Diving plane

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Sail of the French nuclear submarine Casabianca; here, the diving plane is a small wing on the left.

A diving plane, also known as a hydroplane, is a control surface found on submarines which allow the vessel to pitch its bow and stern up or down to assist in the process of submerging or surfacing the boat, as well as controlling depth when submerged.

Diving planes are usually fitted in pairs, the bow planes at the front (or sometimes on the fin) of the submarine and the stern planes at the rear.

Diving planes function in much the same way as an aircraft's elevator.

Diving planes located at the sail (conning tower) is usually a characteristic of US Navy submarines.