Skip to main content

Snorkel System and Gas Exhaust Valves for Submarines

Snorkel System and Gas Exhaust Valves

The design solution for the Snorkel Mast has been studied following the standard L3Harris' masts design concept and especially to allow inducing air vertically through the mast with minimum air pressure drop (Air Flow Optimization) to enhance diesel engine efficiency.

L3Harris provides qualified air induction valves integrated with the design of the boat and of the snorkel mast. The design solution for the snorkel allows the air induction through the mast with an optimized air flow. This guarantees minimum pressure drop, enhancing diesel engines efficiency. The entire system is designed to withstand underwater pressure up to a certain depth, where the concealed underwater preparation occurs (wet version), or up to the maximum diving depth of the submarine (dry version).

A wave-following snorkel version of the same system has also proven its validity at sea. In this special configuration the upper part of the snorkel head has been designed to follow in real time the sea water level. The fluctuating head portion that emerge is constant, independently of the water level, due to a control system activated by water sensors located on top of the snorkel mast. Stealth characteristics are furthermore increased.

The design of the Gas Exhaust Valve System is aimed to eliminating dangerous sea-water leaks and noise during operations. Each valve of the gas exhaust system is made of special stainless steel. This product has been manufactured for various customers since the first installation occurred over 40 years ago.

Snorkel System and Gas Exhaust Valves for Submarines

Non Hull Penetrating Mast Options

L3Harris also provides other kinds of Non Hull Penetrating Mast, featuring both electrical or hydraulic actuation configuration.

Resources

  • Air Induction and Gas Exhaust Solutions for Submarines

  • LVMD Data Sheet

Related News

Land Forces panel

Editorial | 09. 16. 2025

One Enterprise, One Mission: Aligning the Supply Chain to the Warfighter

At DSEI 2025, James Dunne of L3Harris Maritime UK chaired a panel on aligning the supply chain to the warfighter, where leaders discussed modernising support for readiness, focusing on digitalisation, resilience, and energy transition, with L3Harris showcasing advanced solutions.

Land Forces panel

Editorial | 09. 16. 2025

One Enterprise, One Mission: Aligning the Supply Chain to the Warfighter

Usv boat glides across water

Press release | 09. 11. 2025

L3Harris Successfully Demonstrates Electronic Warfare Technology in the UK

T-AGOS-25 class ocean surveillance ship

Press release | 09. 02. 2025

L3Harris Secures Contract for the US Navy’s New Ocean Surveillance Shipset

VAMPIRE live fire demonstration

Editorial | 08. 29. 2025

L3Harris Launches Counter-Unmanned Systems Initiative

IVER sits on stand around a dock

Editorial | 07. 29. 2025

Engagement Superiority: How L3Harris’ Iver AUVs are Establishing the Hybrid Undersea Fleet

Related Domains & Industries

Solutions that solve our customers' toughest challenges.
view all capabilities