Fleet Snorkel Program
When the Navy realized that it would not be able to fund all the GUPPY conversions it desired, it devised the Fleet Snorkel program (SCB 47B) as a means of adding the minimum necessary modifications to fleet boats. The Fleet Snorkel modernization added a snorkel, a streamlined sail, a higher capacity air-conditioning system, and a more powerful electrical system. The deck guns and auxiliary diesel were removed. Unlike the GUPPY conversions, the Fleet Snorkel boats retained their original deck structure, bow, and storage batteries. Submerged performance of the Fleet Snorkel boats was therefore significantly inferior to any GUPPY conversion. Despite their limited features, the Fleet Snorkel boats served almost as long as the more modern GUPPY boats. Three boats, Piper, Sea Owl, and Sterlet, received a large BQR-4A bow sonar.
Read more about this topic: Greater Underwater Propulsion Power Program
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