Q&A · 1:39:53-1:40:18

Why diesel machinery was unattractive for ASW sloops

Diesel vibration and harmonic noise could interfere with listening equipment before effective machinery isolation became common.

Question

Why did the Royal Navy decide that diesel propulsion was unattractive for anti-submarine sloops?

Short answer

Diesel engines transmitted more troublesome vibration and harmonic noise through the hull before effective machinery rafting was available.

Notes

Diesel machinery was generally noisier for an anti-submarine vessel than turbine propulsion. Its harmonic frequencies and vibration travelled through the hull and could interfere with acoustic listening. Designers were still developing effective machinery rafting and other isolation methods. Turbines produced a different vibration pattern that was more acceptable for the sensor technology of the period. Propulsion choice therefore affected whether an ASW ship could provide a quiet platform for its sensors.