The Evolution of the Arctic Submarine

• Published in: Journal of Navigation
• Main Author: McLaren, Alfred S.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Cambridge University Press (CUP) 1984
• Subjects: Ocean Engineering; Oceanography; Arctic; Jules; Simon Lake; Verne; Wilkins
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0373463300019913; https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/S0373463300019913

This paper examines the evolution of the arctic submarine and the ever-increasing scientific and commercial potential which have accompanied this evolution over the past 340 years. It is a sporadic history of arctic submarine ideas, concepts and actual experiences with vessels at sea. It happens to be a history that is largely American, with important additions as a result of the experiences of the Germans, Soviets and the British, particularly during World War II. Finally, it is a history in which five early visionaries in particular stand out: Bishop John Wilkins of England; Jules Verne of France; Professor Anschutz-Kampfe of Germany; the submarine designer Simon Lake, of the United States — whose influence extended over four decades until well into the twentieth century; and Sir Hubert Wilkins of Australia.