Equipment & Technology

Overview

Nuclear power plays an integral role in the strength and success of AMERICA’S NAVY. Approximately forty percent of the Navy’s major combatant ships are nuclear-powered. Therefore, it is vital that the technology and equipment used by Navy^Nukes continue to be cutting-edge in order to carry out the important missions that help ensure our country’s safety.

The overall mission of the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program is to provide the United States with the most capable warships and militarily effective power plants in the world – from submarines to aircraft carriers to research and prototype plants. These state-of-the-art, technologically advanced pieces of equipment and facilities (as well as the Officers who oversee them) are an invaluable asset to the Navy in its encouragement of peace and goodwill around the globe.

The Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program is comprised of military personnel and civilians who design, build, operate, maintain and manage the nuclear-powered ships and the many facilities that support the U.S. Navy Fleet. The program has cradle-to-grave responsibility for all Naval nuclear propulsion matters. At the same time, the technological developments here can have significant implications in the everyday world as well.

Submarines

Since the launching of USS NAUTILUS (SSN-571) — the world’s first nuclear-powered submarine — advancements in nuclear-powered submarines over the past half-century have been substantial.

Attack Submarines (SSNs)

Today’s forward-deployed nuclear-powered attack submarines (SSNs) operate virtually undetected across all earth’s oceans, protecting aircraft carriers and providing safe commercial sea routes. Cruise missiles can be launched via SSNs from unseen locations, with the ability to reach targets both at sea and inland. What’s more, SSNs supply access for other U.S. Naval forces to hostile areas.

SSNs represent a large part of the Navy’s defense force, often being called upon in times of conflict. Consisting of forty-eight LOS ANGELES-class submarines, three SEAWOLF-class submarines and two VIRGINIA-class submarines, they provide real-time intelligence to combat command, can strike quickly and precisely, and can deploy other Naval forces at a moment’s notice. All in all, no other watercraft can match the stealth and strength of a nuclear-powered attack submarine.

Ballistic Missile Submarines (SSBNs)

Over the past thirty years, Navy ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) have provided strategic enemy protection. These ships are considered the least vulnerable constituent of the United States strategic deterrent because they are virtually undetectable when submerged underwater.

The SSBN force is made up of fourteen OHIO-class SSBNs. At 560 feet in length and 18,700 tons of displacement, they are the largest of the Navy’s nuclear-powered submarines. Each of these SSBNs can carry 24 Trident missiles, which have the ability to focus on a target and launch from below the ocean’s surface. Their size and strength are matched only by their stealth.

Guided Missile Submarines (SSGNs)

Converted from older OHIO-class SSBNs, the Navy’s guided missile submarines (SSGNs) were modified specifically to launch multiple Tomahawk-guided, all-weather, long-range missiles or to deploy numerous payloads, such as unmanned underwater vehicles and special sensors. Each of these submarines has the ability to stealthily enter battle while carrying larger-than-normal payloads, as well as up to 154 missiles and Special Operations personnel.

SSGNs provide combatants with more surprise attack options, covert methods to gather information and communication paths. They help assume the burdens of other Navy ships so that alternative critical missions can be pursued. Their importance to the fluidity of the Navy’s defense of our country is paramount.

Aircraft Carriers

Navy nuclear-powered aircraft carriers (CVNs) can travel to specific locations at a sustained high speed, providing the United States four-and-a-half acres of mobile sovereign territory at a moment’s notice. CVNs can also sustain a presence without immediate replenishment of supplies, bringing credible military power as needed in order to maintain peace, avoid and/or resolve conflict, and protect the interests of our country.

Today’s nuclear-powered aircraft carrier fleet consists of the USS ENTERPRISE (CVN-65) — the world’s first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier — and ten NIMITZ-class aircraft carriers, the largest warships of any navy across the globe. Their ability to run on nuclear power provides a unique sense of mobility and responsiveness, crucial to the Navy as they continue to successfully sustain forward presence.

Research and Prototype Plants

There are various government-owned nuclear research and prototype plants located across the country, all of which serve a singular purpose: to develop the most advanced nuclear propulsion technology for the Navy, as well as provide technical support to all existing Naval nuclear reactors. The efforts put forth by the Navy Nuclear Propulsion Program’s research and prototype plants have led to the exceptional advancement of Naval nuclear technology.

Bettis and Knolls Atomic Power Laboratories

With thousands of contract employees, ranging from engineers to scientists to technicians and support personnel, the Bettis Atomic Power Laboratory and Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory run prototype nuclear propulsion plants for testing new designs and technology under typical operating conditions prior to their implementation into a Naval fleet.

Located outside of Pittsburgh in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania, Bettis is engaged solely in the design and development of naval nuclear propulsion plants that support the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program.

The Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory — near Ballston Spa — is located in upstate New York. It is engaged solely in the research and development for the design and operation of naval nuclear propulsion plants, working to design nuclear reactor plants for the Navy’s submarines.

There are currently prototype units running in Charleston, South Carolina, as well.

Naval Reactors Facility (NRF)

Located within the Idaho National Laboratory (INL), the Naval Reactors Facility (NRF) researches the Navy’s fuel usage, as well as tests specimens exposed to radiation. The results derived from this research are used to improve the cost-effectiveness of reactor design and develop new technology.