Nuclear propulsion roadmap for Australia(r) – a systems engineering approach

Abstract

ABSTRACT This paper describes the development of an Australian roadmap for the acquisition of nuclear propulsion for submarines and selected other vessels. This paper reports on the goals of the working group and an outline of the projected roadmap. Australia first operated naval submarines in 1914 and has maintained amodern fleet continuously since 1967. Now embarking on the third generation of conventionally powered boats, attention is shifting to nuclear propulsion for future generations. Nuclear propulsion confers two significant advantages on anaval submarine: increased speed for sustained periods and removal of the requirement for periodic recharging of batteries using air-breathing diesel generators. Development of the nuclear propulsion roadmap is being undertaken by avoluntary working group of nuclear scientists, submarine designers, builders, operators and maintainers, and multidisciplinary engineering and project management professionals, following asystems engineering, disciplined approach to consider all possible options for essential infrastructure, safety assurance, workforce training and development, economic and geopolitical constraints.