A Biomedical Review of the U.S. Navy Submarine Escape System: 1996.

Abstract

Abstract : The current method of escape from United States Navy submarines, the buoyant ascent using the Steinke Hood, was introduced in 1962. Pressurized buoyant ascent training ceased in the United States in the 1970s due to concerns associated with financial costs and health risks. Operating procedures for escaping from U.S. Navy submarines have remained essentially unchanged since World War II. In 1974, Neuman highlighted significant biomedical shortcomings in the escape system: hypothermia, nitrogen narcosis, hypercarbia, barotrauma, and decompression sickness. He attributed these shortcomings to the method of escape and operating procedures. Furthermore, as this review suggests, the current method of submarine escape is no longer practical, because the Steinke Hood provides no thermal protection for the escaper during the escape and while awaiting recovery. Accordingly, citing emerging technology and recent studies, this paper presents biomedical-based recommendations for enhancing survival of escapers by a) overhauling current submarine escape systems and procedures and b) substituting existing thermal protection suits for the Steinke Hood.