4 ms·

"Nuclear submarine", in the context of the US Navy, has been a redundant phrase since 1990, when the last non-nuclear powered sub was decommissioned. https://e

"Nuclear submarine", in the context of the US Navy, has been a redundant phrase since 1990, when the last non-nuclear powered sub was decommissioned. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Blueback_(SS-581) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Blueback_(SS-581)

xxpor 6y ago
However it emphasizes the point that they're underway for months at a time since most people aren't intimately familiar with the naval fleet. That being said, are there ANY countries still running diesel subs? I can't imagine what the point would be in modern times. Not everyone can afford nuclear subs, but on the other hand you'd be crushed so fast by a nuclear navy I can't imagine why'd you even bother trying.
- CapitalistCartr 6y ago
  Diesel-electric subs are quieter and cheaper, and, yes, some countries still run them. Here's an article about a new lithium-ion one: https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/37083/japan-just-launched-its-first-big-whale-lithium-ion-battery-powered-submarine https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/37083/japan-just-launc...
- wongarsu 6y ago
  Most non-nuclear (==conventional) subs run on electric engines with batteries that are recharged by diesel engines. They are much smaller, which can give some stealth advantages, on top of being quieter. Conventional subs make superior attack subs, and when a sub yet again "sinks" an aircraft carrier in a training exercise its a (often German-built) non-nuclear sub. Nuclear subs of course excel in staying hidden for months with multiple nuclear missiles. No conventional sub could ever match them at that. But that's not the only thing subs do.
  - throwaway314158 6y ago
    > often German-built Credit to the Swedes for repeatedly schooling the USN with their Gotland-class AIP submarines.
  - 99chrisbard 6y ago
    How a Single Swedish Submarine Defeated the US Navy https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=saCdvAp5cow https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=saCdvAp5cow https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L26RZdmQ2nE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L26RZdmQ2nE
- _ph_ 6y ago
  Germany has submarines powered by hydrogen fuel cells. They get like a 30 day range with all the advantages of a nuclear sub, but not the problems of running a nuclear reactor. They are even more silent due to no reactor noises.
- 5555624 6y ago
  Argentina, Brazil, Iran, Chile, Taiwan. Australia, Canada, South Korea, Germany, and several others. A umber of these are older. South Korea just launched the ROKS Ahn Mu, the second sub in its class, in November. Australia's Attack class is beginning construction, with 12 subs to be delivered. They are planned to be in commission from 2030-2070.
- throwaway314158 6y ago
  Non-nuclear AIP diesel submarines have regularly defeated USN submarines in wargames. The US went nuclear because the subs are out on patrol for months at a time, all around the world. You don't need a nuclear-powered sub to defend your own coastline.
- brnt 6y ago
  Diesel-electric is quieter and smaller, which means superior in most scenarios, and the most common: for coastal patrol. Few countries have a need for oceanic intercontinental scenarios. Describing nuclear as superior betrays a lack of post cold war updates. Nobody serious maintains this position, except in the very narrow use case of global navigation and ICBM launches.

xxpor 6y ago

However it emphasizes the point that they're underway for months at a time since most people aren't intimately familiar with the naval fleet. That being said, are there ANY countries still running diesel subs? I can't imagine what the point would be in modern times. Not everyone can afford nuclear subs, but on the other hand you'd be crushed so fast by a nuclear navy I can't imagine why'd you even bother trying.

CapitalistCartr 6y ago
Diesel-electric subs are quieter and cheaper, and, yes, some countries still run them. Here's an article about a new lithium-ion one: https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/37083/japan-just-launched-its-first-big-whale-lithium-ion-battery-powered-submarine https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/37083/japan-just-launc...
wongarsu 6y ago
Most non-nuclear (==conventional) subs run on electric engines with batteries that are recharged by diesel engines. They are much smaller, which can give some stealth advantages, on top of being quieter. Conventional subs make superior attack subs, and when a sub yet again "sinks" an aircraft carrier in a training exercise its a (often German-built) non-nuclear sub. Nuclear subs of course excel in staying hidden for months with multiple nuclear missiles. No conventional sub could ever match them at that. But that's not the only thing subs do.
- throwaway314158 6y ago
  > often German-built Credit to the Swedes for repeatedly schooling the USN with their Gotland-class AIP submarines.
- 99chrisbard 6y ago
  How a Single Swedish Submarine Defeated the US Navy https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=saCdvAp5cow https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=saCdvAp5cow https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L26RZdmQ2nE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L26RZdmQ2nE
_ph_ 6y ago
Germany has submarines powered by hydrogen fuel cells. They get like a 30 day range with all the advantages of a nuclear sub, but not the problems of running a nuclear reactor. They are even more silent due to no reactor noises.
5555624 6y ago
Argentina, Brazil, Iran, Chile, Taiwan. Australia, Canada, South Korea, Germany, and several others. A umber of these are older. South Korea just launched the ROKS Ahn Mu, the second sub in its class, in November. Australia's Attack class is beginning construction, with 12 subs to be delivered. They are planned to be in commission from 2030-2070.
throwaway314158 6y ago
Non-nuclear AIP diesel submarines have regularly defeated USN submarines in wargames. The US went nuclear because the subs are out on patrol for months at a time, all around the world. You don't need a nuclear-powered sub to defend your own coastline.
brnt 6y ago
Diesel-electric is quieter and smaller, which means superior in most scenarios, and the most common: for coastal patrol. Few countries have a need for oceanic intercontinental scenarios. Describing nuclear as superior betrays a lack of post cold war updates. Nobody serious maintains this position, except in the very narrow use case of global navigation and ICBM launches.