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Article: Submarines and Submersibles
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- Water:Science and Issues
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CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2003 The Gale Group Inc. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Submarines and Submersibles
Underwater vehicles are called submersibles, or airtight, rigid diving machines designed for exploration while completely submerged. Submersibles are either manned or remotely operated. When designed for warfare, submersibles are called submarines, possessing streamlined hulls (frames) made
of steel or titanium; power and propulsion systems of nuclear energy or diesel fuel and electric batteries; internal air stores; periscopes; and weapons including torpedoes, mines, anti-ship and land-attack cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles with nuclear warheads.
Historical Developments
Though submarines seem to be modern inventions, their origin goes back to the ...