Italian Submarines
Class ARGO and TRITONE

by Cristiano D'Adamo

	Main Page
Design and Construction	Propulsion	Air Systems
Crew Quarters	Blueprints	Radio, Navigation, etc.
Periscope	Controls	Weapons
Technical Specifications	Operational Activity	List of all Boats

Air Systems

Compressed Air

The compressed air system was one of the most important systems on the submarine. It was used to blow the ballast tanks, fire torpedoes, and to start the main engines. Without a functional air system the submarine became inoperable. Docking facilities were usually provided with the necessary high-pressure air supply so that the submarine would not have to produce its own. Air tanks tended to accumulate condensed moisture (water), thus they were regularly drained for maintenance. On the ARGO and TRITONE class the primary air compressor was installed in the auxiliary room.

The hull of the NAUTILO on the slip
(Photo Turrini)

Additional information regarding the air system is limited, but we know that these boats were equipped with:

· High-pressure air compressor
· Turbo-blower: These compressors could only be used when the submarine had at least the cunning tower out of the water so that the hatch could be open to supply external air.
· Trim pumps (50 tons per hour up to 120 meters)
· Bilge pumps (30 tons per hour up 120 meters)
· Manual pumps

Air Filtering System

The ARGO and TRITONE class were equipped with an air filtration system for the removal of CO2 (carbon monoxide). There were also oxygen tanks used to oxygenate the depleted air while submerged. The submarine was equipped with external hookups so that, in case of malfunction, a support ship could blow the ballast tank and also provide breathable air. Due to the primitive nature of the air circulation system, when submerged, the crew would experience very uncomfortable conditions and the air was reportedly foul within a very few minutes.



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