The Ship Model Forum

Two parter article on concepts and rethinking of the future US submarine construction. Among the interesting ideas: the abandonment of the water moderated reactor and using a molten salt reactor, which operates at higher temperatures and lower pressures, as well as being inherently safer. Smaller SSNS with more automation and smaller crews. Intriguing ideas.

http://cimsec.org/time-to-re-task-downsize-and-re-engineer-the-ssn-part-1/40468
http://cimsec.org/time-to-re-task-downsize-and-re-engineer-the-ssn-part-ii/40472

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Tom Dougherty
Researcher for: "Project Azorian”
https://www.amazon.com/Azorian-Raising-K-129-Michael-White/dp/B008QTU7QY
"Project Azorian: The CIA and the Raising of the K-129" Book
https://www.usni.org/press/books/project-azorian

He makes some good points but I think the USN should seriously consider building some SSKs to supplement the SSNs. Nuclear propulsion has many advantages, but it is noisy and cannot be switched off to avoid detection. The new AIP systems in conventional boats afford much quieter operation and presumably are being further developed to enhance endurance while the boat is submerged.

What he says about weapons is very true. The US needs to sort out its ASW arsenal and provide its navy with superior weaponry.

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In 1757 Admiral John Byng was shot "pour encourager les autres". Voltaire

Amazing that the Sodium Reactor continues to be put forward as if it were 'new'.

The Second US SSN - Seawolf, had a sodium reactor which was quickly replaced after the vessel comissioned.

1957-1958. This is not a new concept.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Seawolf_(SSN-575)

And yes - the USN should be looking at non-nuclear Submarine options, probably in conjunction with Submarine Tenders for area deployments generating high cycles of actual hull time on station.

A sodium rector would be more compact, more efficient and more safe than a PLWR. However, as Rickover pointed out, sodium reacts badly with water. One would not want to use it in a vessel surrounded by water.