Will Nukes ditch the diesels?

LoBlo · 01-23-07, 11:37 PM

As AIP systems mature, will nukes ditch there back diesels and go with backup AIPs?

I'm thinking that the advantage of an AIP is that in the event of a reactor shutdown, the sub can still operate submerged for a week or so without needing to constantly snorkel... seems like an ideal backup system to me. Only question is whether or not the AIP will be larger or smaller than the existing diesels (I think the Virginias have two V12 backup diesels iirc) or whether or not the AIP will have the horsepower to push a sub the size of an SSN... and of course experience with the systems reliability needs to be established.

Still seems like AIP backups might be the way to go

View Poll Results: Will SSNs ditch there diesel backups and switch to AIP backups?
Yes! AIP systems would be better.	1	7.69%
No! AIP systems are better but Navy brass hate change	5	38.46%
Maybe... some navy will probably try it... probably the French	4	30.77%
No way! Diesel all the way baby!	3	23.08%
Voters: 13. You may not vote on this poll

01-23-07, 11:37 PM	#1
LoBlo Subsim Diehard Join Date: May 2006 Location: Texas! Posts: 971 Downloads: 78 Uploads: 3	Will Nukes ditch the diesels? As AIP systems mature, will nukes ditch there back diesels and go with backup AIPs? I'm thinking that the advantage of an AIP is that in the event of a reactor shutdown, the sub can still operate submerged for a week or so without needing to constantly snorkel... seems like an ideal backup system to me. Only question is whether or not the AIP will be larger or smaller than the existing diesels (I think the Virginias have two V12 backup diesels iirc) or whether or not the AIP will have the horsepower to push a sub the size of an SSN... and of course experience with the systems reliability needs to be established. Still seems like AIP backups might be the way to go __________________ "Seek not to offend or annoy... only to speak the truth"-a wise man