From early experimental models to the hardened steel giants of the mid-20th century, these photos capture the grit, danger, and innovation of life beneath the waves. You’ll see rare glimpses of cramped interiors, determined crews, and the evolution of designs that helped shape modern naval strategy. Get ready for some claustrophobia, because here are 20 vintage images of submarines from the past.
1. Launching the USS H-4 in 1918
2. The first submarine that successfully submerged in 1620
3. Doing some maintenance in the control room of a diesel sub, 1970s
4. These sailors conducted the only submarine-launched UDT operation of WWII
5. The Japanese Navy’s 1-class submarine, 1940
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6. One of the first naval submarines of the Russian Navy, 1904
7. This is what subs looked like in the late 1800s
8. The launch of the USS Patrick Henry, 1950s
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9. The USS Nautilus, the Navy’s first atomic-powered submarine, on its initial sea trials, 1940s
10. A Schuka submarine in 1905
11. Fishing off a nuclear submarine, 1966
12. The British HM submarine C.14, of the First World War
13. HM Submarine No. 3, with the HMS Victory in the background, 1903
14. A WWI U-Boat crew, 1917
15. The Nordenfelt submarine at Ekenberg, 1883
16. A beached German U-Boat U131, 1918
17. The first prototype of the modern submarine, 1880s
18. This ship is assisting the nuclear-powered attack submarine USS Nautilus upon its arrival
19. On top of the German U-166, 1942
20. The Turtle Shell, designed before the Revolutionary War
Want to see more vintage military content?
Check out 25 Vintage Photos From The First World War, or take a look at 20 Myths WWII Movies Told Us Were True. Finally, if you want to take a look at some more naval content, check out 20 Vintage Navy Photos From The Past (1930s-1980s).
