Unlike diesel-electric submarines, nuclear submarines are designed to operate underwater. They are larger, and require a more expensive infrastructure. They require a two-year overhaul on the spot before they can be restored to service. They also require a storage space for used gasoline.
Nuclear submarines use high-enriched uranium as their fuel. HEU is one the most deadly metals on Earth. It is also the most simple material to work with. It is not necessary to replace HEU during the lifetime of a submarine. However, it is possible to allow the fuel poisons to build up. This could cause fuel efficiency to drop. In certain cases, the poisons may be burnt.
There are many types of nuclear reactors that have been used to build nuclear submarines. PWRs are some of the oldest, which were developed by Westinghouse. Rolls-Royce developed these PWRs further. They were designed for Royal Navy submarines. They are built to last for at least 30-40 years.
Later, submarines could be built using lead-bismuth-cooled reactors. These designs were tested on the K-27 which was an experimental precursor to the Alfa class. However, the problems found in the experimental reactors meant that the submarine was subsequently built at Gremikha Bay.
In the 1960s, long-range antisubmarine weapons were invented. They were submerged to launch missiles. They had a range of approximately 2,500 miles.
Over 100 nuclear submarines have been used in the United States. The US Virginia class submarines are often equipped with HEU. The US's other submarines, such as the Virginia, Skipjack, and Dreadnought, use high-enriched uranium. A burnable poison can be added to the core to extend its life. The US and Britain are only two countries that use HEU as a part of their naval reactors.
In recent years, the United States has been involved in a security alliance with the UK and Australia. The alliance is designed to counter China. The three countries share a common perspective on security issues. In order to develop a security alliance, they have signed a new security pact. This agreement will allow Australia become the seventh world-class nuclear-powered submarine. It will also give Australia the opportunity to receive US technology.
Australia will end the multi-billion pound submarine contract it had with France. Instead, it will enter into new security agreements with the United States. The deal will allow Australia to be the second recipient of US nuclear submarine technology.
Australia will also receive diesel-powered submarines, which are thought to be a complementary technology to the US's nuclear subs. These submarines will work together with the UK and US, as Australia does not have a current nuclear power industry. It is anticipated that the subs' majority of work will be done overseas.