This equipment locates noises from objects in the water. Periscopes and radar are used to identify enemy ships on the surface. Modern U.S. attack submarines fire their torpedoes from four tubes located along the sides of the hull. Torpedoes have homing devices that follow the target and guide the torpedo to it. Older submarines had their torpedo tubes in the bow.
Some submarines can also fire antisubmarine missiles from the torpedo tubes.
These short-range ballistic missiles have a nuclear warhead that can destroy submerged submarines from as far away as 30 miles. Other submarines can attack surface ships and onshore targets with cruise missiles , which have short wings that open after launching. Cruise missiles can be directed to avoid enemy defenses. Ballistic missile submarines hide in the depths until they attack. Such submarines are larger than attack submarines, measuring from about 380 to 550 feet long.