An intriguing aspect is that these torpedo tubes can also be used as emergency escape routes from submarines. Nevertheless, escaping through them is no easy feat. The tubes have a narrow diameter, measuring only 12.75 inches for light torpedoes and 21 inches for heavy torpedoes.
First of all, this is an extremely narrow space. Additionally, individuals attempting to escape must wear a 23 kg escape suit due to the immense water pressure at those depths. One can’t simply exit the submarine at those depths. The immense pressure of the water would crush the unprepared instantly. Officers working in submarines undergo rigorous training for six months.
India’s sole military submarine training establishment, INS Satavahana, is located in Vishakhapatnam city. At this training facility, numerous replicas of torpedo tubes are available for officers to practice emergency escapes.
