SS X-1
X-1 (or SS X-1)[1] was a United States Navy Midget Submarine designed under project SCB 65. Laid down on 8 June 1954, at Deer Park, Long Island, New York, by the Engine Division of Fairchild Engine and Airplane Corporation. Launched on 7 September 1955, at Oyster Bay, Long Island, by Jakobson Shipyard. Delivered to the Navy on 6 October at New London, Connecticut and placed in service on 7 October 1955 with Lieutenant Kevin Hanlon in command.
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| History | |
|---|---|
 United States | |
| Name | USS X-1 |
| Builder | Fairchild Aircraft, East Farmingdale Long Island, New York |
| Laid down | 8 June 1954 |
| Launched | 7 September 1955 |
| Commissioned | (never commissioned) |
| In service | 7 October 1955 |
| Out of service | 2 December 1957 |
| In service | December 1960 |
| Out of service | 16 February 1973 |
| Fate | Museum ship |
| General characteristics | |
| Type | Midget submarine |
| Displacement |
|
| Length | 49 ft 6 in (15.09 m) |
| Beam | 7 ft (2.1 m) |
| Draft | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) |
| Propulsion |
|
| Complement | 10 |
| Armament | None |
Service history
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.[2]
X-1 was originally powered by a hydrogen peroxide/diesel engine and battery system, but an explosion of her hydrogen peroxide supply on 20 May 1957 resulted in the craft's modification to accept a diesel-electric drive.[3] On 2 December 1957, X-1 was taken out of service and deactivated at Philadelphia.[3]
Towed to Annapolis, Maryland, in December 1960, 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 in Chesapeake 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.
Having been in active service through January 1973, X-1 was again taken out of service on 16 February 1973. On 26 April 1973, she was transferred to the Naval Ship Research and Development Center, Annapolis. On 9 July 1974, she was slated for use as a historical exhibit. She was later displayed on the grounds of the Naval Station complex, North Severn, near Annapolis. In 2001, X-1 was transferred to the Submarine Force Museum, in Groton, Connecticut, where she is on display before the main exhibit building.
X-1 Midget Submarine on display at the Submarine Force Library and Museum.jpg.webp)
The stern section of X-1
Toy Version
The Lionel 3330 "Commando" submarine is based on the X-1's design. LIONEL TRAINS 3330
References
- This article incorporates text from the public domain Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships. The entry can be found here.
- "SS X-1". Historic Naval Ships Association. Archived from the original on 18 August 2013. Retrieved 24 February 2014.
- "Navy Tests First Midget Submarine As Close In Weapon. Popular Mechanics, February 1956, p. 124, bottom of page.
- Parken, Oliver (26 April 2023). "The Navy Procured This Midget Submarine For Coastal Defense During The Cold War". The Drive. Retrieved 30 April 2023.
External links
- Submarine Force Museum
- SS X-1 at Historic Naval Ships Association