Boeing SS-737-200 Sea Swallow Submarine

Gallery Article by Gil Hodges on Jan 6 2010

Silly Week 2010

 

The Sea Swallow was designed in 1958 as a fast attack submarine. Armed with the latest in acoustic homing torpedos, it was designed to go after fast enemy fleet vessels and maritime targets. It used upgraded Bernulli sea-jet turbo engine technology that propelled it under water at an astounding 45 knots, and was capable of almost 40 knots on the surface in calm conditions. Unfortunately, the powerful engine’s noise and unique acoustic signature could be heard for over 100 miles! Its lack of stealth, along with the emergence of working nuclear power plants and guided missiles in other submarines spelled its doom. After it was cancelled, Boeing turned its specifications over to its aviation division to see if they could convert the advanced hydrodynamic design to an aeronautical use.

And if you believe that, I have some prime swamp land here in Florida for you to look at! This started as a “same kit build” in our local club. The chosen kit was the old Airfix 1/144 Boeing 737 airliner. I decided I’d build two; one as a jet and the other as a sub! The germination of this idea was actually as a way to build the model and avoid having to fill all of the “windows”. Once the fuselage was turned upside down, they resembled the limber holes in a sub hull. Viola! With a little cutting of the wings here and there, the addition of a sheet plastic deck, and copious amounts of putty to blend in the engines; the SS-737 Sea Swallow was born! All in all, it was great fun and makes for some real head scratching when it’s put on the table at a show or meeting. Cheers!

Gil Hodges

Photos and text © by Gil Hodges