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Old 06-06-06, 07:10 PM   #14
Henson
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Join Date: Feb 2006
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Speeds? Sorry, can't tell you.

The reason russian submarines were faster has to do with reactor designs (water vice metal coolant). The american designs focused more on reliability, safety, and control while the russians focused on greater volume of more powerful steam. It was a different philosophy. I do not know if the russians ever switched to a water-cooled design. If they did I imagine their limitations would closely match an I-boat's. Even 688's of the same class will have different speeds though, due to 'dirty' hulls and different screws.

688's can go pretty fast. Seawolf can go ungodly fast. Akula? I have no idea.

The real question is how fast can certain platforms operate with good sonar performance and effecive quieting? Seawolf wins that war handily.
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