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Underwater speed record include records for submarines, autonomous underwater vehicles, and torpedoes. As these are typically for military vehicles, most are unconfirmed.

Submarines

Established reports and manufacturer's claims indicate that a handful of submarines are capable of speeds exceeding 30 knots (56 km/h; 35 mph). In 1960, HMS Explorer S30 achieved an underwater speed of over 30 knots. In 1965, the experimental USS Albacore reported a speed of 33 knots (61 km/h; 38 mph). The Soviet November-class submarine was found in 1968 to have a speed of 31 knots (57 km/h; 36 mph). In response the United States Navy developed the Los Angeles-class submarine, with a reported speed of 30–32 knots (56–59 km/h; 35–37 mph). The Akula (Russian: shark)-class vessel is reportedly capable of travelling submerged at 35 knots (65 km/h; 40 mph). Its predecessor, the Alfa class, could attain short speed bursts of 40–45 knots (74–83 km/h; 46–52 mph) while submerged. There are also claims that the Soviet twin-propeller submarine K-222, with titanium inner and outer hulls, reached 44.7 knots (83 km/h; 51 mph), fully submerged, during sea trials in 1969.

Torpedoes

The British Spearfish torpedo, designed to counter high-speed Russian submarines such as the Alfa class, is reputed to reach speeds in excess of 70 knots (130 km/h; 81 mph). The Russian VA-111 Shkval rocket-powered supercavitating torpedo is reportedly capable of speeds over 200 knots (370 km/h; 230 mph). The German press reported on an underwater anti-torpedo missile, formerly named Barracuda, allegedly capable of reaching 430 knots (800 km/h).

References

1. Brown, George (28 May 2024). "HMS EXPLORER - A Personal experience by George Brian Brown".
2. Tyler, Patrick (1986). Running Critical. New York: Harper&Row. p. 70.
3. Patrick E. Tyler (1986-09-21). "The Rise and Fall Of the SSN 688". The Washington Post. Washington, D.C. ISSN 0190-8286. OCLC 1330888409.
4. Tyler, Patrick (1986). Running Critical. New York: Harper&Row. pp. 152–153.
5. Nilsen, Thomas; Kudrik, Igor; Nikitin, Alexandr (1997-09-28). "Project 705, 705 K (Lira) - Alfa Class". Bellona Report.
6. "VA-111 Shkval Torpedo". www.militaryperiscope.com. Retrieved December 1, 2010.
7. Highspeed in der Tiefe "Morgenwelt: Superkavitation". Archived from the original on 2007-09-28. Retrieved 2007-09-28. Morgenwelt: Superkavitation June 23, 2005

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