Thread by @KingNeptune767

This is one of the most terrifying finds in history. A few notes from a qualified #LAClass Diesel Operator. #SubSunday #Submarines

https://twitter.com/NavalInstitute/status/1254597574172061697

Submarine diesel engines are some of the oldest and most impressive pieces of technology used by any navy. Every country has their own native built diesels and they are MASSIVE. Photo of the #LAClass @FairbanksMorse 38 1/8" during a tear down. 38=Year 1938.

I have shot live torpedoes and tomahawks... I have witnessed reactor startups... I have attacked battle-groups... sank a few carriers... and nothing was as amazing as starting up the diesel for the first time by myself.

Youtube video of startup of the @USSSilversidesS Diesel in 2018. Nothing better than throwing the lever.

The #MingClass diesel is rumored to be a6E 390 ZC1 diesel produced by the Shaanxi Diesel Engine Heavy Industry Co Ltd.

sxd408.com

SSK "Diesel submarines" are usually equipped with at 2 diesel engines.... in case one fails the crew has a backup.

They require a massive volume of air to sustain the combustion. Large engines have a supercharger or multiple turbochargers to sustain flow

users.fini.net/~bersano/engli…

These massive engines come with many safety mechanisms. I was told that if the engine threw a rod it would shoot through the side of the submarine and we would be Neptune's newest recruits.

One thing we know from a @SCMPNews article is that there were many high ranking officials and local workers onboard.

scmp.com/article/414760…

This usually indicates that the submarine was under some type of testing. Usually this means initial testing to commission the submarine but this sub is old school/Neo Romeo class.

Sooo we assume they are testing experimental tech. We can run all over the place with speculation.

The submarine was still functional, floating, and the crew was still at their stations more or less.

There are many "official accounts" of why the crew died. The overarching summary is that the diesel failed to shutdown and the crew "Suffocated".

I do not believe that the crew died because they were exposed to exhaust because a sailor opened the wrong valve.

I believe the crew died because the snorkel intake valve failed shut and the emergency shutdown system for the diesel failed to shutdown the engine. @Aviation_Intel

Name any fossil fuel powered machine with an exhaust plumbed into the operators space. SUBMARINES DIESELS CANNOT AND DO NOT EXHAUST TO THE PEOPLE SPACE EVER.

One of the horrible ways to die as a submariner.... I was introduced to as I qualified.... was the diesel sucking down a vacuum in the people space due to a failed shut intake valve. There is a safety system of course... but it has to be tested tested and tested again.

"Why are there auto e-stop vacuum switches??? Why don't you just throw the lever to stop when you feel a vacuum?

Cause you always feel a vacuum as a submariner. It can get so bad you just fall asleep and never realize it."

The vacuum also keeps the hatches closed.

Why wouldn't the crew just emergency blow... open the hatches and go for a swim? Why are the scopes still up?? Why were they found in their own area??? Still at their watch stations....

*Edit 38D 8 1/8" so many 8's lol

I have not found any historical evidence of a submarine diesel vacuum killing the crew but it is a definite concern.