USS X-1, Midget submarine at Submarine Force Museum in Groton, United States
The USS X-1 is a midget submarine at Submarine Force Museum in Groton, measuring 46 feet long with two torpedo tubes. It was designed for enhanced maneuverability through electric battery power systems.
The submarine was built in 1954 by Fairchild Engine and Airplane Corporation on Long Island during a period of naval experimental development. After an explosion in 1957, it was retrofitted with a diesel-electric drive to replace its original hydrogen peroxide system.
The vessel represents a milestone in American naval engineering, demonstrating the evolution of submarine technology for specialized military operations.
The submarine is displayed in a museum setting that is accessible to visitors walking through displays of historic naval vessels. It is helpful to check ahead, as visiting hours may vary depending on the season.
Researchers observed this submarine from a platform beneath the Bay Bridge while studying water properties during experimental operations in Chesapeake Bay. These research activities helped engineers better understand how small submarines behaved in different ocean environments.
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