NAVYPEDIA

Photo

K2 1952

Ships

No	Name	Yard No	Builder	Laid down	Launched	Comm	Fate
SSK1, 7.1959- SST3, 8.1972- SS-T3	K1, 12.1955- Barracuda	133	Electric Boat, Groton	1.7.1949	2.3.1951	10.11.1951	TS 7.1959, stricken 10.1973
SSK2, 8.1959- SS551	K2, 12.1955- Bass		Mare Island N Yd, Vallejo	23.2.1950	2.5.1951	16.11.1951	stricken 4.1965
SSK3, 8.1959- SS552	K3, 12.1955- Bonita		Mare Island N Yd, Vallejo	29.5.1950	21.6.1951	11.1.1952	stricken 4.1965

Technical data

Displacement standard, t	765
Displacement normal, t	/ 1160
Length, m	59.8
Breadth, m	7.50
Draught, m	4.40
No of shafts	2
Machinery	2 General Motors diesel-generators, 2 General Electric electric motors
Power, h. p.	1125 / 1050
Max speed, kts	13 / 8.5
Fuel, t	diesel oil 189
Endurance, nm(kts)	9000(10) /
Armament	4 - 533 Mk 47 TT (bow, 8)
Electronic equipment	BPS-12 radar, BQR-3, BQR-4 sonars
Complement	37
Diving depth operational, m	120

Standard scale images

Graphics

Project history

These three small diesel submarines were intended as prototypes of a mass produced ASW submarine, which would ambush enemy submarines as they emerged from their bases. The principal requirements were quietness, low cost and an effective passive sonar, the latter being carried in an enlarged bow sonar dome. They were later criticised as too small for habitability or for sea-keeping, and Tullibee was an attempt to update the ASW submarine (SSK) concept. In view of limited resources available for new construction during the early postwar period, an SSK conversion of fleet submarines was developed as a mobilization measure, and the GUPPY submarine conversions were all designed to permit later modification to SSK standard.

Modernizations

None.

Naval service

No significant events.