How deep can a nuclear sub dive?

March 30th, 2010 | by admin |

Yeah I’ve just watched The Hunt for Red October again and I was wondering how deep a modern nuclear submarine can dive. Anyone?

It depends on the type, but the US will only acknowledge in excess of 800 feet for its combat (SSN/SSGN/SSBN) Submarines. But Non-Combat Auxiliary Research Nuclear Submarines (SSAN) like NR-1 were capable of depths of 3000 feet. Actual Max Operating Depth is Classified.

http://www.ussboston.org/hist/nr1.html
http://www.hazegray.org/worldnav/usa/submar.htm
http://usmilitary.about.com/od/navy/l/blsubfaq.htm
(Note none of these are official USN sites)

  1. 4 Responses to “How deep can a nuclear sub dive?”

  2. By William B on Mar 30, 2010 | Reply

    from what i have heard on the hist channel 4 miles
    References :
    old timer

  3. By Tomb Raider on Mar 30, 2010 | Reply

    If the hull of the sub is made out of titanium they say that the sub can dive at least 4265 feet below sea level,it depends on what the sub is made off,some can with stand more than others,some hulls are made out of steel and they can’t reach the depth of the titanium hull,great movie by the way,I have have seen it several times,I hope this helps you out.
    References :

  4. By Slycat1 on Mar 30, 2010 | Reply

    High-strength alloy steel remains the primary material for submarines today, with 250–400-metre (820–1,300 ft) depths, which cannot be exceeded on a military submarine without design compromises
    References :
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Submarine

  5. By Submariner 1 on Mar 30, 2010 | Reply

    It depends on the type, but the US will only acknowledge in excess of 800 feet for its combat (SSN/SSGN/SSBN) Submarines. But Non-Combat Auxiliary Research Nuclear Submarines (SSAN) like NR-1 were capable of depths of 3000 feet. Actual Max Operating Depth is Classified.

    http://www.ussboston.org/hist/nr1.html
    http://www.hazegray.org/worldnav/usa/submar.htm
    http://usmilitary.about.com/od/navy/l/blsubfaq.htm
    (Note none of these are official USN sites)
    References :
    Current Submarine Sonar Chief

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