The Wielandt–Hartley theorem for submaximal $$\mathfrak {X}$$-subgroups

Abstract

A nonempty class $\mathfrak{X}$ of finite groups is called complete if it is closed under taking subgroups, homomorphic images and extensions. We deal with a classical problem of determining $\mathfrak{X}$-maximal subgroups. We consider two definitions of submaximal $\mathfrak{X}$-subgroups suggested by Wielandt and discuss which one better suits our task. We prove that these definitions are not equivalent yet Wielandt-Hartley's theorem holds true for either definition of $\mathfrak{X}$-submaximality. We also give some applications of the strong version of Wielandt-Hartley's theorem.