That is because it has nothing to do with the medium it travels through, but with the waves. The waves create an entirely different kind of drag than when the submarine travels underwater. A submarine is designed specifically for underwater operations, and so it has a round shape at the front. This round shape is very aerodynamic and so is perfect for use when completely submerged, but it isn’t ideal when dealing with waves. That is also the reason why normal ships have a more pointy hull. You might think that a round shape would improve aerodynamics and thus decrease drag, but the pointy hull breaks the waves way better.
Edit: mixed up hull and bow, I fixed it now
Latest Answers