USS Albacore (AGSS-569) is a unique research submarine that pioneered the American version of the teardrop hull form of modern submarines. The revolutionary design was derived from extensive hydrodynamic and wind tunnel testing, with an emphasis on underwater speed and maneuverability. She was the third vessel of the United States Navy to be named for the albacore.
USS Albacore off the coast of Rhode Island
USS Albacore on display in April 2018
Launching at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, August 1953
Tests using a model of the Albacore, March 1956
A submarine is a watercraft capable of independent operation underwater. It differs from a submersible, which has more limited underwater capability. The term is also sometimes used historically or colloquially to refer to remotely operated vehicles and robots, as well as medium-sized or smaller vessels, such as the midget submarine and the wet sub. Submarines are referred to as boats rather than ships irrespective of their size.
US Virginia-class submarine underway in Groton, Connecticut, July 2004
Russian Akula-class submarine of the Northern Fleet, in 2008
An early submersible craft, built by Cornelis Drebbel, propelled by oars
1806 illustration by Robert Fulton showing a "plunging boat"