Steinke hood

The Steinke hood is a life-saving device that was developed specifically for submariners, with the primary goal of aiding their escape from a sunken submarine. The invention is named after its creator, Lieutenant Harris Steinke. The apparatus has seen extensive use, particularly in the United States Navy, throughout the Cold War period.

Design and Functionality

The fundamental design of the Steinke hood combines the principles of an inflatable life jacket with a unique hood structure. When worn, the hood completely encloses the wearer's head, creating an air pocket that allows the submariner to breathe. This trapped bubble of air serves two primary functions:

• Provides a breathable reservoir of air.
• Assists in a buoyant ascent to the surface, ensuring that the escapee can reach the surface more quickly and efficiently than if swimming without assistance.

Historical Context

The Steinke hood's creation was an evolutionary development in submarine escape technology. Its predecessor, the Momsen lung, provided a similar escape mechanism but had certain limitations which the Steinke hood aimed to address and improve upon.

Throughout the Cold War period, the Steinke hood became a standard-issue piece of equipment on all United States Navy submarines. Its prevalence underscored the importance the Navy placed on ensuring the safety of its submariners and its continued efforts to develop technology to protect its personnel.

Modern Replacements

As technology advanced and the requirements for submarine escape became more stringent, the U.S. Navy eventually transitioned away from the Steinke hood. In its place, submariners are now equipped with the Submarine Escape Immersion Equipment (SEIE). The SEIE is a more comprehensive escape suit that provides greater protection against the cold and pressure changes encountered during a rapid ascent from a sunken submarine.

See Also

• Momsen lung
• Submarine escape immersion equipment
• United States Navy

References

• Polmar, Norman and Moore, K.J. (2004). Cold War Submarines: The Design and Construction of U.S. and Soviet Submarines. Potomac Books. ISBN 978-1574885302.
• U.S. Navy (2009). Submarine Safety (SUBSAFE) Manual. Naval Sea Systems Command.
• "Evolution of the U.S. Navy’s Submarine Escape and Rescue Systems". Naval Engineers Journal. 2015. DOI: 10.1111/j.1559-3584.2015.00059.x.

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