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Flank speed is an Americannautical term referring to aship's true maximum speed but it is not equivalent to the termfull speed ahead. Usually, flank speed is reserved for situations in which a ship finds itself in imminent danger, such as coming under attack by aircraft ortorpedoes. Flank speed is very demanding of fuel and often unsustainable because ofpropulsion system limitations. The related termemergency may not be any faster than flank but it indicates that the ship should be brought up to maximum speed in the shortest possible time.[1]
Other speeds includeone-third,two-thirds,standard andfull. One-third and two-thirds are fractions of standard speed. Full is greater than standard but not as great as flank. In surface shipnuclear marine propulsion, the difference between full speed and flank speed is of lesser significance, because vessels can be run at or very near their true maximum speed for a long time with little regard for fuel expended, an important consideration for oil-fueled ships.[2]
"Flank speed" is exclusively an American phrase and as such is unknown inCommonwealth ("Ensign") navies. The Commonwealth navies use the following telegraph commands:
The term's origin is difficult to verify but likely comes from simplifying the term "flanking speed" in which naval vessels would attempt to get around the sides or "flanks" of another vessel's vulnerable locations.[3]
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