craft called the Turtle. Built in 1775, this odd little sub was operated entirely by hand—using pedals and a crank to move through the water.
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Nuclear submarines can stay underwater for months
Unlike diesel subs that need to come up often for air, nuclear submarines are built to stay deep for long stretches. Their power source, a nuclear reactor, doesn’t need air like regular engines do.
They make their own oxygen
Being underwater for weeks isn’t a problem when you can make your own air. Submarines use machines that pull oxygen from the water or split water into hydrogen and oxygen using electricity.
Modern submarines are quieter than a car engine
Submarines are built for stealth, and that means staying silent is everything. Newer subs are so quiet that their noise can be lower than the hum of a household fridge.
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Not all submarines are military
When people think about submarines, war often comes to mind—but many subs are used for peaceful purposes. Research submarines study the deep sea, look at shipwrecks, or explore underwater volcanoes.
Submarines have escape pods and rescue hatches
Even though they’re safe most of the time, submarines still prepare for the worst. Many subs have small escape chambers or pods that can help the crew get out if the submarine gets stuck.
The pressure at deep depths is crushing
Water pressure increases the deeper you go, and submarines feel it hard. At deep sea levels, pressure can be hundreds of times stronger than at the surface.
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World War II saw the biggest growth in submarine use
Before WWII, submarines were still seen as somewhat experimental. But during the war, both the Axis and Allied forces used them heavily for attacks, spying, and supply missions.
Some submarines carry nuclear missiles
Not only are they powered by nuclear reactors, but some submarines also carry nuclear weapons. These submarines are part of what’s called a nuclear triad—land, air, and sea-based weapons.
Periscopes aren’t the only eyes on board
While periscopes are still used for looking above the water, modern subs rely on a lot more than just that simple tube. High-tech cameras, sonar systems, and radar-like tools help crews understand what’s around them.
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Space training sometimes happens on submarines
Believe it or not, astronauts have trained on submarines. Life in space and life underwater have a lot in common.
Some luxury subs are built just for fun
A few very rich people have their own personal submarines. These aren’t used for research or war—they’re just for underwater sightseeing.
The longest underwater patrol lasted over a hundred days
Submarine crews live under strict routines, with no sunlight, fresh air, or regular contact with the outside world. One British nuclear submarine once stayed underwater for more than a hundred days without surfacing.
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Cooking in submarines is a big deal
Feeding a crew underwater is no small job. There’s limited space and no fresh ingredients once the journey starts, so meals are carefully planned and stored.
Seasickness happens—yes, even underwater
Just because a sub is under the surface doesn’t mean the ride is always smooth. Submarines can still rock and move with underwater currents or when changing depth quickly.
Silent machines, loud impact
From tiny hand-cranked crafts to massive nuclear-powered giants, submarines have come a long way. They’ve gone from wooden experiments to being one of the most important tools in both science and warfare.
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