Mike: This was an advanced Soviet test submarine which was lost at sea in April 1989. This was an advanced Soviet test submarine which was lost at sea in April 1989.

Ming: Chinese diesel attack submarine. Top speed: 18 knots submerged. Length: 249.3 feet. Displacement: 2,113 tons submerged. Major weapons: eight 53cm torpedo tubes. Chinese diesel attack submarine. Top speed: 18 knots submerged. Length: 249.3 feet. Displacement: 2,113 tons submerged. Major weapons: eight 53cm torpedo tubes.

Mk 41: Vertical launch system used on board several classes of U.S. surface warships. Vertical launch system used on board several classes of U.S. surface warships.

Mk 46: American lightweight ASW torpedo carried by helicopters, aircraft, and surface ships. The Mk 46 has been widely exported. American lightweight ASW torpedo carried by helicopters, aircraft, and surface ships. The Mk 46 has been widely exported.

Mk 48: Heavy torpedo carried by all American, and some allied, submarines. Can be used for attacks on both surface and submarine targets. The ADCAP is the newest type of Mk 48. Heavy torpedo carried by all American, and some allied, submarines. Can be used for attacks on both surface and submarine targets. The ADCAP is the newest type of Mk 48.

Mk 50: Advanced American lightweight torpedo. Replaces and supplements the Mk 46. Advanced American lightweight torpedo. Replaces and supplements the Mk 46.

Nautical Mile: 6,076 feet or roughly 1.15 miles, usually rounded off to 2,000 yards. 6,076 feet or roughly 1.15 miles, usually rounded off to 2,000 yards.

Nimitz (CVN-68): (CVN-68): The first of the nuclear-powered Nimitz class of aircraft carriers, which can carry over eighty-five aircraft. The first of the nuclear-powered Nimitz class of aircraft carriers, which can carry over eighty-five aircraft.

Noisemaker: nickname for a submarine-launched countermeasure designed to decoy an enemy torpedo away from its target. nickname for a submarine-launched countermeasure designed to decoy an enemy torpedo away from its target.

Oliver Hazard Perry (FFG-7): Large class of American multipurpose frigates. Top speed: 29 knots. Length: approximately 450 feet. Displacement: 4,100 tons full load. Major weapons: Harpoon, SM-1. Carries two LAMPS helicopters. Large class of American multipurpose frigates. Top speed: 29 knots. Length: approximately 450 feet. Displacement: 4,100 tons full load. Major weapons: Harpoon, SM-1. Carries two LAMPS helicopters.

OOD: Officer of the deck. The U.S. Navy officer in charge of the ship or submarine. The OOD represents the commanding officer. Officer of the deck. The U.S. Navy officer in charge of the ship or submarine. The OOD represents the commanding officer.

P-3 Orion: Long-range land-based maritime patrol and ASW aircraft operated by the U.S. and many of its allies. In Canadian service, the Orion is known as the Aurora. Long-range land-based maritime patrol and ASW aircraft operated by the U.S. and many of its allies. In Canadian service, the Orion is known as the Aurora.

Passive Sonar: Sonar that passively gathers its data from the noise an object radiates. Sonar that passively gathers its data from the noise an object radiates.

PBXN-103: High explosive, 650 pounds of which are found in the Mk 48's warhead. High explosive, 650 pounds of which are found in the Mk 48's warhead.

Phoenix: AIM-54. Long-range air-to-air missile carried by the F-14 Tomcat. Maximum range is more than 100 miles. AIM-54. Long-range air-to-air missile carried by the F-14 Tomcat. Maximum range is more than 100 miles.

RBU-1200: Russian ASW mortar/rocket launcher. Russian ASW mortar/rocket launcher.

Romeo: Russian designed diesel-electric class of submarines. Construction began in the 1950s. More than sixty are believed to remain in service with Chinese active and reserve forces. Top speed: 13 knots submerged. Length: 252 feet, 7 inches. Displacement: 1,700 tons submerged. Major weapons: eight 53cm torpedo tubes. Russian designed diesel-electric class of submarines. Construction began in the 1950s. More than sixty are believed to remain in service with Chinese active and reserve forces. Top speed: 13 knots submerged. Length: 252 feet, 7 inches. Displacement: 1,700 tons submerged. Major weapons: eight 53cm torpedo tubes.

RORSAT: Russian radar ocean reconnaissance satellite. Russian radar ocean reconnaissance satellite.

S-3 Viking: Carrier-based long-range ASW aircraft. ES- 3 version used for carrier-based Signals Intelligence. Carrier-based long-range ASW aircraft. ES- 3 version used for carrier-based Signals Intelligence.

S6G: The pressurized water reactor that provides the main power source for the Los Angeles class of attack submarines. The pressurized water reactor that provides the main power source for the Los Angeles class of attack submarines.

SAET-60: 53cm Russian-manufactured anti-surface torpedo. 53cm Russian-manufactured anti-surface torpedo.

SEALs: Sea air land, U.S. Navy special operations units. Sea air land, U.S. Navy special operations units.

Seawolf (SSN-21): (SSN-21): the newest class of nuclear attack submarine to be built for the U.S. Navy. Top speed: 35+ knots submerged. Length: approximately 350 feet. Displacement: 9,150 tons submerged. Major weapons: eight 30-inch torpedo tubes. the newest class of nuclear attack submarine to be built for the U.S. Navy. Top speed: 35+ knots submerged. Length: approximately 350 feet. Displacement: 9,150 tons submerged. Major weapons: eight 30-inch torpedo tubes.

SET-53: 53cm Russian-manufactured active/passive ASW homing torpedo. 53cm Russian-manufactured active/passive ASW homing torpedo.

Seventh Fleet: U.S. Navy Fleet responsible for naval operations in the Western Pacific and Indian Oceans. Headquarters: Yokosuka, Japan. U.S. Navy Fleet responsible for naval operations in the Western Pacific and Indian Oceans. Headquarters: Yokosuka, Japan.

SH-60 Seahawk: U.S. Navy ASW and multipurpose LAMPS III helicopter. U.S. Navy ASW and multipurpose LAMPS III helicopter.

Sierra: Advanced Russian SSN. Only slightly less capable than the Akulas. Top speed: 35 knots submerged. Length: 351 feet. Displacement: 7,900 tons submerged. Major weapons: four 65cm and two 53cm tubes. Advanced Russian SSN. Only slightly less capable than the Akulas. Top speed: 35 knots submerged. Length: 351 feet. Displacement: 7,900 tons submerged. Major weapons: four 65cm and two 53cm tubes.

Sierra Number: A designation representing a sonar contact on board a U.S. Navy submarine. Such contacts may be upgraded to Master Numbers if they are deemed possible threats or of other significance. A designation representing a sonar contact on board a U.S. Navy submarine. Such contacts may be upgraded to Master Numbers if they are deemed possible threats or of other significance.

SLBM: Submarine launched ballistic missile. Submarine launched ballistic missile.

SM-1/SM-2: Standard surface-to-air missiles carried on board U.S. and allied warships. SM-2 is the more advanced of the two and is also carried on board Aegis warships. Standard surface-to-air missiles carried on board U.S. and allied warships. SM-2 is the more advanced of the two and is also carried on board Aegis warships.

Snap Shot: Firing a torpedo in an emergency situation. Because no TMA has yet been conducted, the torpedo must be launched in the probable direction of the target. Firing a torpedo in an emergency situation. Because no TMA has yet been conducted, the torpedo must be launched in the probable direction of the target.

Snorkel: Device used by a submarine to draw air from the surface while remaining submerged. This allows a diesel submarine to recharge its batteries or all submarines to ventilate while remaining under water. Device used by a submarine to draw air from the surface while remaining submerged. This allows a diesel submarine to recharge its batteries or all submarines to ventilate while remaining under water.

Sonobuoy: A small, air-dropped sonar device designed to detect submarines and transmit their data back to the aircraft. A small, air-dropped sonar device designed to detect submarines and transmit their data back to the aircraft.

Spruance (DD 963): (DD 963): Large class of anti-submarine destroyers operated by the U.S. Navy. Top speed: 33 knots. Length: 563 feet, 2 inches. Displacement: 8,040 full load. Major weapons: Harpoon, Tomahawk, and ASROC (anti-submarine rocket). Also carries two LAMPS helicopters. Large class of anti-submarine destroyers operated by the U.S. Navy. Top speed: 33 knots. Length: 563 feet, 2 inches. Displacement: 8,040 full load. Major weapons: Harpoon, Tomahawk, and ASROC (anti-submarine rocket). Also carries two LAMPS helicopters.

SQR-19: Tactical towed array sonar carried by several types of U.S. Navy warship. Tactical towed array sonar carried by several types of U.S. Navy warship.

SSBN: Nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine. Nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine.

SSIXS: Submarine satellite information exchange system. Satellite system through which the U.S. Navy and its submarines can communicate. Submarine satellite information exchange system. Satellite system through which the U.S. Navy and its submarines can communicate.

SSK: Diesel-electric attack submarine. Diesel-electric attack submarine.

SSN: Nuclear-powered attack submarine. Nuclear-powered attack submarine.

SSXBT: A submarine expendable bathythermograph device used to measure water temperature at varying depths. A submarine expendable bathythermograph device used to measure water temperature at varying depths.

Sturgeon (SSN 637): (SSN 637): U.S. nuclear attack submarine class. Predates the Los Angeles class. Top speed: 30 knots submerged. Length: 292 feet. Displacement: 4,780 tons submerged. Major weapons: four 21-inch torpedo tubes. U.S. nuclear attack submarine class. Predates the Los Angeles class. Top speed: 30 knots submerged. Length: 292 feet. Displacement: 4,780 tons submerged. Major weapons: four 21-inch torpedo tubes.

SU-27: Highly advanced Russian air defense fighter. Operated by Russia, China, and other nations. Highly advanced Russian air defense fighter. Operated by Russia, China, and other nations.

SUBGRU: Submarine group. Submarine group.

Submarine Tender: A ship designed to provide support to submarines, including logistical support and small repairs. A ship designed to provide support to submarines, including logistical support and small repairs.

SUBRON: Submarine squadron. Submarine squadron.

TB-16: U.S. Navy submarine towed array. The array is 240-feet long and is towed at the end of a 2,600-foot cable. The array is stored in a shroud on the starboard side. U.S. Navy submarine towed array. The array is 240-feet long and is towed at the end of a 2,600-foot cable. The array is stored in a shroud on the starboard side.

TB-23: U.S. Navy submarine thin line array. The array is four times longer than the TB-16 and housed in the submarine's ballast tank. U.S. Navy submarine thin line array. The array is four times longer than the TB-16 and housed in the submarine's ballast tank.

TERCOM: Terrain contour matching. One of several missile guidance/navigation systems used in the Tomahawk cruise missile. Terrain contour matching. One of several missile guidance/navigation systems used in the Tomahawk cruise missile.

TEST-71: Russian 53cm, submarine-launched, active/ passive, wire-guided ASW homing torpedo. Russian 53cm, submarine-launched, active/ passive, wire-guided ASW homing torpedo.

Third Fleet: U.S. Navy fleet responsible for operations in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. Headquarters: San Diego, California. U.S. Navy fleet responsible for operations in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. Headquarters: San Diego, California.

Ticonderoga (CG-47): (CG-47): The most powerful class of cruisers in the world, operated by the U.S. Navy. Fitted with the Aegis air defense system. Top speed: 30+ knots. Length: 567 feet. Displacement: approximately 9,500 tons full load. Major weapons: Harpoon, Tomahawk, and SM-2 missiles. Also carries 2 LAMPS helicopters. The most powerful class of cruisers in the world, operated by the U.S. Navy. Fitted with the Aegis air defense system. Top speed: 30+ knots. Length: 567 feet. Displacement: approximately 9,500 tons full load. Major weapons: Harpoon, Tomahawk, and SM-2 missiles. Also carries 2 LAMPS helicopters.

TMA: Target motion analysis. The process of determining a target's course, speed, and range in order to direct a weapon in its direction. Target motion analysis. The process of determining a target's course, speed, and range in order to direct a weapon in its direction.

Tomahawk: Family of long-range cruise missiles used by the U.S. Navy. Several variants exist: TASM (antiship variant), TLAM-N (nuclear land attack variant), TLAM-C (conventional land attack version with high explosive warhead), and TLAM-D (conventional land attack with bomblets). Family of long-range cruise missiles used by the U.S. Navy. Several variants exist: TASM (antiship variant), TLAM-N (nuclear land attack variant), TLAM-C (conventional land attack version with high explosive warhead), and TLAM-D (conventional land attack with bomblets).

Trafalgar Class: Advanced class of British Royal Naval SSN. Batch 1 is in service, batch 2 is planned for the next century. Data for batch 1-Top speed: 32 knots submerged. Length: 280.1 feet. Displacement: 5,208 tons submerged. Major weapons: five 21-inch torpedo tubes. Advanced class of British Royal Naval SSN. Batch 1 is in service, batch 2 is planned for the next century. Data for batch 1-Top speed: 32 knots submerged. Length: 280.1 feet. Displacement: 5,208 tons submerged. Major weapons: five 21-inch torpedo tubes.

Type 2: Optics-only attack periscope carried on board U.S. submarines. Optics-only attack periscope carried on board U.S. submarines.

Type 18: Search periscope carried on board U.S. SSNs. Also contains still and video camera systems as well as ESM and communications receivers. Search periscope carried on board U.S. SSNs. Also contains still and video camera systems as well as ESM and communications receivers.

Typhoon: This Russian nuclear ballistic missile submarine is the world's largest. The Typhoon is constructed of titanium with a double hull, making it extremely difficult to kill. Top speed: 25 knots submerged. Length: 560 feet, 11 inches. Displacement: 25,000 tons submerged. Major weapons: six torpedo tubes (65cm and 53cm) and twenty SS-N-20 SLBMs. This Russian nuclear ballistic missile submarine is the world's largest. The Typhoon is constructed of titanium with a double hull, making it extremely difficult to kill. Top speed: 25 knots submerged. Length: 560 feet, 11 inches. Displacement: 25,000 tons submerged. Major weapons: six torpedo tubes (65cm and 53cm) and twenty SS-N-20 SLBMs.

UHF: Ultra high frequency radio band. Ultra high frequency radio band.

Underwater Telephone: Device that allows two submarines to communicate verbally with each other while submerged and in close proximity to one another. Also allows submerged submarines to communicate verbally with nearby surface ships. Device that allows two submarines to communicate verbally with each other while submerged and in close proximity to one another. Also allows submerged submarines to communicate verbally with nearby surface ships.

VHF: Very high frequency radio band. Very high frequency radio band.

VLF: Very low frequency radio band. Very low frequency radio band.

VLS: Vertical launch system used to launch missiles from warships and submarines. Vertical launch system used to launch missiles from warships and submarines.

WAA: Wide aperture array. Advanced sonar system, fitted to the Wide aperture array. Advanced sonar system, fitted to the Seawolf Seawolf submarine, employing passive sensors to rapidly determine the location of targets and give more accurate target range and tracking data. submarine, employing passive sensors to rapidly determine the location of targets and give more accurate target range and tracking data.

WLR-9: Acoustic intercept receiver. This system is used to alert the crew of a submarine if someone is using active sonar against them. Acoustic intercept receiver. This system is used to alert the crew of a submarine if someone is using active sonar against them.

Ying Ji (YJ-1 and YJ-2): Chinese antiship missiles with a range of over twenty (YJ-1) and sixty (YJ-2) nautical miles. Chinese antiship missiles with a range of over twenty (YJ-1) and sixty (YJ-2) nautical miles.

Z-9 Harbin: Chinese version of the French SA-365 Dauphin II helicopter. Used for ASW. Some Z-9s carry the French HS-12 dipping sonar. Chinese version of the French SA-365 Dauphin II helicopter. Used for ASW. Some Z-9s carry the French HS-12 dipping sonar.

Bibliography Baker III, A.D. The Naval Institute Guide to Combat Fleets of the World, 1995. The Naval Institute Guide to Combat Fleets of the World, 1995. Annapolis, MD: Naval Institute Press, 1995. Annapolis, MD: Naval Institute Press, 1995.

Clancy, Tom. Submarine. Submarine. New York: Berkley Books, 1993. New York: Berkley Books, 1993.

Francillon, Rene J. The Naval Institute Guide to World Military Aviation The Naval Institute Guide to World Military Aviation 1995. Annapolis, MD: Naval Institute Press, 1995. 1995. Annapolis, MD: Naval Institute Press, 1995.

Friedman, Norman. The Naval Institute Guide to World Naval Weapons Systems 1991/92. The Naval Institute Guide to World Naval Weapons Systems 1991/92. Annapolis, MD: Naval Institute Press, 1991. Annapolis, MD: Naval Institute Press, 1991.

Friedman, Norman. The Naval Institute Guide to World Naval Weapons Systems The Naval Institute Guide to World Naval Weapons Systems 1994 1994 Update. Update. Annapolis, MD: Naval Institute Press, 1994. Annapolis, MD: Naval Institute Press, 1994.

Friedman, Norman. Naval Radar. Naval Radar. Annapolis, MD: Naval Institute Press, 1981. Annapolis, MD: Naval Institute Press, 1981.

Friedman, Norman. U.S. Naval Weapons. U.S. Naval Weapons. Annapolis, MD: Naval Institute Press, 1988. Annapolis, MD: Naval Institute Press, 1988.

Hooten, E.R., ed. Jane's Naval Weapon Systems. Jane's Naval Weapon Systems. Surrey, UK: Jane's Information Group, 1996. Surrey, UK: Jane's Information Group, 1996.

Jackson, Paul, ed. Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1995-96. Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1995-96. Surrey, UK: Jane's Information Group, 1995. Surrey, UK: Jane's Information Group, 1995.

Lennox, Duncan, ed. Jane's Air Launched Weapons. Jane's Air Launched Weapons. Surrey, UK: Jane's Information Group, 1996. Surrey, UK: Jane's Information Group, 1996.

Lennox, Duncan, ed. Jane's Strategic Weapon Systems. Jane's Strategic Weapon Systems. Surrey, UK: Jane's Information Group, 1996. Surrey, UK: Jane's Information Group, 1996.

Miller, David, and John Jordan. Modern Submarine Warfare. Modern Submarine Warfare. New York: Military Press, 1987. New York: Military Press, 1987.

Noel, Jr., John V., and Edward L. Beach. Naval Terms Dictionary. Naval Terms Dictionary. Annapolis, MD: Naval Institute Press, 1988. Annapolis, MD: Naval Institute Press, 1988.

Polmar, Norman; Mark Warren; and Eric Wertheim. Dictionary of Military Abbreviations. Dictionary of Military Abbreviations. Annapolis, MD: Naval Institute Press, 1994. Annapolis, MD: Naval Institute Press, 1994.

Polmar, Norman, and Jurrien Noot. Submarines of the Russian and Soviet Navies 1718-1990. Submarines of the Russian and Soviet Navies 1718-1990. Annapolis, MD: Naval Institute Press, 1991. Annapolis, MD: Naval Institute Press, 1991.

Polmar, Norman. The Naval Institute Guide to the Ships and Aircraft of the U.S. Fleet, Fifteenth Edition. The Naval Institute Guide to the Ships and Aircraft of the U.S. Fleet, Fifteenth Edition. Annapolis, MD: Naval Institute Press, 1993. Annapolis, MD: Naval Institute Press, 1993.

Polmar, Norman. The Naval Institute Guide to the Soviet Navy, Fifth Edition. The Naval Institute Guide to the Soviet Navy, Fifth Edition. Annapolis, MD: Naval Institute Press, 1991. Annapolis, MD: Naval Institute Press, 1991.

Sharpe, Richard, ed. Jane's Fighting Ships 1995-96. Jane's Fighting Ships 1995-96. Surrey, UK: Jane's Information Group, 1995. Surrey, UK: Jane's Information Group, 1995.

Thomas, Jr., Vincent C., ed. The Almanac of Seapower 1996. The Almanac of Seapower 1996. Arlington, VA: Navy League of the US, 1996. Arlington, VA: Navy League of the US, 1996.

Vego, Milan. Soviet Naval Tactics. Soviet Naval Tactics. Annapolis, MD: Naval Institute Press, 1992. Annapolis, MD: Naval Institute Press, 1992.

Watts, Anthony J., ed. Jane's Underwater Warfare Systems 1995-96. Jane's Underwater Warfare Systems 1995-96. Surrey, UK: Jane's Information Group, 1995. Surrey, UK: Jane's Information Group, 1995.