The definitive technical guide to the submarines of World War II, The Fleet Type Submarine was originally published in 1946. Originally classified secret, this legendary book has never been available to the public until now. The Fleet Type Submarine uses the Balao-class USS Perch SS313 to explain submarine operating principles, technologies, and systems. It contains numerous diagrams and photos and offers definitions of components and terminology. It provides descriptions of various systems such as ballast tanks, trim, ventilation and steering. It also contains a brief history of the submarine and a discussion of patrol routines. This book is the most complete technical guide to the boats that won WWII in the Pacific. Nothing close to it was ever assembled before, or since. This affordable reprint comes in a soft bound edition with attractive covers. Although some of the book has been reformatted, and color images are reproduced in black and white, all of the original content is preserved. (A color supplement is also available). This is a must-have for anyone interested in submarines and an important reference for any historian, docent, or modeler.