Do Submarines Use Periscopes Instead of Sonar When Submerged?
When submarines are submerged under water, it's not accurate to assume they rely solely on periscopes for navigation and observation. There are actually multiple tools at their disposal, with sonar being a key component of their underwater navigation arsenal. This article aims to clarify the role of periscopes and sonar in submarine operations and answer the common question: do submarines use periscopes instead of sonar when they are submerged?
The Role of Periscopes
Periscopes are an integral part of a submarine's equipment, used primarily for observation when the submarine is at periscope depth or when fully surfaced. Periscope depth refers to the position where the periscopes extend above the water's surface. At periscope depth, a submarine can achieve a certain degree of visibility that is limited by the curvature of the Earth. Although underwater visibility is poor, periscopes can be used to observe the sea surface and identify potential targets or threats.
When fully surfaced, submarines can benefit from much greater distances of visibility through their masts and periscopes. A fully surfaced submarine’s ranging visibility can exceed 10 miles, depending on the height of the mast and the weather conditions. However, it's important to note that this height advantage is temporary and can only be maintained until the submarine submerges again. This makes periscopes a valuable tool for gathering vital intelligence and assessing threats when the submarine is ready to surfacing or when close to the surface.
The Role of Sonar
When submerged, submarines rely heavily on sonar technology for navigation, communication, and situational awareness. Sonar operates by emitting sound waves and measuring the time it takes for the sound to bounce back from objects in the water. This information allows submarines to detect other vessels, submarines, and even underwater terrain.
Sonar can be classified into two main types: active and passive. Active sonar emits sound waves and listens for the echo, which enables submarines to actively locate and identify objects. Passive sonar, on the other hand, listens for the sounds made by other vessels without emitting sound waves, making submarines less detectable.
Despite the limitations of periscopes underwater, sonar provides a more reliable and comprehensive means of detecting and navigating in the vast depths of the ocean. It is used continuously, even when the submarine is at periscope depth, to compensate for the periscopes' inability to function effectively in water.
Contrasting Sonar and Periscopes
It's common for people to wonder if submarines use periscopes instead of sonar when submerged. The answer is a clear no. Submarines have both periscopes and sonar, and sonar is used almost all the time. Periscopes are reserved for specific scenarios, such as when the submarine is at periscope depth or when it needs to surface to gather visual intelligence. This dual approach ensures that submarines are equipped with the best tools for situational awareness and navigation, regardless of their depth.
Conclusion
In summary, submarines use both periscopes and sonar, integrating these technologies to enhance their overall situational awareness. While periscopes provide limited visibility and intelligence when the submarine is at periscope depth or surfaced, sonar offers continuous and reliable detection and navigation capabilities underwater. Understanding the roles of these tools is crucial for comprehending how submarines operate in their challenging underwater environment.