SS X-1 facts for kids
.jpg) |
|
Quick facts for kids 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 |
The X-1 (also called SS X-1) was a very special small submarine built for the United States Navy. It was designed to be a "midget submarine." This means it was much smaller than regular submarines.
The X-1 was started on June 8, 1954, in Deer Park, Long Island, New York. It was built by Fairchild Engine and Airplane Corporation. The submarine was launched into the water on September 7, 1955, at Oyster Bay, Long Island. It was given to the Navy on October 6, 1955, and began its service on October 7, 1955. Lieutenant Kevin Hanlon was its first commander.
Contents
What was the X-1 used for?
The X-1 was used for important research and testing. It helped the Navy learn how to protect harbors from very small submarines. It also helped them understand what these tiny submarines could do in a fight.
Engine changes and repairs
The X-1 first used a special engine that ran on hydrogen peroxide and diesel fuel, along with batteries. But 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.
After the engine change, the X-1 was taken out of service on December 2, 1957. It was then stored in Philadelphia.
Back to work: Chesapeake Bay tests
In December 1960, the X-1 was brought back into service. It was towed to Annapolis, Maryland. There, it joined Submarine Squadron 6 and was based at the Severn River Command. The submarine was used for more 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.
Where is the X-1 now?
The X-1 stayed in active service until January 1973. It was taken out of service again on February 16, 1973. On April 26, 1973, it was moved to the Naval Ship Research and Development Center in Annapolis.
By July 9, 1974, it was decided that the X-1 would become a historical exhibit. It was displayed 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.
Toy Version
Did you know that a toy submarine was made based on the X-1? The Lionel 3330 "Commando" submarine looks very much like the X-1! You can learn more about it here: LIONEL TRAINS 3330.
Images for kids
-
The X-1 Midget Submarine on display at the Submarine Force Library and Museum
-
The back part of the X-1
.jpg)
