Air-independent Propulsion - Nuclear Power

Nuclear Power

Nuclear reactors have been used for 50 years to power submarines, the first being USS Nautilus. The United States, France, the United Kingdom, Russia, India and the People's Republic of China are the only countries currently operating nuclear powered submarines. India, having successfully developed a miniaturised reactor for submarine application, is developing Arihant class nuclear submarines, the first submarine, INS Arihant (s-73), is undergoing sea trials and induction is expected during mid 2012. India in the past has leased a Charlie class nuclear powered submarine from Russia and plans to acquire two used Akula class submarines which would be used for training purposes. Many other developing countries have also attempted to research nuclear propulsion for submarine use in the past, but with disappointing results. However, Air Independent Propulsion is a term normally used in the context of improving the performance of conventionally propelled submarines.

There have nevertheless been suggestions for a reactor as an auxiliary power supply, which does fall into the normal definition of AIP. For example, there has been a proposal to use a small 200 kilowatt reactor for auxiliary power (styled a "nuclear battery") to improve the under-ice capability of Canadian submarines.