Submarine Recognition Guide

8/3/2019 Submarine Recognition Guide

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HOW TO REPORT

Military-In accordance with appropriate instructions of

the respective services,

Civilian-In accordance with current procedures of the

CIRVIS/MERENT program or to the nearest naval or

military command.

WHAT TO REPORT

1. Submarines or objects thought to be submarines.

Include:

2. Position and time of sighting.

3. Amplifying information.

PHOTOGRAPHS

Every effort should be made to take as many photographs

of the submarine or object as possible. Undeveloped film

or prints and negatives should be forwarded with a letter

report or other identifying informatio.tr to the Director of

Naval Intelligence, Pentagon, Washin,t n,..26, D.C,

N AV AL C OM M AN D S

Appropriate Naval commands are located in:

BOSTON-Commandant, 1st Naval District.

NEW YORK-Commandant, 3d Naval District.

PHILADELPHIA-Commandant, 4th Naval District.

NORFOLK-Commandant, 5th Naval Distriet.

CHARLESTON, S.C.-Cemmandant, 6th Naval District.

NEW ORLEANS-Commandant. 8th Naval District.

SAN JUAN-Commandant, 10th Naval District.

SAN DIEGO-Commandant, 11th Naval District.

SAN FRANCISCO-Commandant, 12th Naval District.

SEATTLE-Cemmandant, 13th Naval District

PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii-Commandant, 14th

Naval District.

BALBOA, C.Z.-Commandant, 15th Naval District.

K.ODIAK, ALASK:A-Commandant. 17th Naval District.

TOKYO, JAPAN-Commander Naval Forces, Japan.

LONDON ommander Naval Forces, Eastern Atlanticand MeditErranean.

G R AP H S OF T H E SUBMARINE!. .~This Manual Revises and Supersedes uSttbmarinew'Recognition Manual'



P u r p o s e o f t h e M a n u a lThe submarine, because of its ability to avoid detection and operate

at close striking range, remains a constant and formidable threat to

our national security. This manual-describing recognition both

from the air and from the surface-is designed to minimize the sub-

marine's threat to our national security program by helping military

and civilian observers to recognize accurately and report all sub-

marines sighted to the proper government authorities.



P a r t I

From the Air .

Wake Characteristics

Submarine Vs. Surface Craft

The Effect of Speed on Wakes

The Effect of Altitude on Visibility

The Snorkel .

Snorkel Wake Characteristics

Snorkel Wake Vs. Periscope Wake

Submarine Diving .

Whales Are Easily Confused with Submarines

Other Elements Easily Confused .

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

,2



",,,,The submarine has a narrow

deck over a long dark hull-

most of which is under water

even when the vessel is sur-faced. The stern is narrow-

often. coming to a point.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,

The conning tower is approxi-

mately amidships. Extending

above it when in use are the

periscope snorkel and other

operational gear.

\\\,\The exact positioning of the

deck guns varies with the spe-

cific type of submarine but are

usualJy fore and aft of the con-ning tower. These guns may

include anti-aircraft as well as

calibres ranging as high as S"to 6".

3



STERN WAKE

A churning water disturb-

ance that streams out at a

wide angle to the submarine.

HULL TURBULENCE

Disturbed water which out-

lines the vessel's hull in foam.

4

BOW WAVE

A sharp, acute angle wave

which opens from the bow.



S u b m a r i n e V s . S u r f a c e C r a f t . . .

In general, the wider-angled bow

of a surface craft displaces more

water, and its bow wave is blunter

than the sharp-pointed "V" of the

submarine.

H U LL T U R B U LE NCE - - - - - -In general, white foam clings

closely to the submarine's hull,

while from a surface craft it fades

over a wider area. The surface

craft's broader hull turbulence

also shows a definite break from

the propeller wash, while the sub-

marine's blends more smoothly

into its wake.T E R N W AK E _

A submarine's wake forms a defi-

nite right angle to its course only

at high speeds, while a surface

vessel because of its wide tran-

som generally shows a prominent

stern wake even at low speeds.

s



T h e E f f e c t o f S p e e d o n W a k e s . . .

6 K n o t s

I

I

I,,Practically no stern wake,

but hull is outlined in foam.

6

1 0 K n o t s

••

••••••••Skin turbulence blends into

wake track lengthens, bow

wave becomes visible.

I S K n o t s 20 K n o t s

I,I,,Hull turbulence and pro-

peller wash are separate .

•••

•••••••••Bow wave becomes a better

defined acute angle.



T h e E f f e c t o f A l t i t u d e o n V i s i b i l i t y . . .

• Under favorable weather conditions increases inaltitude tend to sharpen the definition of wake pat-

terns. The only other change effected by increasing

altitude is a proportionate reduction in scale.

5 , 0 0 0F t .

5 0 0 F t.

1 5 , 0 0 0 F t .

7



· . S n o r k e l

World War II illustrated the effectiveness

of the snorkel type submarine. Its ability to

remain submerged for indefinite periods of

time makes detection increasingly difficult and

strengthens its position as an offensive weapon,

so look particularly for submarines operatingunder this device. When reporting, if at all

possible, state whether submarine is.a snorkel

or conventional type.

Snorkel in Operation:

8

is housed like a periscope

and is invisible when in se-

cured position.

,, .,, 'l . . . . 1

[:~;

r L i, .

.,Older type externally fitted

snorkel is secured on the

deck in a horizontal position.

The periscope is generally

located a few feet forward of

- - - - the snorkel and is extended in

most cases when the snorkel

is in operation.



S n o r k e l W a k e C h a r a c t e r i s t i c s . . .

1. At close range, smoke or

vapor can often be seen com-

ing from the snorkel.

2. In heavy seas, bubbling and

increased turbulence are visible

when water breaks over the

stack.

3. Under good visibility condi-

tions, two distinct objects can

be detected within the turbu-

lence - one the periscope; the

other the snorkel.9



S n o r k e W a k e V s . P e r i s c o p e W a k e . . .

- - - - A small wake caused by the

periscope precedes the main

body of the wake. The snorkel's

larger stack causes increased

turbulence giving a wider and

more irregular angle to the

wake.

- - - -

The periscope creates only a

small wake with sharp, feather-

like waves. Very little turbu-

lence appears in the center of

the wake.

10



S u b m a r i n e D i v i n g

. .

To avoid being spotted, a submarine

can clive within a period of seconds.However, in so doing it leaves a water

disturbance that remains visible for

several minutes afterwards .

60 seconds 11



· W h a l e s : a r e E a s i l y C o n f u s e d w i t h S u b m a r i n e s . . .L-_ •• ~ ' :.:..

Sub

12

Whales and blackfish, in general appearance, are surpris-

ingly like submarines and when surfaced also create

similar water disturbances. However, in one respect

they are different - they leave no trailing wake.

Whale

Sub

Sub

Whale

Whale



O t h e r E l e m e n t s E a s i l y C o n f u s e d . . .Oil slicks, wind slicks, etc., are often mistaken

as indicating the presence of a submarine.Examine all suchwater disturbances, but make

your evaluation carefully.

Wind Slick

Wreck

Land Spot

Oil Slick

13



· C o n t e n t s P a r t I I

From the Surface . 15

Surface Craft Are Often Mistaken for Subs . 16 & 17

Whales Are Easily Confused With Submarines 18

Other Elements Easily Confused , 19

14



##,II,

The streamlined submarine

shows a long, low, clean deck line.

,,,,,,,,

,,,,,,The conning tower is generally

the most prominent feature of a

submarine. Extending above it

when in use are the periscope,

snorkel and other operational gear.

,,,,•eck guns are generally placed

on raised platforms or on the

main deck forward and/or aft

of the conning tower.

15



S u r f a c e C r a f t a r e O f t e n M i s t a k e n f o r S u b s . . .

At a distance a surface vessel,

with superstructure amid-

ships and hull partially

obscured by swells, closely

resembles a submarine.

Surface Craft

Submarine

Make your evaluation care-

fully, but don't overlook the

possibility of a refueling sub-

marine hidden in the shadow

of a merchant vessel.

16



------' - - - - -- - - -- - - -- - - -- - -- ------ -- - - -

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -' - . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . .

r"o _ . ~ _

. . - - - ~ -'"' - ~- -

,... l:..~ .

J7

-, ....._...



W h a l e s a r e E a s i l y C o n f u s e d w i t h S u b m a r i n e s . . .

Sub

18

When surfacing or submerging the whale might easily be

mistaken for a submarine, and its spouting may resemble

snorkel exhaust vapor. However, close observation dis-

tinguishes the whale by its intermittent spouting and,

where visible, its broad flukes (tail).

Whale

Sub

Sub

Whale

Whale



O t h e r E l e m e n t s E a s i l y C o n f u s e d . . .Bell Buoyater disturbances may indicate the presence of a submarine,

and should be investigated. Wrecks, shoals and tide-rips cause

turbulence that may resemble submarine or periscope wakes.Flotsam - particularly swab handles - may resemble peri-

scopes, but can be identified by their vertical motion.

. .

Swab Handle

O il S lick W r ec k

19



C o n t e n t s P a r t I I I

Recognition ofType and Nationality Is Important.

U.S.A.

Russia

Britain

France

Communist China.

Egypt and Italy . . . . . . . . . . . . , .Portugal Greece, and Sweden.

Turkey

Netherlands and Norway

Spain and Poland .

Brazil, Japan, and Denmark

West Germany, Peru, and Argentina

Rumania, Chile, Thailand, and Yugoslavia

Identify These Wakes

20

21

22-24

25-26

27

28-29

29

30

31-32

32

33

34

35

36

37

38



us SS SNORKEL - TYPE A

BRITAIN SS SNORKEL - TYPE E

us SS SNaRK EL • TYPE C

EX.GERMAN S5 TYPE XXI

SNORK EL • TYP E F

us 5S SNORKEL - TYPE a BRITAIN SS SNORKEL - TYPE 0 EX-GERMAN SS TYPE IX·C SNORKEL 21



•SSN SKIPJACK. PROVISIONAL DRAW ING 252'

• J .• , __ • , ".r ! '

€iS:: : : : : :: : ::::::<¢?t» :::

S SN SE AW OL F

_ . . . . . . . . . . ., - - - -c= .

SSN NAUTILUS (Silhouette shows NAUTILUS w ith

snorkel and periscopes raised.)

3201

22

-·9 = " 1.0, .:= c ; " ,

SSN SKATE CLASS 26 1 1

TANG CLASS 26 8 1

M .4..; 0 ; ; . :

~::::::o : : : : = : = = = t = G = = = ~ = = ' =f===:==~?>26 8

1TANG CLASS· (Silhouette shows snorkel

a nd peri 5 copes raj 5 ed.)

"GU P PY It • (S i Ihouette shows snorkel

and peri scope 5 t o I s ed .)

3061

"GUPPY"



- 7.: .. ·tJ

= 5 ® = . J ~

312

1

•

"FLEET.TYPE SNORKEL"

A 1 .. 7. •. . _ , . n q :: . . ~

"FLEET.TYPE SNORKEL"

(Some may mount deck gun aft of conning tower.)

j •

ei g . " ' . . . . ,. ~ .8 , ':

"FLEET.TYPE" BALAO CLASS· with all guns removed 3121

H...:!··

SSG (Guided Missile). lst variation 3121

SSG (Guided Missile) • 2nd variation 3121

:;

SSG GRAY BACK CLASS (Silhouette shows snorkel

and periscopes roised.)

"'" a

SSR (R odor Pi eke') • lst vari ati on 3121

c :

SSR (Radar Picket) • 3rd variation

<0 c= .. :.

(J

55 R (Ra dar Picket) • 4th variati on 3501

23



c o n t ' d

AO(SS) • Tanker Submarine 3121

. . . . -3

SSK TYPE 11 CONVERSION (Anti.Sub.) 312'

24

SSK 1 CLASS (Anti.S ub.) 196'

SST 1 CLASS (Inset shows periscopesand snorkel raised.)

130'

jIIIp

AGSS ALBACORE (Inset shows pe rj sc cpe s raised.) 2031



"SH CH 'IV '" C LA SS 2 0 0 1

"Q" CLASS (ln$.eh show conning tower

VQricl.tlon.s.)

" . \ o f f i "

l

"M.V" CLASS (Some rn.a.y have deck gun re.moved.)"W" C lA .SS • 1 $t variation fln$.ts 5 'h ow conn In 9

"ower variation $; deck gun 5, once mounted just

aft of conning lower, have been removed •.}



c o n t ' d

c__~ : = = - = = = = = = = = = = = = ~ ~ ~ I - = I = m J 8 = ' ~ ~ = = ~ = =_:>"K.l" CLASS (Inse t shows bow voriation)

"Z" CLASS

26

"L·III" CLASS

~~. . ~. . J

"L • II" CLASS

-= z .- " _ . ." -- '

"S·l" CLASS

~ ~ ~ ~ · · · · § · - ~ - § · · · ~ · · · ~ · · · · · ~ · · · ~ · · - - ~ - · - ~ · · ~ ~ r § · · · ~ " ' - § ' § ~ § §- - : : : c : : : = : : : : ~ . , : ' . . . . . . ' . . _ . n_ .•..•..• ~!.?! _. _._._.' : : : : : : ; : . . .

"w" CLASS. 2nd variation 2401



[J @¥§i4i.a' ·~Dc:#n 0

PORPOISE CLASS (Inset shows bow variation.)

TRITON CLASS (Inut shows conning tower variation, 2741

silhouette 5hows s nork.el and pe ri scopes ra i sed.)

.~. ,-:-,":,~7

2:: >

"A" CLASS - lst variation (Silhouette ot left showsAMPH 1ON wi thperi scopes roi sed, 5 1 . 1 houette ot right

shows snorkel raised.)

2821

"T .CONVERSION" 285'

sv:4 o 7 l ' u••"!':"" ,. IJI,,.J '.Ii;IIJQ....nJ

o

"A" CLASS - (STREAMLINED)

"1940 S" CLASS (Inset shows conning tower variotlon, 217'

5 iIhou ette 5how I snorkel an d perls copes rai sed.)

•c c- )

"1940 S" CLASS. AI modified for target ond training 217'

dutie. (Silhouettes show minor appearance variations.)

~

~

.

&-.f.y""f 2E =! j .

tn

[ ] < l t U @ l n - -

EXPLORER eLA"SS (Inset shows bow-planes

lowered, Ii Ihouette shows peri 5copes rai sed.)

2251

2



« a

NARVAL CLASS 256'

=

R OL AN D M O RIL LO T (German

"TYPE XXI" CLASS modified.)

c::: •.":'" J

BOUAN (German "TYPE IX.e" modified.) 252'

fFi- : . . . - - - ~ - - -

o--.:..

•

BLA IS ON (German" TYP E IX .B " m a dif' ed.) 252'

28

L'AURORE CLASS. 1st variation 241 '

J

L'AURORE CLASS· 2nd variation 241'

L'AURORE CLASS· 3rd variation 241'

ca::5 g :L'AURORE CLASS. 4th variation (Silhouette shows 241'

minor bow variat ion.)



•

c o n t ' dB ritish "1940 SO l CLA SS. As m odif ied for target

and trainIng duties.

2171

rJ:'-' .

:1

DAPHNE CLASS. PROVISIONAL DRAW ING 19 0 1

_ : J

ARETHUSE CLASS

SIRENE (B ritish "'940 S" CLASS)

~~~~~='~~~-~~~~.~==~~

2551Soviet "S.l" CLASS

~ .... ~

Soviet "W " CLASSSoviet IIM.YII CLASS 1751

29



U. S. GATO (SS 212) CLASS - Modernized

30

Soviet "W" CLASS

Soviet "M-V" CLASS

VORTICE (TRITONE CLASS modified) 201'

+ ,

= J: :0

GIADA (ACCIAIO CLASS modified) 1911

Note: holy also has the BARIO,

a TRITONE CLASS submarine. Appearance is unknown.



British "1940 S" CLASS 2171

< ;:. i .. ",

@ J~

U. S. GATO CLASS - POSEIDON, inset shows bow 3121

of AMFITRITI. (Silhouette shows snorkel and

peri,eopes raised.)

HAJEH CLASS

" . . . . . . ")

HACKEH CLASS

31



c o n t ' d

U. S. "FLEET.TYPE SNORKEL"

32

SJiJLEJONET CLASS (Silhouette shows

perl scopes raied.)

"U" CLASS

@ l~U. S. GATO (S5 212) CLASS. Moderniud

(Some units carry deck guns; arrangement

vories, see silhouette. Inset shows conning

tower voriotion.)

3121



U. S. BALAO (SS 285) CLASS· Modernized 30 al

British TRITON CLASS (Inset shows bow variation, 2741

silhouette shows snorkel ond periscopes raised.)

DOLFIJN CLASS. PROVISIONAL DRAW ING

<: -German "TYPE VII.C" CLASS 221'

- = 1 1

c:: = : : : : : : ; ; o : : = - '2:>

British U NIT Y CL ASS. Modified 197'

33



"D-1" CLASS

Soviet 10M-V" CLASS (May hove dec:k gun removed.) 175'

34

c

Italian ARCHIMEDE CLASS

c= =:..----

<:. I:J::>

G.7 (German "TYPE VII·C" CLASS)

/

WILK CLASS

I 6 $;..? )

SEP {Inset shows AA mount in elevated position.} 2751



"t "

U. S. GATO CLASS

" y," " W " " " ~ ® " "

c·

Italian PERLA CLASS (M ay have bow

net cutten removed.)

198'

C...

< "" "

KUROSHIO (U. S. GATO CLASS)

a

)

DELFINEN CLASS· PROVISIONAL DRAWING 167'

35



36

"TYPE XXIII" CLASS. Modified

= , I r

TIBURON CLASS

"Modified R Boot" CLASS

n~.-!~:; lB~~===~~~==,.~~~~=~~==o~._~

SAL TA CLASS

1



MARSU.lIo4UL 190

DELFIHUL

~II l»

British "a" CLASS

M ATCHAHU CLASS

SAVA (51Ihoueu. ShOW5 p.risc:op.s r.tro c:t.d.)

3i



I d e n t i f y t h e s e W a k e s . . .

9

38

1

5

10

2

6

1. Wreck

2. OiJ Slick

3. Submarine

4. Whale

5. Submarine

3 4

7 8

6. Whale.s

7. Submarine

8. Surface Craft

g. Wreck

10. Submarine



· . . a n d o n 't o rg e t ,

Submarine Recognition Guide

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