Underwater speed record

rdf:langString Underwater speed record

rdf:langString Underwater speed record categories can be divided into those of man-made underwater vehicles (including manned submarines, autonomous underwater vehicles, and torpedoes) and marine life. In 1968, a Soviet November-class submarine tracked an American carrier group traveling at 31 knots (57 km/h), leading the United States Navy to develop the Los Angeles-class submarines, whose reported speed is 30–32 knots (56–59 km/h). Established reports and manufacturer's claims indicate that two (or perhaps more) submarines are capable of speeds exceeding 30 knots (56 km/h). In 1965, USS Albacore reported a speed of 33 knots (61 km/h), but this was not an official record. The Akula (Russian: shark)-class vessel is reportedly capable of travelling submerged at 35 knots (65 km/h). Its predecessor, the Alfa class, could attain short speed bursts of 40–45 knots (74–83 km/h) while submerged. There are also claims that the Soviet twin-propeller submarine K-222, with titanium inner and outer hulls, reached 44.7 knots (83 km/h), fully submerged, during sea trials in 1969. However, due to the secretive nature of these vessels, the numbers were never confirmed. The British Spearfish torpedo, designed to counter high-speed Russian submarines such as the Alfa class, is reputed to reach speeds in excess of 70 knots (130 km/h). The Russian VA-111 Shkva rocket-powered supercavitating torpedo is reportedly capable of speeds over 200 knots (370 km/h). The German press reported on an underwater anti-torpedo missile named Barracuda allegedly capable of reaching 430 knots (800 km/h). The US Navy has contracted with the General Dynamics Electric Boat division to support development of the Underwater Express, an undersea transport capable of controllable speeds up to 100 knots (185 km/h) through supercavitation. The Swordfish is the fastest sea animal, with a recorded speed of 97 km/h (60 mph). (See Fastest animals.)