Crawling Down A Torpedo Tube -US NAVY Nuclear Submarine - Smarter Every Day 241 - Summary

Summary

The speaker, Destin, is discussing the process of loading and firing a torpedo from a nuclear submarine. He explains that the torpedo is loaded into the submarine's torpedo tube, which is a complex process involving hydraulics and manual labor. The torpedo is secured in place by a locking mechanism, and the tube is then flooded with water to equalize the pressure. The torpedo is then ready to be fired.

The firing process involves opening the muzzle door and the slide valve, which exposes the rectangular ports in the tube. Pressurized water from an impulse tank is then introduced into the tube, pushing the torpedo out of the front of the submarine. The tube is then drained and returned to its original state without gaining or losing mass.

The speaker also mentions that the torpedo tube is filled with water that is carefully choreographed to maintain the submarine's balance. The water is then drained into an auxiliary tank, and pressurized air is used to force the water out. The tube is then vented back into the submarine, and the process is repeated for the next torpedo.

The speaker also shares his personal experience of being inside the torpedo tube, which he describes as a fascinating and unique experience. He mentions that the process of loading and firing a torpedo is a complex and intricate procedure that requires a deep understanding of the submarine's systems and mechanisms.

Facts

Here are the key facts extracted from the text:

1. The host, Destin, is exploring a nuclear submarine, specifically the USS Toledo.
2. He is learning about the torpedo system on the submarine.
3. Torpedoes have been used since World War I.
4. The submarine has four torpedo tubes, two on each side.
5. The torpedo tubes are loaded using a system of pulleys and levers.
6. The torpedo is guided into the tube using a system of tabs and lugs.
7. The breech door is hydraulically operated.
8. The torpedo is secured in the tube using locking lugs.
9. The tube is flooded with water from a tank called the Water Round Torpedo (WRT) tank.
10. The water in the tube is equalized with the sea pressure using an equalizing valve.
11. The slide valve is a movable part of the tube that covers rectangular ports.
12. The slide valve is used to control the flow of water into the tube.
13. The torpedo is launched using pressurized water from an impulse tank.
14. The submarine has a system for loading and unloading torpedoes.
15. The system uses a combination of hydraulics and manual labor.
16. The submarine has a limited amount of space, so the system must be carefully choreographed to ensure efficient loading and unloading.
17. The submarine's weight must be carefully balanced during the loading and unloading process.
18. The submarine has a system for preserving air, as it is a precious resource.
19. The submarine's torpedo system is designed to be efficient and reliable.
20. The host, Destin, crawled inside the torpedo tube to learn more about the system.
21. The torpedo tube is about 20 feet long.
22. The submarine is equipped with a system for draining the torpedo tube.
23. The submarine has a system for venting air from the torpedo tube.
24. The submarine's torpedo system is designed to be safe and reliable.
25. The host, Destin, signed his name at the end of the torpedo tube.
26. The submarine's torpedo system is a complex system that requires careful maintenance and operation.
27. The submarine's crew is responsible for maintaining and operating the torpedo system.
28. The submarine's torpedo system is an important part of its defense capabilities.
29. The submarine's torpedo system is designed to be efficient and effective.
30. The host, Destin, learned a lot about the submarine's torpedo system during his visit.