OVERVIEW: The SSN 685 *Glenard P. Lipscomb* is a unique submarine of the United States Navy, notable for its direct-drive turbo-electric propulsion. Commissioned in 1978, it served primarily as a technology demonstrator and test platform.

DETAILS:
The *Glenard P. Lipscomb*'s design diverged significantly from standard U.S. Navy submarine practice of the period. While visually similar to the *Sturgeon*-class, the *Lipscomb* incorporated a novel turbo-electric drive system intended to offer significantly reduced acoustic signature, a crucial advantage in anti-submarine warfare. This system used a steam turbine to generate electricity, which then powered the propeller motor. The rationale was that a quieter propulsion system would make the submarine more difficult to detect by enemy sonar, providing a critical edge in covert operations. The *Lipscomb* represented a significant investment in exploring alternative propulsion methods within the US submarine force, although the direct-drive turbo-electric system ultimately proved less successful than anticipated and was not implemented on subsequent submarine classes. It did, however, yield valuable lessons in submarine silencing techniques that were applied to later designs.

The primary role of the *Glenard P. Lipscomb* was not frontline combat operations, but rather the evaluation and development of advanced submarine technologies, particularly those related to acoustic quieting and sonar performance. While capable of performing anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and anti-surface warfare (ASuW) missions, its operational profile focused heavily on experimentation and data collection. The AN/BQQ-5A(V)2 sonar suite, which included the BQS-12 active sonar, provided comprehensive sonar coverage, allowing for detection, tracking, and classification of underwater contacts. The AN/TB-16 towed array sonar further enhanced its passive detection capabilities, particularly at low frequencies where submarine noise typically dominates. The presence of the AN/BRD-6 direction finding system and AN/WLR-9 electronic support measures (ESM) suite provided the ability to detect and analyze enemy radar and communications emissions, contributing to situational awareness.

The *Glenard P. Lipscomb*'s sensor suite included both active and passive systems optimized for ASW. The AN/BPS-14 surface search radar allowed for navigation and surface contact detection. The optical and low-light television (LLTV) periscopes provided visual situational awareness on the surface. Its armament, consisting of 533mm Mk67 torpedo tubes, enabled the launch of Mk67 SUBROC anti-submarine rockets and Mk48 advanced capability (ADCAP) torpedoes, providing a significant offensive punch against enemy submarines and surface combatants. The 3-inch signal ejector was used for communications and signaling. The overall capabilities of the submarine made it a formidable, if experimental, platform capable of fulfilling multiple roles despite its developmental focus.

SPECIFICATION: Length: 111.0 m || Beam: 9.8 m || Draft: 8.8 m || Disp: 5906 t

SENSORS: AN/TB-16 || AN/BQS-14 || AN/BPS-14 || AN/BQQ-5A(V)2 [BQS-12] || AN/BRD-6 || AN/WLR-9 || Generic Submarine Periscope, Optical || Generic Submarine Periscope, LLTV

ARMAMENT: 533mm Mk67 TT || 533mm Mk67 TT || 3-inch Signal Ejector