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Because they are diesel-electric. Diesel charges the batteries during snorkelling - afterwards you just use the batteries. Additionally, modern submarines like

Because they are diesel-electric. Diesel charges the batteries during snorkelling - afterwards you just use the batteries. Additionally, modern submarines like the german 212A-Class use fuel cells and other air-independent means of propulsion during underwater-cruise. The problem with nuclear submarines is that they are massive and noisy. They need to be constantly cooled and thus require running coolant pumps, which emit audible noise. Also, steam turbines are noisy when running. They cant be cycled as rapidly to full stop and full power, as well as requiring complex gearing to go forwards and backwards. Their only advantage is their near infinite cruising range. The US-ASW-Capabilities are laughable as of today. They are still fighting their soviet counterparts. They are as of now currently unable to find or fight modern diesel-electric submarines approaching their carriers in any form of exercise. Also, the USN relies heavy on Helicopters, which the russians were unable to counter during the cold war. Nowadays, there exist wire-guided Anti-Air-Missiles which can be launched submerged from torpedo-tubes.

greedo 7y ago
Can you provide a link to tube launched SAMs currently deployed? The RN once experimented with Blowpipe MANPADs for a similar role, but to my knowledge no navy is deploying SAMs on their subs. Also, don't discount SSNs in terms of ASW. There's a reason that submariners say the best ASW is another sub. I wouldn't say the USN relies heavily on helicopters for ASW. They don't really rely on anything since they've let these skills atrophy. About the only investment they've made is in the P8. They've shitcanned the S3, shitcanned SOSUS, and will be in a world of hurt if the PRC decides to get serious about subs.
- exar0815 7y ago
  That would be the example I know of. https://www.thyssenkrupp-marinesystems.com/en/missile-system-idas.html https://www.thyssenkrupp-marinesystems.com/en/missile-system...

greedo 7y ago

Can you provide a link to tube launched SAMs currently deployed? The RN once experimented with Blowpipe MANPADs for a similar role, but to my knowledge no navy is deploying SAMs on their subs. Also, don't discount SSNs in terms of ASW. There's a reason that submariners say the best ASW is another sub. I wouldn't say the USN relies heavily on helicopters for ASW. They don't really rely on anything since they've let these skills atrophy. About the only investment they've made is in the P8. They've shitcanned the S3, shitcanned SOSUS, and will be in a world of hurt if the PRC decides to get serious about subs.

exar0815 7y ago
That would be the example I know of. https://www.thyssenkrupp-marinesystems.com/en/missile-system-idas.html https://www.thyssenkrupp-marinesystems.com/en/missile-system...