The rocket tale of Admiral Dönitz. The sunken submarine near Kuril may be American from the Second World War Submarine Herring

Last updated: 08/23/2017 at 17:01

Divers Pacific Fleet and Russian researchers Geographical Society are preparing to investigate a World War II submarine that sank off the island of Matua. According to experts, the object of study is the American submarine Herring (SS-233), which was sunk by Japanese coastal artillery in 1944.

The AS-55 normobaric space suit is actively used in the research operation and several deep-sea dives have already been carried out for the purpose of a detailed examination of the underwater object.

According to the press service of the Russian Ministry of Defense, scientific research work will take place in the area of ​​Cape Yurlov at a depth of 110 meters. They will involve the rescue ship Igor Belousov, as well as the remote-controlled search and rescue vehicle Panther Plus and the uninhabited underwater reconnaissance robot Tiger.

“The AS-55 normobaric spacesuit is actively used in research operations. Several deep-sea dives have already been carried out for the purpose of a detailed examination of the underwater object,” says an official statement from the press service of the Ministry of Defense.

Let us recall that the submarine was discovered on June 25 during an underwater survey of the coast near the island of Matua, where a large Japanese military base was located during World War II.

“Research of the archives suggests that this is the American submarine Herring, sunk by Japanese coastal artillery,” RIA Novosti quotes Alexander Kirilin, secretary of the scientific council of the Russian Military Historical Society.

In May 1944, an American submarine reported torpedoing two Japanese ships, the Ishigaki and the Hokuyo Maru, in the Kuril Islands area. Then the submarine attacked and sank two more merchant ships - the Hibiri Maru and the Iwaki Maru - in the harbor formed by the strait between the coast of Matua and the small island of Toporkovy located near it. When retreating along a narrow, shallow channel, the boat, which was on the surface, could not maneuver and was fired upon by Japanese coastal artillery. And upon leaving the strait, she sank after receiving damage at a depth of 330 feet, which corresponds to the indicated Russian specialists depth of 104 meters. The entire crew, 83 people, died along with the boat.

reference Information

Matua Island is relatively small - 11 kilometers long and 6.5 kilometers wide. The height of the highest point - Sarychev Peak (Fuyo Volcano) is 1485 meters. The island is located in the central part of the Kuril ridge. On the eve of World War II, the Japanese turned Matua - by the way, in Japanese the island sounds like Matsua-to - into a powerful fortress with underground pillboxes.

There was a large airfield here, from which Japanese aircraft could control the entire northwest Pacific Ocean. Units of the 42nd Infantry Division of the Japanese Army and the Third Naval Brigade were located on the fortress island. They capitulated to the Soviet landing on August 26 and 27, 1945.

Gateau-class submarines

Submarine
Name = Gateau-class submarines
Original title = Gato class
Illustration = USS Paddle;0826305.jpg
Signature = USS "Paddle" (SS-263), 1944-45
Flag =
Port =
Deflated =
Output =
Status =
Type = Cruiser DPL
Project = Gato class
NATO =
Powerplant = 4 diesel engines of 1,350 hp each, 2 electric motors of 1,370 hp each. two 126-cell batteries, two screws
Surface speed = 20¼ knots
Underwater speed = 8¾ knots
Working depth = 90 m
Limit depth =
Crew = 60 people per Peaceful time, 80-85 people in wartime
Autonomy = 75 days
Displacement = 1,550 t
Total displacement = 2,460 t
Length = 95 m (93.6 m at waterline)
Width = 8.31 m
Height =
Draft = 4.65 m
Artillery = 3" (76mm) caliber deck gun
Torpedoes = 6 bow and 4 stern TA caliber 21" (533 mm), 24 torpedoes
Rockets =
Air defense = 2 .50 caliber machine guns (12.7 mm), 2 .30 caliber machine guns (7.62 mm)
Aviation =
Cost =
commons = Category:Gato class submarines

Gateau-class submarines(_en. gato, type of shark, borrowed from _es. el gato, cat) - a series of American submarines from the Second World War. Based on the previous Tambor project, the Gato project has undergone significant modernization, improving the patrol and combat qualities of the submarines. Modified diesel engines and batteries increased patrol range and duration. The crew's living conditions have also improved significantly. The Gato class is named after the first ship in the series, USS Gato (SS-212).

Several of the Gateau-class submarines are preserved as monuments: USS Cavalla (SS-244) is located at Seawolf Park, USS Cobia (SS-245) is on display at the Wisconsin Maritime Museum, and USS Drum (SS-228) is at the Battleship Memorial Museum. Park.

Main characteristics

* Power plant:
** Four 16-cylinder Model 278A diesel engines produced General Motors 1,350 hp each (1,000 kW), except for the submarines SS 228-239 and SS275-284, equipped with 10-cylinder diesel engines models 38D-1/8 manufactured by Fairbanks-Morse;
** Two electric motors produced by General Electric with a capacity of 1,370 hp. With. (1,020 kW), except for SS 228-235, equipped with Elliott Motor engines, and SS 257-264, with Allis-Chalmers engines;
** Two 126-cell batteries made by Exide, except SS 261, 275-278, and 280, with Gould batteries.
** two propellers.

* Cruising range:
** On the surface 11,800 nautical miles at 10 knots (21,900 km at 19 km/h),
** Submerged 100 nautical miles at 3 knots (185 km at 5.6 km/h).
* Dive duration: 48 hours.

Interesting Facts

* USS Gato (SS-212) USS Balao (SS-285) and USS Tench (SS-417), which had no fundamental differences, became the founders of the largest class of American submarines.
* Howard W. Gilmore, captain of the USS Growler (SS-215), was the first submariner to be awarded the Medal of Honor. On February 7, 1943, Gilmore, while on the bridge, was wounded on board the Japanese transport Hayasaki and gave the necessary order for an immediate dive, although he himself did not manage to reach the hatch in time.
* USS Darter (SS-227) became the only American submarine to sink as a result of hitting the bottom.
* Edward Beach's book "Submarine!" is a kind of elegy for the Gateau-class submarine USS Trigger (SS-237).
* USS Wahoo (SS-238), under the command of one of the most famous US submariners, Dudley "Mash" Morton, was the first American submarine to penetrate the Sea of ​​Japan. She was sunk in 1943 while returning from a second campaign in that region.
* USS Cobia (SS-245) sank Japanese transports carrying armored reinforcements to Iwo Jima.
* USS Flasher (SS-249) became the most productive US submarine in World War II. The tonnage of ships sunk by her amounted to nobr|100,231 GRT according to JANAC calculations.
* USS Harder (SS-257), commanded by Samuel D. Dealey, became the only submarine to sink 5 escort ships during its career. Of these, four were sunk during one campaign.
* USS Mingo (SS-261) was sold to Japan after the war and served under the name "Kuroshio".
* USS Cavalla (SS-244) sank the Japanese aircraft carrier Shōkaku, which had previously taken part in the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Representatives

see also

* Types of US Navy submarines

* [ http://www.wimaritimemuseum.org/sub.htm Wisconsin Maritime Museum ]
* [ http://www.revell.com/Gato.gato.0.html Gato Class Submarine Kit ]

Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.

Submarines of the "Gato" class (the name comes from the name of the cat shark, borrowed from the Spanish el gato - cat) - a series of American submarines from the Second World War. The previous Tambor project served as the basis. In comparison with the previous project, the Gato submarines have undergone significant modernization, as a result of which the combat and patrol qualities of the submarines have improved. Modified diesel engines and batteries increased the duration and range of patrols. In addition, living conditions have improved significantly.

The results of the US Navy's combat operations in the Pacific during the Second world war became a true triumph for the American naval forces. A huge contribution to the victory over Japan was made by American submarines, which sank Japanese ships and ships with a total displacement of 5 million tons.

The formation of the modern American submarine fleet began in the 1930s with the construction of several large submarines capable of operating in the ocean. They differed from each other in equipment and characteristics. Analysis of the trial operation of these submarines made it possible to select the most successful model. It was this that began to be improved and used in mass production.

It was the submarine Cachalot SS-170. In its production, welding was used instead of traditional riveting. This reduced the weight of the structure while increasing its strength. In addition, this submarine was distinguished by the presence of an electromechanical computing device TDS, which allows you to solve aiming problems while firing torpedoes. TDS automatically entered lead, target angle, and travel depth into the torpedo control system.

In 1933, on the basis of the Cachalot submarines, a series of 10 Toure R submarines was laid down. The new submarines, unlike the prototype, had a large displacement and size, which made it possible to install a diesel-electric engine on board power plant more power (Cachalot was equipped with a conventional diesel engine with direct transmission) and an air conditioning system. The last improvement was the most important. Air conditioning systems not only improved living conditions, but also ensured safety by eliminating high air humidity in the compartments (the main cause of short circuits in electrical circuits).

The maximum diving depth of the Toure R submarines was 75 meters. The main armament consisted of 16 torpedoes and four bow and two stern torpedo tubes. The ten Type R submarines built can be divided into two series. The first (4 submarines) entered service in 1935-1936. and the second (6 submarines) - in 1936-1937. Submarines of the second series were distinguished by a more powerful diesel power plant.

Following the Tour R, the American fleet ordered 16 Salmon-class submarines with enhanced weapons. A couple of additional stern torpedo tubes were mounted on them. Thus, the number of torpedo tubes increased to ten: 6 bow and 4 stern. The number of torpedoes has increased to 24. According to some experts, the electric motor on the Tour R submarines can be disabled by damaging the power cable. In this regard, on the first six submarines of the Salmon series (which entered service in 1937-1938), the developers did not install a diesel-electric power plant, but returned to direct transmission from the engines to the propeller shaft.

But strong vibrations, high noise and increased time for charging batteries forced the developers of the remaining ten submarines (named after the lead ship, they are classified as a separate type “Sargo”) to return again to a scheme using a diesel-electric power plant, which did not have the above-mentioned disadvantages. During the rework, the submarine was able to additionally place 44 tons of fuel and double the battery capacity, which increased the surface cruising range (by 1,000 miles) and underwater navigation (85 miles).

The next stage in the improvement of American submarines was the Tambor submarine, carrying 24 torpedoes and 10 torpedo tubes. Tambor was the last production submarine to enter service in the Pacific before the outbreak of war. In terms of other characteristics, including the type of power plant, it did not differ from the first series of Salmon submarines.

After Pearl Harbor, it became clear that Japanese expansion could only be stopped through asymmetrical retaliatory actions. Admirals Nimitz and King proposed to act in two directions: to conduct holding battles and to strike deep into Japanese territory. The fleet command had at its disposal several aircraft carriers, about 30 squadron submarines, 10 old V-class submarines and several dilapidated S-class submarines.

The forces of aircraft carriers managed to hold back the Japanese advance. The Japanese lost in the Coral Sea, and were completely defeated at Midway Atoll. In principle, the United States was winning the war in the Pacific theater; all it had to do was drag it out and wait until Japan exhausted its resources. But these two decisive operations accelerated the defeat of the Japanese Empire.

Deep strikes were carried out almost exclusively by submarines. With the exception of Dolittle's raid on Tokyo in April 1942, US aircraft were unable to reach Japanese territory until mid-1943. American submarines operated deep into enemy territory, striking convoys, from the early days of the war. At first, the effectiveness of the submarines was lower than expected. The main reason there was excessive caution of the boat commanders who had not yet received real combat experience. A noticeable problem was the unreliability of torpedo fuses and the frequent torpedoes going off course. Finally, there were too few submarines to create a serious threat to enemy communications. 40-odd boats, including a dozen old ones, were clearly not enough.

The last problem was the easiest to solve. The original 1941 budget, which envisaged the construction of 6 submarines, was revised with the beginning of the war in the direction of a sharp increase in their number. The French capitulation also forced the US government to sharply increase funding for the shipbuilding program. On May 20, 1940, construction of 22 more submarines was added to the 6 planned submarines, and on August 16, 43 more submarines were ordered. All submarines were ordered by the following companies: Electric Boat Company (41); Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (14); Mare Island Naval Shipyard (10). Soon, the Mare Island Naval Shipyard had 2 slips available, and in April 1941 it received an order for 2 additional submarines. Thus, before the attack on Pearl Harbor, 73 Gato-class submarines were built. By 12/07/1941, only one submarine of this type had been put into operation - “Drum” (SS 228), however, in the first days after the raid, 10 more boats were launched, and 21 were laid down. The pace of production was constantly increasing.

The seventy-three Gato-class submarines were assigned numbers from SS 212 to SS 284. Unlike other navies, where tactical numbers are assigned arbitrarily and can change, American Navy the ship receives a permanent number. As a rule, the number consists of a two-letter index (vessel type) and a serial number. The numbers are allocated in blocks for different shipyards. For example, the block of numbers SS 212-227 was allocated by the Electric Boat Company, and the numbers SS 228-235 - Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. These numbers did not contain information about the order of laying, launching or commissioning of the ship. Therefore, the Drum submarine (SS 228) was laid down and commissioned earlier than the formally first submarine of the Gato series (SS 212). The numbers of ships whose construction was stopped were out of sequence. Although the last submarine of the Gato series was Grenadier (SS 525), there were gaps in the series among the lower numbers. The further series, up to SS 562, were also canceled. In connection with this, the first post-war series of submarines were 6 Tang class submarines with numbers starting with SS 563. If the ship was redesigned, the letter prefix was changed, but the number remained unchanged. For example, “Cavalla” (SS 244) was converted into a PLO in 1952, its designation changed to SSK 244.

The Gato class submarines differed from their predecessors, the Tambor class submarines, in their details. "Gato" was heavier by 51 tons and longer by 1.4 m. The additional length allowed the installation of more powerful diesel engines and additional bulkheads between the engine compartments. The first Gato submarines were equipped with old diesel engines, like the Tambor. However, lengthening the hull improved hydrodynamics, which made it possible to gain half a knot of speed on the surface (21 knots). More powerful batteries were also installed on the submarine, which increased the submerged speed by a quarter of a knot (up to 9 knots). The additional volume was used to increase fuel and oil reserves to 94,000 gal (355,829 L). This provided a range of 12 thousand miles at a speed of 10 knots. Based on the results of the operation of the Tambor class submarines, the internal fittings were strengthened, increasing the maximum diving depth by 15 m (up to 91.5 meters). The calculated crushing depth did not change - 152 m. The maximum diving depth was equal to the depth at which the submarine can operate without problems and leaks associated with increased pressure. During combat operations, captains quite often exceeded the maximum depth, trying to avoid depth charges.

There were slight differences between the submarines produced by different shipyards. The most noticeable of these was the configuration of the drainage holes. The drainage holes on submarines built in government shipyards were more numerous and extended further to the stern and bow than on submarines built by Electric Boat. Later, many submarines received additional equipment and weapons, so they appearance could vary widely.

The Gato class submarines had two hulls. The internal strong hull was surrounded by a lightweight outer hull, inside which fuel tanks, trim tanks and ballast tanks were located. The central part of the durable body is a cylindrical structure made of 14.3 mm steel. The strong hull tapered conically at the bow and stern, and a conning tower cylinder was attached to the hull on top. The pressure hull had a maximum diameter of 16 feet (4.9 meters).

The superstructure was attached to the outer hull on top of the deck. The shape of the outer casing was provided high speed surface passage. At the bow there was a capstan and anchor, a buoyancy tank and front depth rudders. The deck structure in front of and behind the bridge has been strengthened. Two 76.2 mm caliber guns were installed here (barrel length 50 calibers), but in practice one gun was left or both were dismantled.

Air accumulated below deck, slowing down the submarine's descent. To eliminate this drawback, drainage holes were made in the deck. The top of the conning tower was covered by a bridge fence. The deck behind the wheelhouse was nicknamed the “cigarette deck” because it was there that the sailors went out to smoke. An anti-aircraft machine gun was also installed here: Browning caliber 12.7 or 7.62 mm. When diving, the machine gun was retracted inside the submarine.

The robust hull of the Gato class submarine was internally divided into 10 waterproof compartments.

Bow torpedo compartment

The bow torpedo compartment served to accommodate six torpedo tubes (4 above deck level, 2 below deck). When setting off on a combat mission, the boat carried one torpedo in each tube. There were 2 spare torpedoes for the 4 upper torpedo tubes, and only one for the below-deck tubes. There were a total of 16 torpedoes attached to the bow tubes. A sonar, as well as a hydrodynamic log, extended outward from the front torpedo compartment and rotated. In addition, there were 14 berths in the bow torpedo compartment.

The following equipment was installed in the compartment: hydraulic pump; mechanism for controlling bow depth rudders; hydraulic motor for steering rudders; air duct for ventilation and blowing of torpedo tubes; compressed air cylinders for launching torpedoes; purge valve box; manifold and valves of normal fuel tanks No. 1 and 2; manifold and valves of sanitary tank No. 1; manifold and valves of fresh water tanks No. 1 and 2; mechanisms for controlling the purge valve of the bow ballast tank and controlling the purge of the main ballast tank.

Bow battery compartment

The bow battery compartment was located between frames 35 and 47. It was separated from the bow torpedo compartment by a sealed bulkhead. The submarine carried 252 batteries (6 rows of 21 each), half of which were located below deck in the bow battery compartment. The hydrogen generated during battery operation was removed by a special ventilation system. The deck of the compartment served to accommodate premises for officers: a pantry; wardroom; 3 residential officer cabins. One of the cabins was intended for 3 junior officers. The first lieutenant and senior mate lived in the second cabin. The captain of the submarine had a separate cabin, he was the only person on the submarine who had a separate room. The fourth cabin housed 5 senior non-commissioned officers. The crew of the boat in some cases could number up to 10 officers, and the officer’s cabins were quite crowded. The non-commissioned officer's cabin served for storing and maintaining the ship's log.

The compartment housed the following equipment: bulkhead latches; exhaust and supply ventilation lines; battery ventilation compressors; ballast tank valve control mechanism 2A-2B; external and internal emergency air supply fittings.

Control station

In the central part of the submarine between frames 47 and 58 there was a control post. From here they controlled the course, speed and diving depth of the submarine. The steering control panel, the hatch to the pump room, the main gyroscope, as well as the shafts of the radar mast and periscopes were located in the center plane of the compartment. The ventilation system lines, external emergency air supply fittings, a hatch to the conning tower and bulkhead latches were installed on the ceiling.

A valve box for the air system was installed on the starboard side of the compartment deck high pressure, electrical distribution panels, 225-pound air manifold, 10- and 600-pound main ballast tank purge manifolds, and auxiliary power distribution panel.

On the left side there was a signal ejector, a weapons group, a valve box for the hydraulic system, a ventilation valve for the quick dive tank, a combat post for ascent and submersion and control of the aft horizontal rudders, emergency ventilation flaps and a valve box for the trim line. The panel of indicators for the holes of the durable case was also located here, jokingly nicknamed the “Christmas tree”. This nickname was given because each hatch in the pressure hull had two lights: red and green. A red signal meant the hatch was opening, a green signal meant closing. This is where the slang expression “green board” came from, meaning that all the hatches were battened down and the submarine could submerge.

Below the control deck was a pump room housing the manual and hydraulic negative buoyancy control mechanisms, high pressure air compressors, low pressure compressor, bilge pump, trim pump, vacuum pump, hydraulic accumulator, air conditioning machine, refrigerator and storeroom.

In the aft part of the control station there was a radio room in which a radio station, a CSP-888 encryption machine (operating speed 45-50 words per minute), and a direction finder indicator were installed.

Conning tower

A special, rather cramped compartment, located outside the hull contours above the control station, cylindrical in shape, equipped own system ventilation and air conditioning. It contained fire control devices, navigation equipment, hydroacoustic equipment, periscopes, a gyrocompass, a rudder control panel, various indicators and pressure sensors. The conning tower was connected to the control station through the lower conning tower hatch.

Both periscopes were located here. The first Gato class submarines were equipped with a Type 2 or Type 3 periscope. The “type 2” periscope was also called a combat or needle periscope; it was inconspicuous, having the smallest possible diameter. "Type 3" provided a larger field of view, but was thicker. Beginning in 1944, submarines began to be equipped with “type 4” periscopes or, instead of a “type 3” periscope, a night periscope. The Type 4 periscope was shorter and thicker, so it had a greater aperture ratio. The periscope had an ST radar-rangefinder, which helped carry out night underwater attacks. On the left side on the rear bulkhead there was a torpedo course calculator (TDC, Torpedo Data Computer). Nearby were the sonar and radar displays, as well as the submarine's spare controls. During an underwater attack, the fighting compartment became crowded, as it housed the fighting stations of the captain, first officer, one or two sonar and radar operators, one or two TDC operators, and a telephone operator.

Aft battery compartment

Below the deck of the aft battery compartment between frames 58 and 77 were the remaining 126 batteries, as well as pipelines and a compressor for the ventilation system. The deck housed the galley, main buffet, freezer and refrigerator. The ship's first aid kit was also located here and the sailors' dining room was equipped. In addition, there were 36 sleeping places and lockers for the crew’s personal belongings. There was also a double sailor shower and a dishwasher. The aft battery compartment was the most spacious on the submarine.

Bow engine room

Placed between frames 77 and 88. It housed diesel engines Nos. 1 and 2, which rotated the shafts of electric generators. In addition, oil and fuel pumps, emergency air supply fittings, bulkhead flaps, a valve for the general ship ventilation system, air blowers, a liquid fuel separator and pump-out compressors were installed here.

Aft engine room

Behind the bow engine room, between frames 88 and 99, there was an aft engine room. The equipment of this compartment differed from the previous one in the entrance hatch in the ceiling. An auxiliary diesel generator (power 300 kW) was installed under the compartment deck, which supplied power to battery chargers and auxiliary mechanisms.

Depending on the manufacturer, the submarines were equipped with diesel engines from Fairbanks-Morse or General Motors. Fairbanks-Morse 38D81/8 (power 1600 hp) - 10-cylinder, two-stroke, with opposed cylinders. General Motors 16-278A (power 1600 hp) - 16-cylinder, two-stroke, with a V-shaped cylinder arrangement. Air for the engine was supplied by a compressor.

The fuel pump (capacity 37.9 l/min) was powered by an electric motor direct current(power at 1150 rpm 0.736 kW). The cooling system operated on fresh water, cooled with sea water before reuse. The engines were started from a 200-atmospheric air line.

Each diesel engine was connected to a generator shaft (power 1100 kW). At a frequency of 750 rpm, the generator produced a current of 415 V. The DC generators were air-cooled and parallel-excited. While sailing, they powered electric motors or charged batteries.

Steering/engine compartment

It was located between frames 99 and 107. At the same time, on the deck there was a power plant control station, a remote control for turning off the engines, an auxiliary electrical distribution panel and lathe. Four propeller electric motors were installed under the deck of the compartment (the power of each at 1300 rpm is 1000 kW), which rotated the propeller shafts in pairs: on the starboard side - right rotation, on the port side - left rotation.

Electric motors Nos. 1 and 3, through reduction gears (reduced the rotation speed to 280 rpm), rotated the propeller shaft on the starboard side, and electric motors Nos. 2 and 4 - on the left. In addition, oil and circulation pumps were installed below deck.

On submarines of later production, gearboxes were not installed, since double-anchor electric motors were installed, which could change power at a rotation speed of 67..282 rpm within the range of 15 - 2000 kW.

Aft torpedo compartment

In the aft torpedo compartment, located between frames 107 and 125, there were four torpedo tubes (they were loaded with torpedoes before the trip) and four spare torpedoes. There was also a boatswain's toolbox and fifteen berths. Although the submarine had 70 sleeping places (formally one place for each sailor), the crew of the boats in practice was larger, and therefore the sailors slept in two shifts, or rather, three sailors slept in turns on two beds. The crew size by the end of the war usually exceeded 80 people. Some beds in torpedo compartments were lowered only after the torpedo tubes were reloaded. By the end of the war, the number of targets at sea had decreased significantly; submarines could return from a cruise without firing a single shot.

In addition to torpedoes, Gato-class submarines carried other types of weapons. For example, a 7.62- or 12.7-mm Browning anti-aircraft machine gun was installed on the “cigarette” deck. During the dive, the machine gun was retracted inside the boat.

The 7.62 mm Browning machine gun was the first anti-aircraft gun to be installed on Gato class submarines. Initially, a machine gun with a water-cooled barrel was used, but an air-cooled version appeared. As a rule, the submarine was equipped with several machine guns mounted on machines around the perimeter of the cabin. The large-caliber 12.7-mm Browning machine gun did not gain popularity. Although it was highly effective when firing at air targets, it was large in size and weight, which made it difficult to remove the machine gun during an emergency dive.

The anti-aircraft machine gun was to be replaced by a Swiss-made 20-mm Oerlikon cannon (length 70 calibers). In the United States it was produced under license. Many submarines received one such gun after the start of the war. Single-barreled guns were later replaced by twin ones.

The Swedish 40 mm Bofors cannon (60 calibers long) was adopted by the American Navy shortly after it became clear that the American 28 mm anti-aircraft gun was ineffective against modern aircraft. In 1944, Gato-class submarines began to be equipped with one Bofors gun. The gun proved itself to be excellent, and it began to be installed on all submarines before the end of 1944.

The deck in front and behind the bridge had a reinforced structure for mounting guns. The artillery armament of the Gato submarines was varied. The location and type of placement of the guns depended on the wishes of the boat commander and the time of its commissioning.

The Gato class submarines had reinforced platforms on the deck in front and behind the deckhouse, which were intended for the installation of guns. Only some submarines carried a pair of guns at once. The following guns could be installed on submarines:

The 76.2 mm gun with a 50-caliber barrel was the standard deck gun for American submarines during World War II. Many modifications were produced with different designations. The modifications differed from each other mainly in the type of cutting. Although the gun was simple to operate, it used projectiles (5.9 kg - 13 lb) that were too light to be effective even against small ships. Combat experience forced the submarines to be equipped with an artillery system of greater power.

Initially, 102-mm guns with a barrel length of 50 calibers were installed on several S-class submarines. Later they were installed on Gato-class submarines. For the 102 mm cannon, 15 kg shells were already used. The main disadvantage of the gun was the high initial velocity of the projectile, which was 884 m/s, so the projectile often penetrated light targets without causing serious damage.

The barrel of the 127-mm cannon (barrel length 25 calibers) was made of stainless steel, and therefore the gun did not require a plug at the muzzle. This simplified the transfer of the gun from the traveling position to the combat position. The gun fired 24.4 kg high-explosive shells (the mass of the high-explosive charge was 2.55 kg). The initial speed was 808 meters per second. This gun was considered to ideally meet the requirements for deck artillery on submarines.

There were a large number of visual differences between submarines produced by different shipyards. Most noticeable were the location, number and configuration of the scuppers. Some submarines were equipped with additional equipment and weapons. This is why naval historians claim that it is impossible to find two absolutely identical Gato-class submarines.

Modernization of the Gato-class submarines continued until the end of World War II, with work covering not only weapons and design, but also equipment.

For example, hydroacoustic equipment was constantly modernized. The first series of submarines were equipped with WCA sonars with a JT hydrophone operating in the range of 110 Hz - 15 kHz. Its range was 3429 meters. It made it possible to determine the range to the target and bearing, and if the target was a submarine, then the depth of the dive was determined. In 1945, the more advanced WFA sonar was adopted.

All 73 Gato class submarines took part in the battles. Of the 10 most successful American submarines (by tonnage sunk), 8 belong to this class. 19 boats were lost. One of them (SS-248 "Dorado") was sunk by an American aircraft en route to the Panama Canal in the Caribbean Sea, 18 were lost as a result of enemy opposition in the Pacific Ocean.

Among the Gato-class submarines, the most famous during the war were Flasher SS-249 (the leader in sunk tonnage, 100,231 GRT), Barb SS-220, Growler SS-215, Silversides SS-236, "Trigger" SS-237, and "Wahoo" SS-238.

Captain Howard W. Gilmore of the SS-215 "Growler" became the first submariner to be awarded the Medal of Honor. Gilmore was wounded by the Japanese transport Hayasaki on February 7, 1943, while on the bridge. The captain gave the order for an immediate dive, although Gilmore himself did not manage to reach the hatch in time.

SS-227 Darter is the only American submarine that sank as a result of hitting the bottom.

SS-238 Wahoo, commanded by Dudley "Mash" Morton, became the first American submarine to penetrate the Sea of ​​Japan. In 1943, she was sunk while returning from a second trip to that area.

SS-245 "Cobia" was sunk by Japanese transports that were going with tank units to Iwo Jima as reinforcements.

SS-257 Harder, commanded by Samuel D. Dealey, is the only submarine to sink five escort ships in its career. Four of them were sunk in one campaign.

SS-261 "Mingo" was sold to Japan after the war and served under the name "Kuroshio".

SS-244 Cavalla sank the aircraft carrier Shōkaku, which took part in the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Some Gato-class submarines are preserved as monuments: USS Cavalla (SS-244) at Seawolf Park, USS Cobia (SS-245) at the Wisconsin Maritime Museum, USS Drum (SS-228) at Battleship Memorial Park ).

Specifications:
Length - 95 m.
Width - 8.3 m.
Surface displacement - 1526 tons.
Underwater displacement - 2410 tons.
Working immersion depth - 90 m.
Surface speed - 20 knots.
Underwater speed - 8 knots.
Power point:
4 diesel engines with 1400 hp each.
4 electric motors with a power of 1370 hp each.
2 batteries with 126 cells each.
Navigation autonomy - 75 days.
Crew - 60/85 people.
Weapons:
Artillery - 76 mm caliber deck gun.
Torpedo armament - 6 bow and 4 stern torpedo tubes of 533 mm caliber, 24 torpedoes.
Anti-aircraft weapons - 2 machine guns of 12.7 mm or 7.62 mm caliber.

Prepared based on materials:
dic.academic.ru
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Divers of the Russian Geographical Society and the Russian Ministry of Defense for the first time studied the American submarine Herring sunk near the island of Matua. The submarine SS-233 was destroyed by Japanese coastal artillery in 1944. The exact coordinates of the submarine were transferred to the American side so that the place of its death would be designated on maps as a mass grave.

Journalists from the Zvezda TV channel filmed research papers on video.

Research work began in August in the area of ​​Cape Yurlov, where at a depth of 110 meters it rests (translated from in English- herring) and 83 members of her team. The expedition involved the rescue ship Igor Belousov, as well as the remote-controlled search and rescue vehicle Panther Plus and the uninhabited underwater reconnaissance robot Tiger. With their help, divers examined the sunken submarine in detail.

The submarine lies almost flat on the bottom. Over 73 years under water, the boat was overgrown with a dense layer of shell rock. However, in the video you can distinguish the wheelhouse, deck guns and other hull elements.

“The submarine was quite large for its time, its length is about 95 meters. It is in very good condition, shell holes are clearly visible, the boat is practically not destroyed, even the rudders and propellers have been preserved, and the deckhouse superstructure has been preserved,” says the executive director of the Center underwater research of the Russian Geographical Society Sergei Fokin.

The width of the Gato-class submarine is just over eight meters. The submarine carried 24 torpedoes. In May 1944, an American submarine commanded by Lieutenant David Zabriske reported torpedoing two Japanese ships, the Ishigaki and the Hokuyo Maru, in the Kuril Islands area. Then the submarine attacked and sank two more merchant ships - the Hibiri Maru and the Iwaki Maru - in the harbor formed by the strait between the coast of Matua and the small island of Toporkovy located near it. When retreating along a narrow, shallow channel, the boat, which was on the surface, could not maneuver and was fired upon by Japanese coastal artillery. After several shell hits, she sank almost immediately.

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Matua Island is located in the central part of the Kuril ridge. It extends 11 kilometers in length and 6.5 kilometers in width. The height of the highest point - Sarychev Peak (Fuyo Volcano) is 1485 meters. On the eve of World War II, the Japanese turned the island of Matua into a powerful fortress with underground pillboxes. There was a large airfield here, from which Japanese aircraft could control the entire northwest Pacific Ocean. The island-fortress was defended by units of the 42nd Infantry Division of the Japanese Army and the Third Naval Brigade, which capitulated to the Soviet landing on August 26 and 27, 1945.

Sakhalin experts are almost 100% sure that the object found in the Kuril Islands area during the second expedition of the Russian Ministry of Defense and the Russian Geographical Society is an American submarine.

“An underwater object discovered on June 25 at a depth of 100 - 110 meters at a distance of 2.8 km from the coast, after a detailed study using a multi-beam echo sounder and the creation of a three-dimensional image, was 99% identified as a submarine,” said at a meeting of the Sakhalin branch of the Russian Geographical Society ( Russian Geographical Society) expedition member, captain of a large geographical boat Igor Tikhonov.

Sakhalin local historian Igor Samarin suggested that this could be the American submarine Herring (SS-233).

Ship Graveyard

The island of Matua, where the object was found, is a ship graveyard. “According to my calculations, at least 5 ships were lost near Matua. In 1941, the first ship ran aground and was destroyed by storms. One of the most unusual events is the death of the Japanese transport Roye-maru, which was carrying a garrison to the island and ran aground on March 3, 1944. Then the military was forced to land not on Matua, but on Toporkovy and live for a week on a bare island without food,” Samarin said.

According to him, another ship came to unload, ran aground, and then exploded for unknown reasons. In June 1944, in Dvoinoy Bay, a whole detachment of Japanese ships became easy prey for the American submarine Herring, which, while on the surface, fired torpedoes and hit two ships at once. On one of them, a division came to Matua, 280 people died, 8 howitzers drowned.

“And then it begins interesting story, associated with the American submarine Herring (SS-233). According to the Americans, who used information from Japanese newspapers, Herring was hit by coastal artillery in this battle. Later, the Japanese went out to sea and saw a large oil slick, which confirmed the fact that the boat had been lost,” said Samarin, adding that there is another version. Several Japanese sources claim that the boat then disappeared.

“After Herring surfaced in the fog, threw out torpedoes and knocked out the ships, not a single artillery gun fired at the boat. She stood where there were no guns, the anti-aircraft guns could not turn because there was not enough angle, and the submarine was fired only by 20 and 25 mm anti-aircraft guns. They fired at it with such intensity that the frame of one machine gun broke, and it fell into a cliff, and the boat disappeared. Therefore, there were doubts whether Herring died,” Samarin explained.

Igor Tikhonov said that the search for submerged objects in Dvoynaya Bay did not yield any results. “There are very strong tidal currents there. Therefore, if there were sunken ships here, they were simply carried away. According to the latest data, divers in the southern part of the bay found an anchor weighing 2 - 2.5 tons. It’s from a very large ship,” he explained.

Tikhonov said that work near Matua continues. A bathyscaphe may be sent to study the sunken submarine.

Expedition to Matua

Representatives of the expeditionary center of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation, the Russian Geographical Society, personnel of the Pacific Fleet and the Eastern Military District continue to study the infrastructure destroyed by time, located on the Kuril island of Matua. This is the second expedition to Matua and will last until September. The first joint expedition of the Ministry of Defense and the Russian Geographical Society to Matua took place in 2016.

Participants of the second expedition discovered a number of historical artifacts, in particular, they found the remains of the residence of the Japanese garrison commander, equipped with pillboxes, loopholes and underground passages.

Hydrogeologists, volcanologists, hydrobiologists, landscape scientists, soil scientists, submariners, searchers and archaeologists from Vladivostok, Moscow, Kamchatka and Sakhalin work on Matua. They must collect materials for an atlas of marine life in the waters of Matua Island and neighboring islands. Work to study the island and its waters will last until September 2017, the result will be materials necessary for the further development of the island. Experts will draw up maps of hazardous natural phenomena, study alternative energy sources, the chemical composition of natural waters, potential soil fertility and other aspects.

Matua - island middle group The large ridge of the Kuril Islands, length - about 11 km, width - 6.4 km. During World War II, one of Japan's largest naval bases was located on it. In 1945, the island was ceded to the USSR, and the Japanese base was turned into a Soviet one. The island has preserved many fortifications, mines, grottoes, two runways, which are heated by thermal springs, so they can be used all year round.