Quote:
Originally Posted by msxyz
Although I don't really think any AIP system can be classified as a truly "conventional" mean of propulsion, no more than a backup nuclear reactor.
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I agree to an extent.
The Sarov is really blurring the line between the two, much as the 212, Scorpene' and the other AIP boats are with their fuel cells or closed cycle diesels. Unless the Sarov is charging her batteries she is purely conventional.
On the flip side of that is a sub with a Closed Cycle Diesel a conventional boat? It functions almost exactly like any other Diesel Electric sub except it doesn't have to snort or surface to charge her batteries.
I think a few new terms are going to be added to our lexicon soon. AIP boats are going to be a diverse group of boats when it comes to propulsion, perhaps even more than the SSNs with their two or three types of nuc plants.
But I think until these boats are more common "Conventional" is going to be the term used on any sub without a proper nuclear reactor and steam turbines.