Originally Posted by Bubblehead1980
I get what you are saying and I've consulted the Pacific War Encyclopedia as well, among other sources. However, it seems a case of the technical specs and assumptions of how would operate based on those specs vs what was able to actually do in practice, such as the modification of tanks to carry extra fuel, having the stops for fuel etc. Midway for example, is 2,213 nautical miles from Midway Island. A fully fueled Gato/Balao/Tench, could rather easily fuel at Midway , proceed to anywhere along the pacific coasts of the home island at 15.5-16 knots/Ahead Standard. Once in area, depending on period of war, preference of skipper, would run on surface at lower, less fuel consuming speed unless chasing a convoy etc. or run submerged by day, surfaced at night. They had sufficient fuel to remain on station for some time, often returning home due to expending all torpedoes or having completed the required time on station required by orders, of course considering provisions, morale etc.
Fuel and speed/range specs vs reality can be compared with say the test depth of submarines. Technical specs of Gato say 300 ft was the safest test depth, but many times in war, either by choice/necessity or forced deep by damage, Gato went far beyond, talking 500 feet or more. Balao was rated at 412 ft, but it became normal to go 600 feet or more with no issues. Tang, Bowfin, Billfish, etc went to 650 or deeper. A old Porpoise class, the Pollack went into out of control dive after making emergency dive to escape charging enemy destroyer and the old riveted hull boat, rated for 250 feet, went to 540 before was under control. Another case of tech specs vs. reality of performance capability perfect in wartime.
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