Submarines "Tambor" were the next logical step in the development of American submarines. 12 boats of this type had increased striking power, although they retained some of the design features of their predecessors, the Salmon-class submarines. The submarines had a fairly large range, which allowed them to reach the shores of Japan, and their weapons were strong enough to inflict significant damage on the enemy at such a distance. The TDC-equipped Tambor-class submarines successfully interacted with the surface forces.
The Tambor class submarines were developed from the Salmon / Sargo submarines. Otherwise, in terms of design, the new submarines were close to the prototype, but had a more durable hull and increased armament - 10 torpedo tubes instead of eight for the Salmon and Sargo submarines. The new double-hull boat could dive to a depth of 90 meters (the design depth of the destruction of the hull was 150 meters). Diesel engines with direct transmission to propeller shafts served as a power plant.
The Tambor-class submarines were built under the programs of fiscal 1939 (SS-198-203) and fiscal 1940 (SS-206-211). The submarines entered service in 1939-1941.
During the war in 1942-1943, submarines of this type underwent modernization - the wheelhouse was replaced with a lower one, with sponsons to accommodate 40-mm "Bofors" and 20-mm "Erlikons".
However, there was one "but" … Taking into service the submarines "Tambor", the leadership of the submarine forces was forced to agree to the production of two obviously unsuccessful and do not fit into the strategic concept of using small submarines M. They regretted a lot about this concession in December 1941, so as submarines with a long range were not enough.
The Tambor submarines are the last American submarines to enter service before the US entered the war. With the outbreak of hostilities, these submarines represented the main striking force, until at the end of 1942 they began to be replaced by submarines of the "Gato" type. Despite this, the Tambor boats continued to remain in the first line until the end of 1944, only after that they were transferred to secondary directions and to training centers. Of the 12 Tambor boats built, 7 were lost. The SS-199 "Toutog" became the leader in the number of enemy ships and ships sunk.
History of the Tambor class submarine service
USS Tambor (SS-198). Laid down on 1939-20-12. Scrapped in 1959.
USS Toutog (SS-199). Laid down on January 27, 1940. Scrapped in 1959.
USS Thresher (SS-200). Laid down on March 27, 1940. Scrapped in 1948.
USS Triton (SS-201). Laid down on 1940-25-03. Died 1943-15-03 - sunk by Japanese ships north of the islets of the Admiralty.
USS Trout (SS-202). Laid down on 1940-21-05. Died 1944-29-02 - sunk southeast of Okinawa.
USS Tuna (SS-203). Laid down on 1940-02-10. Sunk 25.09.1944.
USS Gar (SS-206). Laid down on 1940-07-11. Scrapped in 1959.
USS Grampus (SS-207). Laid down on 23.12.1940. Before the United States entered World War II, the boat was based in New London. During 1942-1943, the submarine USS Grampus carried out five military campaigns, of which the first, fourth and fifth were recognized as successful. This submarine sank six Japanese vessels with a total tonnage of 45.4 thousand tons. Awarded with three battle stars. SS-207 in February 1943 left for the Solomon Islands on the sixth campaign and went missing.
USS Grayback (SS-208). Laid down on 31.01.1941. She died in February-March 1944 in the East China Sea.
USS Grayling (SS-209). Laid down on 1940-04-09. She disappeared without a trace in August-September 1943 - most likely sunk off the island of Luzon.
USS Grenadier (SS-210). Laid down on 1940-29-11. 1943-21-04 was heavily damaged by Japanese aircraft in the Strait of Malacca. Died 1943-22-04 - flooded by the crew near Penang.
USS Gudgeon (SS-211). Laid down on 1941-21-04. She died in April - May 1944 in the area of the Mariana Islands.
Specifications:
Surface displacement - 1475 tons.
Submerged displacement - 2370 tons.
Length - 93.6 m.
Width - 8, 3 m.
Power plant - 2 diesel engines with a capacity of 5400 hp / 2 electric motors with a capacity of 2740 hp.
Speed 20/8, 8 knots
Scuba diving range - 60 miles at a speed of 5 miles / hour.
The surface navigation range is 10,000 miles at a speed of 10 miles / hour.
Duration of autonomous sailing - 75 days.
Crew - 60 people.
Armament:
Torpedo tubes - 10 (6 bow, 4 stern) caliber 533 mm.
Ammunition - 24 torpedoes.
Cannon caliber 76, 2 mm.
Prepared based on materials:
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