The motor room is located directly below the maneuvering room.
The motors run most efficiently at high speed, but propellers operate best at moderate to slow speed. So two high speed motors in a common housing are attached to each speed reduction gear. Each reduction gear in turn drives one of the two slower turning propeller shafts.
For surface operation, the Elliot motors combined with the Westinghouse reduction gears developed power ranging from 20
horsepower (hp) to 2,700 hp per propeller shaft. Submerged operation developed
30 hp to 1,719 hp per propeller shaft.
The reduction gears produced the loudest underwater sounds emitted by the submarine. This sound made it easier to be targeted by the enemy so great effort was spent to quiet these gears.
Other Features in this Area:
Lube Oil Circulation Pump: This pump supplied a constant supply of oil needed by propulsion equipment for cooling and to reduce wear.
Shaft Revolution Senders: These are attached to the shaft and provide the signal needed to determine the speed the shafts are rotating.
Cooling Water Pumps: These circulate salt water to cool propulsion gear.
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