Can infrared sensors be used to detect submarines under certain conditions?

Infrared sensors can indeed be used to detect submarines under certain conditions due to their ability to identify thermal signatures. Submarines typically produce heat from their engines, systems, and even crew activity, and this heat can be detected by infrared sensors if the conditions are favorable.

The effectiveness of infrared detection is influenced by various factors such as water temperature, the depth at which the submarine is operating, and the ambient environment. While infrared sensors are more effective in specific conditions, such as warmer waters or when there is a notable temperature difference between the submarine and its surroundings, they can still be used in various scenarios beyond just shallow waters or daylight.

Submarines may also have thermal signatures at depth, especially if their systems are generating heat, making these sensors applicable even in deeper waters. Therefore, recognizing the flexibility of infrared sensors in a variety of circumstances is key to understanding why they can be effective for submarine detection.