Read this it might inlighten you.

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/How_do_submarines_work


These types of discussions are always entertaining, but at some point reality has to rear it's ugly head.
How many types/classes of submarines past and present have retractable bow planes?
How many have retractable stern planes?
How many folks think the bow planes are retractable only to protect them from pier/docking damage?
I am no expert, but as far as model submarines go, I have shot underwater <font color="#000000">video</font> of probably 50 different models of all types and no model with bow planes in my library has matched the performance of a properly balanced Albacore or Skipjack.
They run like they are on rails.


Yes reality needs to be demonstrated all the time and it good.

 http://answers.yahoo.com/question/in...6140809AAtGCqP

How many types/classes of submarines past and present have retractable bow planes?

Alot more than do not.

How many have retractable stern planes?

Obviusly not necessary and irelavent in this dicution,though they have been known to take out a tug!

How many folks think the bow planes are retractable only to protect them from pier/docking damage?


That is the secound perpose of them being retractable not the primary which is to reduce bow noise where the sonor is located,besides haven't  you or anyone ever busted a bow plain on some obsticle,I have so made mine retract by hydralics,nice!Its common sense man.

I am no expert, but as far as model submarines go, I have shot underwater <font color="#000000">video</font> of probably 50 different models of all types and no model with bow planes in my library has matched the performance of a properly balanced Albacore or Skipjack.
They run like they are on rails.

Notice he says a properly ballnced Albacore or Skipjack,hey a cucomber properly ballanced will do the same nice and level as does a torpedoe,but go very slow and things change just a bit and control is everything and that is the reality of both model and full size subs if not why bother putting them on ,they are the experts not us ,I just on the other hand make it happen on my ladies,the ones I have left!
I hope this was sufficiently entertaining for you all ,to me its just hydrodynamics of subs 101.

BTW why arent more subs like the Albacore in shape,it is a good desighne ,but in hull only.Speed in the military is not everything as capabilities of detection ecetra increase the sub platform must cunform and compromise reached.
Dave