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Libraries > Digital Exhibits > Under the North Pole > Submarine
The Submarine
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The sub underwent extensive
modification in order to
prepare it for the expedition,
at significant cost.
Wilkins OV-16. |
The modifications to be
made to the O-12 were numerous and costly, as evidenced by this estimate.
Wilkins OV-16. |
The submarine O-12
in dry dock,
before it
was renamed the Nautilus. Wilkins OV-16.
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Since Wilkins was not a U.S. citizen
at the time of the expedition, he entered into an agreement with Lake &
Danenhower, Inc. to charter the submarine. On July 15, 1930, Lake &
Danenhower, Inc. completed the agreement with the U.S. shipping board, for
the use of the 0-12 submarine at a cost of $1 per year for five years,
with the provision that the submarine be used for scientific research
only. The submarine had been built by the Lake Torpedo Boat Company in
1918 and was due to be scrapped under the terms of the London Naval
Treaty. Simon Lake, naval architect and mechanical engineer, was the
original designer of the O-12 which became the Nautilus.
The Nautilus measured 175 feet
long and weighed 560 tons. It could travel 7000 miles on the surface
without refueling. When submerged, it was powered by Exide batteries and
could travel 125 miles before resurfacing to recharge the batteries with
the diesel engines. It was equipped with 2500 horse power diesel engines
and 15-kilowatt hand-starting diesel generating set. The air capacity
could supply 20 men for 5 days. The hull could withstand pressure at 200
feet below sea level. It was equipped with a large ice drill, which would
enable the crew to cut a hole upward through the ice to fresh air, in
order to obtain ventilation and run the engines to recharge the batteries.
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The Chernikeef Log is an instrument used to measure
nautical speed and
distance traveled. |
Chernikeef Log Gauge
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Chernikeef Log Gauge
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Chernikeef Log Prices.
Wilkins 15-1
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A crew member checking the gauge on the Chernikeef Log.
Wilkins 33-11-22 |
Wilkins and Lincoln
Ellsworth at the christening of the ship, March 24, 1931.
Wilkins OV-16. |
The prow of the Nautilus was equipped with
a rounded
plunger, shown in this picture, which served as extra protection while
diving
under the ice.
Wilkins 33-11-51. |
Final modifications were
effected and diving trials were conducted at the New London Submarine Base. This souvenir radiogram was given to Wilkins by the crew.
Wilkins OV-16. |
From left, Sir Hubert Wilkins, Suzanne Wilkins and
Jean-Jules Verne at the christening. Jean Jules Verne, grandson of
Jules Verne, author of 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea was present at
christening, at the invitation of Simon Lake. Lake was the original
designer of the 0-12 submarine, which became the Nautilus. He also
designed many of the modifications for under ice travel.
Interestingly, most of these modifications failed. It was Lake who
chose the name Nautilus for the submarine, hoping to capitalize on
the publicity and the association with Jules Verne’s novel. Wilkins OV-16 |
On March 24, 1931, the submarine was christened
Nautilus by Lady Suzanne Wilkins under the shadow of the Brooklyn Bridge before
a crowd of 800 spectators. Due to prohibition, a silver bucket of cracked ice
was used rather than the traditional champagne. Wilkins 33-13-14.
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