USS Albacore, Research submarine museum in Portsmouth, United States
USS Albacore is a research submarine displayed in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. The cylindrical teardrop hull differs visibly from older elongated designs and gives the vessel its rounded appearance above the waterline.
The vessel was launched in 1953 at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard and tested new propulsion technologies until 1972. Experiments led to improvements in submarine construction for later fleet models.
The name Albacore comes from a fast-swimming tuna species and reflects the submarine's speed. Audio recordings from former crew members describe daily routines during test missions and underwater experiments.
Guests walk through control room, engine spaces, and sleeping quarters during self-guided tours. The periscope offers a view across the surrounding park area.
The vessel reached approximately 65 kilometers per hour (40 miles per hour) underwater and set speed records at the time. The teardrop shape later became a model for nuclear submarines in the fleet.
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