- X-1 Submarine
X-1 was the
United States Navy 's onlymidget submarine (but see theNR-1 Deep Submergence Craft ), laid down onJune 8 ,1954 , at Deer Park,Long Island, New York , by the Engine Division of Fairchild Engine and Airplane Corporation, launched onSeptember 7 ,1955 , at Oyster Bay, Long Island, byJakobson's Shipyard ; delivered to the Navy onOctober 6 atNew London, Connecticut , and placed in service onOctober 7 ,1955 , with Lieutenant Kevin Hanlon in command.X-1 served in a research capacity in rigorous and extensive tests to assist the Navy to evaluate its ability to defend harbors against very small submarines. Further tests conducted with the X-1 helped to determine the offensive capabilities and limitations of this type of submersible.
Originally powered by a
hydrogen peroxide /diesel engine and battery system, an explosion of her hydrogen peroxide supply onMay 20 ,1957 , resulted in the craft's modification to diesel-electric drive. OnDecember 2 ,1957 , X-1 was taken out of service and inactivated atPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania .Towed to
Annapolis, Maryland , in December1960 , X-1 was reactivated and attached to Submarine Squadron 6 and based at the Small Craft Facility of the Severn River Command for experimental duties inChesapeake Bay . In tests conducted under the auspices of the Naval Research Laboratory, X-1 performed for scientists who observed her operations from a platform suspended beneath the Bay Bridge, to learn more about the properties and actions of sea water.Remaining in an active, in-service, status through January
1973 , X-1 was again taken out of service onFebruary 16 ,1973 , and, onApril 26 , was transferred to the Naval Ship Research and Development Center, Annapolis. OnJuly 9 ,1974 , the submersible was slated for use as a historical exhibit; and she was subsequently placed on display on the grounds of the Naval Station complex, North Severn, near Annapolis.External links
* [http://www.ussnautilus.org Submarine Force Museum]
* [http://www.hnsa.org/ships/x1.htm HNSA Ship Page: USS "X-1"]
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