Nuclear vs. non-nuclear attack submarine powerplants

The budget cuts of the 1990s have placed the Navy in a difficult position w hen trying to maintain fleet levels capable of meeting a more dispersed and less defined threat. The cancellation of Seawolf initiated a large effort to define a submarine that is capable and affordable with today's shrinking budget Many European countries have turned to air independent (AIP), non-n uclear propulsion systems as a way of increasing the effectiveness of their fleets when compared to their current diesel/electric boats. By evaluating and comparing two AIP and one hybrid propulsion systems to current nuclear capabilities, we can help define options for the next generation submarine . This paper attempts to provide design and cost information which can be u sed in conjunction with mission profiles to determine the best system for t he desired job. Tomorrow's submarine will perform a variety of missions. Mo st all can be handled well by nuclear submarines, but at what cost? These p erformance/cost tradeoffs are the subject of this paper.