I'm still arguing with my graph-making sofware to get the graphic plots of this data look the way I wish. So stay tuned for the pretty plots. Until then, I hope this table will help submarine captains in Dangerous Waters avoid broadcasting their presence to their enemies. Enjoy!

Dangerous Waters Cavitation Profiles
Speed Minimum Non-Cavitation Depth
knots 688-I (ft) Seawolf (ft) AkulaI-I (m) AkulaII (m) Kilo (m) Kilo-I (m)
7 surface surface surface surface surface surface
8 46 surface 14 14 12 12
9 551 surface 17 17 15 15
10 67 41 20 20 183 18
11 78 50 24 24 22 22
12 89 61 27 27 25 25
13 100-140, 1601 72 30-42, 491 30-42, 49 29-40, 68 29-40, 58
14 111-140, 1791 83 34-42, 56 34-42, 55 32-40, 94 32-40, 74
15 122-140, 1981 94 37-42, 62 37-42, 61 35-40, 121 35-40, 91
16 1331-140, 2171 1051-1352, 153 41-42, 68 41-42, 66 39-40, 147 39-40, 1071
17 236 117-1352, 171 75 72 174 124
18 255 128-135, 188 81 78 141
19 274 206 87 831 157
20 293 223 94 891 174
21 312 2401 100 95
22 331 258 1061 101
23 350 2751 113 107
24 369 293 119 1121
25 388 3101 125 118
26 407 328 132 124
27 426 345 138 130
28 445 363 144 136
29 464 380 151 1411
30 483 398 157 147
31 502 415 1631 153
32 521 4321 170 159
33 540 450 176 164
34 559 4671 170
35 578 485 176
36 5021
37 520
38 537
39 555
40 572
NOTE: Speeds which include a depth range (16-18kts for Seawolf and 13-16kts for the others) include an anomalous area in which the boat will cavitate. Depths inclusive of the given range are safe from cavitation (subject to footnotes, if any); Otherwise, the last depth given is the minimum non-cavitating depth. Depths between the given range and the final minimum depth will cause cavitation at the indicated speed(s); Transits must be less than or equal to 15kts for the Seawolf and 12kts for the others. For example, a 688(I) at any depth between 141 and 159 feet inclusive must be traveling at less than or equal to 12kts or cavitation will occur.
1 Indicated depth is safe from cavitation if you are steady at that depth before ordering the given speed. If rising at the given speed, add 1 to this depth to prevent a short period of cavitation.
2 Indicated depth is safe from cavitation if you are steady at that depth before ordering the given speed. If diving at the given speed, add 1 to this depth to prevent a short period of cavitation.
3 This combination isn't realistically possible as the standard Kilo's maximum surface speed is 9kts, and it doesn't switch to "submerged speeds" (allowing 10kt+ speeds) until it reaches a depth of 22m.

Last update 03/21/2005; tested against DW build 0352.

Original document can be found at Laglos' Entering Dangerous Waters site. Please send any corrections and/or comments to laglos.

Cavitation depth data © 2004 Sonalysts, Inc. Permission for use here is being requested and is currently assumed.
Copy, table, and graphics © 2005 Lon R. Stockton. All rights reserved.