Nuclear submarine

Nuclear Submarine

A nuclear submarine is a type of submarine that is powered by a nuclear reactor. The performance advantages of nuclear submarines over "conventional" (typically diesel-electric) submarines are considerable. Nuclear propulsion, being completely independent of air, frees the submarine from the need to surface frequently, as is necessary for conventional submarines. The large amount of power generated by a nuclear reactor allows nuclear submarines to operate at high speed for long periods, and the long interval between refuellings grants a range limited only by consumables such as food.

History

The concept of a nuclear-powered submarine was first proposed in the United States Navy by the Committee on Undersea Warfare of the National Academy of Sciences in June 1951. The USS Nautilus (SSN-571) was the world's first operational nuclear-powered submarine and the first submarine to complete a submerged transit of the North Pole on 3 August 1958.

Design and operation

The design and operation of nuclear submarines is a complex task, requiring a deep understanding of many disciplines such as nuclear physics, naval architecture, and underwater acoustics. The nuclear reactor in a nuclear submarine is responsible for two of the vessel's most critical functions: propulsion and the generation of electricity. The reactor generates heat, which produces steam, which drives the turbines that turn the propeller.

Advantages and disadvantages

Nuclear submarines have several advantages over conventional submarines. They can remain submerged for long periods, they can travel at high speeds, and they have virtually unlimited range. However, they also have some disadvantages. They are more expensive to build and maintain, and the nuclear reactors present a potential risk of radiation.

Nuclear submarines by country

Several countries operate nuclear submarines, including the United States, Russia, the United Kingdom, France, and China. Each country's nuclear submarine fleet has its own unique characteristics and capabilities.

See also

• List of submarine classes in service
• List of sunken nuclear submarines
• Nuclear navy