US Nuclear Submarines: The Fast AttackThe adoption of nuclear power revolutionized submarine design and means that vessels can stay underwater for months, trailing the enemy or training weapons on land targets from secret positions, “always there, never seen.” Jim Christley, a former submariner, explores here the influence of Admiral Hyman Rickover in cautiously introducing these stealthy machines of war, and frankly discusses the power and perils of using nuclear reactors at sea. Using unique and detailed artwork, he outlines the many evolving aspects of design within the submarine classes, from the very first nuclear submarine, USS Nautilus, to the classes under construction even now. |
Other editions - View all
Common terms and phrases
23ft long ANGELES CLASS SUBMARINE antennae areas Armament Torpedo tubes author’s note Complement ballast tanks became Class boat Class consists control room crew Decommissioned depth See author’s Design test depth diesel-electric Dimensions Length Displacement surfaced/submerged Endurance Only limited engine room equipment fast attack submarine fire-control system fleet submarine hull form hydrophone INTERIOR LAYOUT knots limited by supplies long by 21in Mk 48 ADCAP naval navigation Navy note Complement officer/enlisted nuclear fast attack periscope Permit Class powerplant reactor compartment rescue sail planes Seawolf Class sensors Service history ship Skate Class Skipjack Class sonar system Soviet spherical array Sturgeon Class submarine design submarine force SubRoc SubSafe supplies Design test surface Tang Class target Tomahawk missiles tons Speed surfaced/submerged torpedo room turbine types of torpedo USS Dallas SSN-700 USS Gurnard SSN-662 USS Jimmy Carter USS Nautilus USS Scamp SSN-588 USS Seadragon USS Seawolf USS Skate USS Thresher Virginia Class weapon