Are Xbox Controllers Used to Pilot Submarines? The Surprising Truth
Yes, surprisingly, Xbox controllers are indeed used in submarines, albeit not to pilot the entire vessel. While the image of a sailor steering a multi-billion dollar nuclear submarine with a gaming controller might seem far-fetched, the reality is a bit more nuanced and fascinating. These controllers primarily control specific systems, such as photonics masts, which act as modern periscopes. This seemingly unconventional approach highlights the military’s embrace of cost-effective, user-friendly technology and their constant quest to modernize the tools their personnel employ. This shows how the familiarity and ease-of-use of gaming controllers can be integrated into advanced military technology.
Why Xbox Controllers?
The adoption of Xbox controllers wasn’t a whimsical decision; it was driven by several key factors:
Cost-Effectiveness
Traditional control systems for devices like photonics masts are often bespoke, complex, and incredibly expensive. The previous controls for periscopes were clunky, heavy, and cost around $38,000. In contrast, an Xbox controller can be purchased for around $20. The massive cost savings allow resources to be allocated to other critical areas of submarine development and maintenance.
Ease of Use and Familiarity
Modern sailors, many of whom grew up playing video games, are already familiar with the layout and operation of Xbox controllers. This reduces the learning curve and minimizes training time, allowing sailors to become proficient with the technology quickly. Junior officers and sailors provided feedback that the traditional controls were difficult to use, further supporting the decision to switch to Xbox controllers.
Improved Ergonomics
The design of Xbox controllers is ergonomically sound, making them comfortable to use for extended periods. This is particularly important on submarines, where personnel may be stationed at their posts for hours at a time. The previous controls were reportedly real heavy and less user-friendly.
Reliability and Availability
Despite being designed for entertainment, Xbox controllers are surprisingly robust and reliable. Furthermore, they are readily available, making replacements easy to obtain. This reduces downtime and ensures that the systems they control remain operational.
How Are They Used?
Xbox controllers are not used to control the core navigation or propulsion systems of the submarine. Instead, they are primarily used to operate photonics masts. These masts are essentially advanced periscopes equipped with high-resolution cameras, infrared sensors, and laser rangefinders. Sailors use the controller to maneuver the mast, zoom in on targets, and gather intelligence. They are used for the integrated imaging system for Virginia-class subs.
The decision to use Xbox controllers for photonics masts was a targeted solution to a specific problem. The military identified an area where a more intuitive and cost-effective control system could significantly improve operational efficiency and reduce costs.
The Bigger Picture: Military Technology and Gaming
The use of Xbox controllers in submarines is just one example of a broader trend in military technology. Increasingly, the military is looking to the gaming industry for inspiration and solutions.
Simulation and Training
Video game technology is also widely used for simulation and training purposes. Flight simulators, combat simulators, and even submarine simulators often use gaming engines to create realistic and immersive training environments. This allows soldiers, sailors, and airmen to hone their skills in a safe and controlled setting.
Artificial Intelligence
The gaming industry is also at the forefront of artificial intelligence (AI) research. AI algorithms are used to create intelligent non-player characters (NPCs) in video games. The military is exploring the use of similar AI algorithms to automate tasks, improve decision-making, and even control unmanned vehicles.
The Future of Military Technology
The relationship between the military and the gaming industry is likely to deepen in the years to come. As technology continues to evolve, the military will likely find even more ways to leverage gaming technology to improve its capabilities. The Games Learning Society (https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/) investigates such important intersections of games and society. For example, exploring the use of games for learning and training.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What types of submarines use Xbox controllers?
Xbox controllers are known to be used on Virginia-class attack submarines within the U.S. Navy. This usage is primarily for controlling the photonics masts.
2. Does the military use other gaming controllers?
While Xbox controllers are the most publicized example, it’s possible that the military uses other types of gaming controllers for different applications. The focus is generally on controllers that offer a good balance of cost, usability, and reliability.
3. Are the Xbox controllers modified for military use?
While the basic design of the controller remains the same, the controllers used by the military may undergo some modifications to improve durability, security, and compatibility with military systems. These modifications could include reinforced components, secure communication protocols, and custom firmware.
4. How deep can a U.S. nuclear submarine go?
A nuclear submarine can dive to a depth of about 300 meters (984 feet). However, modern nuclear submarines can go as deep as 730 m (2,400 feet) before the hull collapses, withstanding a pressure of 74 atmospheres. The hulls of naval submarines are generally rated to a maximum diving depth of 3,000 feet or less.
5. Why can’t military submarines go deeper?
The depth a submarine can reach is limited by the strength of its hull. As the depth increases, so does the water pressure. If a submarine goes deeper than its rated depth, the pressure will eventually collapse the hull from the outside, killing the crew. High-strength alloyed steel is still the main material for submarines today, with 250 to 350 metres (820 to 1,150 ft) depth limit.
6. What materials are submarine hulls made of?
Most submarines are made of high-strength alloyed steel. Some specialized submarines, particularly those designed for deep-sea research, have used titanium hulls to achieve greater depths.
7. How thick is a U.S. submarine hull?
The thickness of a submarine’s hull depends on the specific vessel. Nuclear-powered submarines have thicker hulls than their diesel-powered counterparts due to the increased internal pressure from the nuclear reactor. The thickness can range from 10 to 25 cm (4 to 10 inches).
8. Has a submarine ever sunk another submarine?
Yes. German submarine U-864 was sunk by the British submarine HMS Venturer in 1945. This is the only documented instance of one submarine sinking another while both were submerged.
9. Do submarines have Wi-Fi?
Submarines do not typically have Wi-Fi capabilities while submerged. Underwater, submarines use acoustic signals (or SONAR) to communicate.
10. Are the Titanic wreck or the Titan remains considered a submarine?
The Titan was a submersible, not a submarine. Submersibles are smaller and typically rely on a support vessel for launch and recovery, while submarines are self-sufficient vessels capable of independent operation. The Titanic is a shipwreck and not related to the operation of either subs or submersibles.
11. What happened to the Titan submersible?
The Titan submersible imploded during an expedition to view the wreck of the Titanic in June 2023, killing all five people on board. Its debris was found on the ocean floor near the Titanic.
12. Why did the Titan submersible implode?
The implosion was likely caused by structural failure of the hull due to the immense pressure at the depth of the Titanic wreck. The use of unconventional materials in the hull construction may have also contributed to the failure.
13. Have any bodies been found at the Titanic wreck?
No. In the 111 years that have followed the disaster, expeditions to the Titanic have not found any human remains. The remains had been eaten away by microorganisms living down there.
14. How long can a submarine stay submerged?
Nuclear-powered submarines can theoretically stay submerged for months at a time, limited primarily by the food supply and the psychological well-being of the crew. Diesel-electric submarines have much shorter submerged endurance, typically measured in days, as they need to surface or snorkel to recharge their batteries.
15. Is it cold inside a submarine?
The temperature inside a submarine can vary depending on the location within the vessel. Engine rooms can be very hot, while berthing areas are typically kept at a comfortable temperature. Priority electronics spaces are often kept cooler to prevent overheating of sensitive equipment. Generally, berthing is normally about 72 F, and Priority Electronics spaces are kept in the mid 60s F.