The electric motor, the propeller and the tail fins.
BunksSubmarine Motor and Propeller
The electric motor, the propeller and the tail fins.
At the back of the submarine, an electric motor turns the propeller. Look closer at how it moves.
All 7 parts, explained
1. Electric motor
The big blue electric motor uses power from the batteries to turn the propeller.
Fun fact Electric motors make very little noise compared with engines that burn fuel.
2. Shaft
A strong metal rod called the shaft joins the motor inside to the propeller outside.
Fun fact Special seals stop sea water from leaking in where the shaft goes through the hull.
3. Propeller
The propeller's curved blades push water backward, which pushes the submarine forward.
Fun fact The ring around the propeller is called a duct; it helps push the water straight back.
4. Upper fin
The tall fin on top of the tail keeps the submarine going straight and helps it turn.
Fun fact Fish have fins for the same reason: to stay steady and steer.
5. Lower fin
The fin below the tail balances the one on top and steadies the submarine.
Fun fact Fins at the back work best when the submarine is moving.
6. Pipes and machines
Around the motor are pipes, pumps and boxes that cool the motor and control its power.
Fun fact Machines in a submarine are packed tightly to save space.
7. Bunks
Just in front of the motor room are the crew's bunks and a tiny washroom.
Fun fact The quiet motor means the crew can sleep close to it.
Related pages
Inside a Submarine
Look through the hull and step into every room.
How Does a Submarine Work
Ballast tanks, diving planes and the pressure hull.
Parts of a Submarine
Sail, hatch, planes, propeller and the research robot.
Life on a Submarine
A day with the crew, from breakfast to the night watch.
Submarine Control Room
The front window, screens, gauges and joystick.
Submarine Sonar
Echoes, sea floor maps and listening to the sea.
Submarine Science Lab
Samples, a microscope and the deep-sea robot.
Submarine Galley
The cook, the electric stove and the mess table.
Bunks on a Submarine
Stacked bunks, curtains and reading lights.
Quiet Workspace
A quiet desk, a porthole and the air module.
Water and Stores
The fresh water tank, the pump and the supplies.
Submarine Batteries
Batteries, orange cables and the engineer.
