Momsen lung

Momsen lung is a type of underwater breathing apparatus developed by Charles Momsen in the early 20th century. It was primarily used by submarine crews for escape and survival in the event of a submarine disaster.

History

The Momsen lung was invented by Charles Momsen, an American naval officer, in the 1920s. Momsen was deeply affected by the loss of the submarine USS S-4 in 1927, which resulted in the deaths of all 40 crew members. He was determined to develop a device that could help submarine crews escape safely in the event of a similar disaster.

Design

The Momsen lung is a bag-like device made of rubber. It is designed to be worn over the head and shoulders, with a clip to secure it around the waist. The device has two tubes: one for inhaling and one for exhaling. The exhaled air passes through a canister of barium hydroxide, which removes carbon dioxide and replenishes the air with oxygen. This allows the user to breathe the same air multiple times, extending the amount of time they can survive underwater.

Use

The Momsen lung was first used by the United States Navy in the 1930s. It was standard issue on all submarines during World War II. The device was used in several successful submarine escapes, including the escape from the USS Tang in 1944.

Legacy

The Momsen lung was eventually replaced by the Steinke hood in the 1960s, which was considered to be a more advanced and efficient device. However, the Momsen lung is still recognized as a significant development in submarine escape technology. It is also seen as a testament to Charles Momsen's dedication to improving the safety and survival of submarine crews.

See also

• Submarine escape
• Diving equipment
• Charles Momsen