Table of Contents
What is the difference between nuclear submarine and conventional submarine?
The main difference between conventional submarines and nuclear submarines is the power generation system. Submarines may carry nuclear fuel for up to 30 years of operation. The only resource that limits the time underwater is the food supply for the crew and maintenance of the vessel.
Why are nuclear-powered submarines better?
The nuclear reactor on board a submarine allows it to operate at high speed for long periods of time with unlimited range. Nuclear power provides attack submarines with a sustained submerged speed of more than 30 knots, considerably greater than any contemporary diesel submarine.
How does a conventional submarine work?
Nuclear submarines use nuclear reactors, steam turbines and reduction gearing to drive the main propeller shaft, which provides the forward and reverse thrust in the water (an electric motor drives the same shaft when docking or in an emergency). Submarines also need electric power to operate the equipment on board.
Can a nuclear submarine exploded?
Q: If a nuclear submarine explodes, does it cause a nuclear explosion? No. Nuclear explosions cannot happen by accident.
How many sailors does a nuclear submarine have?
Fast Attack submarines have a crew of around 134, broken into about 120 enlisted and 14 officers, while SSBNs have an additional 16 enlisted and usually an additional officer.
How long can a non nuclear submarine stay underwater?
The limits on how long they can stay underwater are food and supplies. Submarines generally stock a 90-day supply of food, so they can spend three months underwater. The diesel-powered submarines (not now used by the United States Navy) had a limit of several days submerged.
Are nuclear submarines quiet?
Are nuclear subs quieter? It depends. Diesel-electric subs are quieter while running in electric mode, but must at some point surface or pop up a snorkel to run their diesel engines and recharge the batteries.
Do nuclear submarines have nuclear weapons?
It is made up of four nuclear submarines. Each sub carries up to eight missiles on board, and each missile carries up to five nuclear bombs – or warheads – on top. One Trident submarine patrols the seas at all times.