The hydraulics in a nuclear reactor produce noise as they pump coolant liquid, while an AIP’s submarine’s engines are virtually silent. However, there’s reason to believe that AIP submarines can, if properly designed, swim underwater even more quietly.
In fact, nuclear-powered submarines may be unable to detect each other using passive sonar, as evidenced by the 2009 collision of a British and French nuclear ballistic missile submarines, both oblivious to the presence of the other. Nuclear powered submarines have become very quiet-at least an order of magnitude quieter than a diesel submarine with its engine running. Three upgraded Agosta-90b class subs with MESMA engines serve in the Pakistani Navy.īroadly speaking, how do AIP vessels compare in performance to nuclear submarines? Let’s consider the costs and benefits in terms of stealth, endurance, speed and cost. Other countries intending to build fuel-cell powered submarines include Spain (the S-80), India (the Kalvari-class) and Russia (the Lada-class).įinally, France has designed several subs using closed-cycle steam turbine called MESMA. The German boats all use electro-catalytic fuel cells, a generally more efficient and quiet technology than the Stirling, though also more complex and expensive. Germany has also built dozens of AIP powered submarines, most notably the small Type 212 and 214, and has exported them across the globe. The Swedes, for their part, have developed four different classes of Stirling-powered submarines. Japan for her part has eight medium-sized Soryu class submarines that also use Stirling engines, with 15 more planned for or under construction. China has 15 Stirling-powered Yuan-class Type 039A submarines with 20 more planned, as well as a single large Type 032 missile submarine that can fire ballistic missiles.
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