The Fleet Snorkel program was developed as an austere, cost-effective alternative to full GUPPY conversions, with significantly less improvement in submerged performance.
Eight Tench-class boats received this upgrade, one immediately prior to foreign transfer (Diablo, to Pakistan as Ghazi).
Most Fleet Snorkel conversions occurred 1951–52.
Notably, the original pair of Sargo batteries was not upgraded.
Each boat received a streamlined sail with a snorkel, along with upgraded sonar, air conditioning, and ESM.
The original bow was left in place, except on three boats that received additional upper bow sonar.
A few boats initially retained a 5-inch/25 caliber deck gun, but this was removed in the early 1950s.
The Fleet Snorkel program was developed as an austere, cost-effective alternative to full GUPPY conversions, with significantly less improvement in submerged performance. Eight Tench-class boats received this upgrade, one immediately prior to foreign transfer (Diablo, to Pakistan as Ghazi). Most Fleet Snorkel conversions occurred 1951–52. Notably, the original pair of Sargo batteries was not upgraded. Each boat received a streamlined sail with a snorkel, along with upgraded sonar, air conditioning, and ESM. The original bow was left in place, except on three boats that received additional upper bow sonar. A few boats initially retained a 5-inch/25 caliber deck gun, but this was removed in the early 1950s.
Tench-class submarine