SS X-1 facts for kids
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Quick facts for kids History |
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 United States |
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| 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 |
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| Length | 49 ft 6 in (15.09 m) |
| Beam | 7 ft (2.1 m) |
| Draft | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) |
| Propulsion |
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| Complement | 10 |
| Armament | None |
The X-1 (also known as SS X-1) was a special small submarine built for the United States Navy. It was designed to be a "midget submarine." Construction began on June 8, 1954, in Deer Park, New York. The submarine was launched into the water on September 7, 1955. It was given to the Navy on October 6, 1955, and officially started its service on October 7, 1955. Lieutenant Kevin Hanlon was its first commander.
Contents
Exploring the X-1 Submarine's Purpose
The X-1 submarine was used for important research. The Navy wanted to learn how to protect harbors from very small submarines. They also used the X-1 to understand what these tiny submarines could do. These tests helped the Navy prepare for different kinds of underwater challenges.
How the X-1's Engine Changed
When it was first built, the X-1 used a special engine system. It ran on hydrogen peroxide and a diesel engine, along with batteries. However, on May 20, 1957, there was an explosion involving its hydrogen peroxide supply. Because of this, the submarine was changed to use a different type of engine. It was then powered by a diesel-electric system. On December 2, 1957, the X-1 was taken out of service in Philadelphia.
X-1's Return to Service
In December 1960, the X-1 was moved to Annapolis, Maryland. It was put back into service and joined Submarine Squadron 6. The submarine was based at the Severn River Command and used for new experiments in Chesapeake Bay. Scientists from the Naval Research Laboratory used the X-1 for their studies. They watched its operations from a platform under the Bay Bridge. This helped them learn more about how seawater behaves.
The X-1's Final Journey
The X-1 continued to be active until January 1973. On February 16, 1973, it was taken out of service again. A few months later, on April 26, 1973, it was moved to the Naval Ship Research and Development Center in Annapolis. On July 9, 1974, it was decided that the X-1 would become a historical exhibit. It was displayed at the Naval Station complex near Annapolis for many years. In 2001, the X-1 was moved to the Submarine Force Museum in Groton, Connecticut. Today, you can see it on display there, right in front of the main museum building.
Images for kids
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X-1 Midget Submarine on display at the Submarine Force Library and Museum
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The stern section of X-1
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Fun Facts About the X-1
The X-1 as a Toy
The X-1 submarine even inspired a toy! The Lionel 3330 "Commando" submarine toy was designed based on the look of the real X-1. You can learn more about it on the LIONEL TRAINS 3330 website.
