USS Nautilus (SSN-571)

The USS Nautilus (SSN-571) was the first nuclear submarine in service with the US Navy. It was also the first nuclear-powered ship in the world. She was launched on January 21, 1954 and it was commissioned the same year, on September 30, 1954. Although she was not a stealthy boat and she lacked today's powerful sonar, the nuclear reactor gave the Nautilus an unlimited range as she only had to stop and moor at port for food supply. Built by Electric Boat (General Dynamics) at Groton, Connecticut, the ship is now on permanent display at the Nautilus Memorial and Submarine Force Library and Museum, Groton, CT.

The USS Nautilus was a big submarine. It had three decks and plenty of internal space compared with the conventional fleet submarines. Aside from its ability to stay completely submerged nearly indefinitely, it was also fast. It was able to sail at 23 knots, while remaining completely submerged for months. Her unlimited range enabled the Nautilus to be the first submarine to sail underwater under the icecap of the Arctic, traversing it completely.

Propulsion

The USS Nautilus' propulsion system consisted of a Westinghouse S2W pressurized water reactor. The water heated by this reactor was used to produce steam, which drove the main and secondary turbine. The main turbine drove the reduction gear, which in turn drove the propeller shaft. The secondary turbine drove the AC generator, which produced electricity for the entire boat.

Specifications

Type: nuclear-powered attack submarine

Displacement: 4,092 tons (submerged); 3,533 tons (surface)

Length: 98 m (320 feet)

Beam: 8.5 m (28 feet)

Draft: 7.9 m (26 feet)

Propulsion: Westinghouse S2W nuclear reactor, with one shaft.

Maximum Speed: 23 knots (43 km/h)

Compliment: 92 sailors, 13 officers.

Armament: 6 torpedo tubes.

The USS Nautilus (SSN-571) - footage

The USS Nautilus sailing in the Pacific in 1958