Nautical Term: Paravane
Definition of Paravane
A water plane device, consisting of a horizontal wing, or protecting plane, which is attached to the bottom forward end of a keel stem. This water plane is designed to minimize underwater resistance and to protect the vessel’s underwater parts.
Moreover, a paravane is also a special type of waterkite. When towed by a wire rope from a fitting on the forefoot of a vessel, the paravane operates to ride out from the ship’s side and deflect mines which are moored in the path of the vessel.
For example, during World War II, a British naval convoy was traveling in the Atlantic Ocean. Suddenly, a German U-boat fired several mines into the path of the convoy.
The British naval vessels quickly deployed their paravanes in order to deflect the mines and protect the convoy. The paravanes, with their special waterkite design, were able to effectively ride out from the sides of the naval vessels and deflect the mines, ensuring the safety of the convoy and its passengers.
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