Submarine Navigation with James Taylor OBE FRIN

Subject: Submarine Navigation
Speaker: James Taylor OBE FRIN, Submariner and Past President
Abstract: Since their inception at the start of the 20th century, over time and warfare submarines have made the transition from small submersible craft of limited range to today’s nuclear-powered attack or strategic missile-firing submarines. In the beginning, the Royal Navy saw submarines as no fit place for an Officer and a Gentleman, such that for decades afterwards, the Submarine Service was “The Trade”. The First World War saw them come into their own. The Second World War saw something remarkably similar. A major part of the fascination with submarines is their ability to move in three dimensions, unseen. These are the original Stealth Fighters, so how do they navigate.
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[@mikebennett3812]

Many thanks James. Brought back memories of a Part III on the plot table of an A boat, then on P' & O Boats (and SINS on an 'R' class patrols). And of course, those pleasure trips (sic) we undertook in the Med on DR and EP. 🙂 I was on Resolution Stbd crew (Cmdr Ken Fewer as C.O.) and well remember Cmdr Colin Grant.

[@AbyssalPlain]

The sheer physical density of technology, technical expertise and strategic punch - unsurpassed in any other military or civilian endeavour. Astonishing.

[@davemitchell9941]

Fascinating documentary. Thank you. Did 6 days at sea on Otus during sea trials (ex Devonport fitter). Got the upmost respect for all submariners special breed & all smashing lads, on what were smashing boats. From memory we managed 14 knots on the surface (measured mile). They certainly did corkscrew around on the surface in foul weather!! Great memories.

[@badmattam]

Fascinating. I worked on the Oberon class refits as an apprentice ( Rosyth) in the early/ mid 80’s and then on to SSN’s ( Warspite/ Churchill etc) and SSBN’s ( Resolution class) refits onward to the 90’s. Good memories albeit back breaking work. Thanks for the interesting upload.

[@vladekcirin6080]

What an excellent presentation. It brought back many very happy memories of my time in RORQUAL ( CO Peter Christmas) and OTUS (CO Neil Robertson). As MEO of OTUS the navigational aspects of being Officer of the Watch dived and surfaced was a very interesting and at times challenging for an Engineer Officer not specifically trained in seamanship matters. You learned very quickly indeed. I remember you well from the many times our paths have crossed in the past.

[@mikefochtman7164]

Interesting stuff. As an enlisted sailor in the US Submarine service, I can vouch that sometimes when in 'transit' from point A to B, we would sometimes have to rig for deep and spend a few hours near our maximum depth. I learned quickly that we were one of our Navy's deeper diving boats and we were probably doing deep to avoid a 'friendly' that was transiting in some other direction. Don't ask too many questions and sonar wouldn't talk, nor the OOD. Just mind your own business and keep an eye on your panel! lol

[@dinger40]

Had Satnav (US kit) in 79-80 only 6-7 satellites, had to tune the set in manually. Could only get 3-4 fixes a day as 3 satellites had to pass overhead within 20 mins for a valid fix. Great vid.👍

[@alanbstard4]

intertesting. Thanks for the presentation

[@johnlacey3857]

Very interesting! Thank you!

[@awparran09]

As a private pilot, I found your presentation interesting that submarines used Loran-A - C, the same as we used in the 80's and 90's until GPS. I wish you had provided more charts on the "Box" submarines patrolled. Does country (UK) announce it will transit another country's (Spain) "Box"?