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My opinion of the optical technology is that is has far
greater value in eliminating the need for expensive acrylic windows or
spheres. I sometimes wonder why people spend so much time trying to figure
out how to install portholes when it's WAY easier and you get way more
information from a standalone external camera system. Everything from
FLIR, optical, radar, etc. can be viewed. Not to mention increased
visibility in dark or obscured waters.
Shawn
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Thursday, April 15, 2010 1:45
AM
Subject: [PSUBS-MAILIST] The last dance
by David Bartsch
The last dance by David
Bartsch
There are turning
points in submarine history that effect a large numbers of people. One case in
point was the shift to nuclear power. Gone was an era of U.S. diesel
supremacy. The lessons learned from years of war seemed lost to the search for
an unlimited power source.
We Americans could now
project our presence to any corner of the globe with ease
but...
One fact remains and is
undisputable...impossible is it to detect a diesel submarine that is submerged
while running on its batteries. All a third world country needs to do to
become a serious local threat would be to acquire a simple diesel electric
submarine and patrol it in its own territorial
waters.
In researching periscope history and
future developments I see yet another turning point. The newest periscope
technology relies heavily on camera advances such that a periscope thru hull
is no longer required or desired. "Dancing with the grey lady" may soon become
a thing of the past. I saw Cuba while looking thru such an optical periscope.
This terminology referred to the use of a periscope for surface contact
observations.
With the advent of camera technology, the
need for optical visual observations will soon become a thing of the
past. Cameras can zoom in closer and make use of various filters to enhance
ones viewing ability beyond that of regular visual
optics.
Without the need for periscope thru hulls, the
requirment is no more to have the control or attack center in the upper
area of the sub. This attack center can now be on the middle level where space
is more abundant making more room for additional plotting and fire control
equipments. Training the viewable scope is now joy stick and computer
controlled.
Although in its infancy as only a few
more advanced submarines are so equipped, I see the end of an era
approaching...
I wish only that I
could dance with this grey lady just more
time...
David Bartsch
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