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I think it was because the system was simpler and more reliable with no moving parts besides valves, just a giant air bottle with pipes leading to each of the c
by hudibras 14y ago
I think it was because the system was simpler and more reliable with no moving parts besides valves, just a giant air bottle with pipes leading to each of the cylinders. No motor to worry about or lead-acid batteries to maintain. The whole system probably took up way more room than a starter motor would but excessive space or weight is not a big concern on an aircraft carrier.
- cobrausn 14y agoI think it also had something to do with age - newer vessels (submarines, at least) use a large lead acid battery array for emergency power when needed... and by emergency power, I mean enough power to start the emergency diesel generator.
- mpyne 14y agoSubmarines do have a large lead-acid battery for emergency power. In fact, the WWII-era boats had bigger and better batteries. However the battery isn't there to start the Emergency Diesel Generator. Submarine EDGs are air started, for many very good reasons. We still need the batteries since it's possible to suffer a loss of all AC power while the boat is submerged far beyond feasible snorkel depth, and have to recover from it without broaching.