A comprehensive and profusely
illustrated history of the world's
submarine diesels from origins to
peak of perfection in World War II.
It tells of their designers,
builders and the dedicated
submariners caring for these always
state of the art engines in their
demanding roles.
- In 1921 a
United States navy officer wrote
that "the requirements of a
submarine diesel engine might be
considered as a quest of the
absolute." His statement is the
book's theme, a long neglected
subject. Much has been written on
the diesel boats which played such
destructive roles in two world wars
of the last century. Yet rarely do
they tell about the engines
propelling them or charging their
batteries for the power to submerged.
For the first time the submarine
diesels of all the word's navies are
described beginning with their less
than proven designs when Rudolf
Diesel's brainchild was still in its
infancy.
- Included are
the people and engine makers who
transformed the diesel into a
reliable and durable submarine power
plant. Here also are first hand
accounts from the enginemen serving
on these boats and how politics and
government bureaucracies affected
diesel progress. This unique history
will appeal to navy veterans, engine
enthusiasts and readers interested
in a technology's evolution.
