The Fleet Type Submarine Underwater Log Systems

Book excerpt: Originally printed in 1946, The Fleet Type Submarine series of technical manuals remains unparalleled. Contained in its pages and those of the companion texts are descriptions of every operating component aboard a fleet boat. Underwater Log Systems Navpers 16168, acquainted crewmen with the sub¿s positioning and tracking systems. Since subs operate below the surface, the normal means of establishing position at sea -- such as sighting the sun in the day or the stars at night -- are impossible. Yet, knowing the sub¿s position and speed is vital both for navigation and combat. In an era before GPS, the log system allowed an accurate track to be made of the boat¿s position, and enabled calculation of the speed of target vessels. This book explains in detail the theory, operation, calibration and maintenance of various log systems. Originally ¿Restricted¿, this book was recently declassified and is here reprinted in book form. Care has been taken to preserve the integrity of the text.