Nuclear submarine

A submarine powered by a nuclear reactor, which supplies heat for propulsion and onboard electricity. Its endurance underwater is limited chiefly by provisions and crew needs rather than frequent refueling.

Nuclear marine propulsion: A propulsion system that uses a nuclear reactor as its heat source. The reactor replaces fuel-burning engines as the source of propulsion energy.
Hyman G. Rickover: A U.S. Navy admiral who led the development of American naval nuclear propulsion. His technical oversight and insistence on rigorous training shaped the first nuclear submarine program.
Ballistic missile submarine: A submarine designed to carry and launch ballistic missiles, usually armed with nuclear warheads. Its stealthy patrols provide a survivable component of a state's nuclear deterrent.
Diesel-electric submarine: A submarine that uses diesel engines to charge batteries and electric motors for submerged travel. It is cheaper and quieter at low speeds but must periodically obtain air to recharge.
Mutual assured destruction: A deterrence doctrine in which opposing nuclear powers can each inflict unacceptable damage after an attack. Concealed ballistic missile submarines make a second-strike force harder to destroy.
Pressurized water reactor: A reactor that transfers heat from pressurized primary coolant to a separate steam system. Most naval reactors use this design to produce steam without boiling the primary coolant.
USS Nautilus (SSN-571): The first operational nuclear-powered submarine, commissioned by the United States in 1954. Its 1955 voyage under the North Pole demonstrated the strategic reach of nuclear propulsion.
Attack submarine: A submarine designed to hunt other submarines and surface ships and conduct related missions. Nuclear-powered attack boats use endurance and speed to pursue targets across distant oceans.
Air-independent propulsion: Submarine technology that allows non-nuclear boats to operate underwater without atmospheric oxygen for longer periods. It extends conventional underwater endurance without the cost and complexity of a naval reactor.
Second-strike capability: The ability to retaliate with nuclear weapons after absorbing an adversary's first strike. Submarine patrols help preserve retaliation capacity even if land-based forces are attacked.

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