The Most Famous Submarines in History

The world's first nuclear-powered submarine. On August 3, 1958, she became the first vessel to complete a submerged transit of the North Pole. Now a museum ship in Groton, Connecticut.

The Oscar II-class nuclear submarine Kursk sank in the Barents Sea during a naval exercise on August 12, 2000, killing all 118 crew members. The tragedy led to major reforms in the Russian Navy.

Britain's first nuclear-powered submarine. She proved the Royal Navy's nuclear capability and served for over 20 years during the Cold War.

The Type VII U-boat that famously penetrated the British naval base at Scapa Flow and sank the battleship HMS Royal Oak in October 1939. One of the most daring submarine attacks in history.

The bathyscaphe that carried Jacques Piccard and Don Walsh to the bottom of the Mariana Trench — 10,916 meters deep. The deepest manned dive for over 50 years.

Lost during deep-diving tests on April 10, 1963, with all 129 crew. The disaster led to the establishment of the SUBSAFE program, which has prevented hull-loss accidents since.

Perhaps the world's most famous research submarine. Alvin has made over 5,000 dives, discovered the Titanic wreck (1986), and explored hydrothermal vents that changed our understanding of life on Earth.

India's first nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, completing the country's nuclear triad. A milestone in India's defense capabilities and undersea deterrence.