rva1945

The ARA San Luis (S-32) is a Type 209 diesel-powered submarine of the Argentine Navy.

I don't understand how the bow planes work, they are assymetric, the port plane points upwards and the starboard, downwards.

Thanks

Tony Fitzpatrick

I'm not a sub enthusiast so I can't say for sure.
Most subs I know can retract or fold them.

rva1945

I meant, which is the principle of operation for these assymetric planes?

Skip Asay

Actually, it's quite simple. To decrease depth, the starboard plane is deployed which acts the same as a standard type plane angled up. To increase depth, the port plane is deployed which acts the same as a standard plane angled down. True, there's only one at a time but it obviously works. It goes without saying that they can be deployed a little for slight changes in depth or all the way for greater changes.

Skip Asay

coast219

wouldn't just using only one control surface induce a rolling motion along the long axis?

Skip Asay

Since bow planes are generally only used at slow speeds, nonoticeableroll results.

Skip Asay