Prospects for Superconducting Systems in Military Submarines

Abstract

What follows is a summary of proposals for the building of deep-diving, nuclear gas turbine powered, electrically driven submarine embodying an all integrated superconducting system, ranging from generators and motors to electronics, computers, navigation and air-purification systems. All systems are critically reviewed from the points of efficiency, weight, volume, noise and heat emission, with special reference to other prominent characteristics. Finally, a suggested deep-diving configuration of a small missile submarine is presented in view of the prevailing strategic requirements. HE need for an effective defense in lieu of expensive ABM options dictates the use of many, small, deep-diving and quiet-running submarines. A defense system has to be mobile, silent and inaccessible to the attacker. The following dis- cussion blends and outlines strategy and deep-submarine possibilities by approaching the topic from the unusual angle of the very promising superconducting-state technology, always bearing in mind that the abyss challenge has to be taken on early enough to yield returns when mostly needed, in the future. There is a strategic requirement for the con- trol of the ocean bed. Deep-diving military submarines have to be developed with advanced outer-space methodology employed from their design conception. Performance pri- ority is given over cost, with sole criterion the weapon deliv- ery capability for equal destruction potential. MIRV war- heads, second stage of development, should be adopted for these vehicles, with an eye on the stringent payload and volume limitations. The importance of strategic submarine technology has in the near future of thirty percent. By comparison the HTGCR's of today, with their better powers for electrical generation, allow efficiencies approaching forty-two per- cent.1218 A HTGCR can use its coolant to directly drive three to six or more GT's integrated within its pressure vessel circumference, and therefore do away with the need for two heat-exchanger groups and the duplication of other bulky equipment currently used in the PWR designs. Rolls- Royce has already studied and proposed this configuration, while various U.S. and European companies are well advanced in its development.19'20 Helium