Published Resources Details Journal Article

Author
Glassborow, K.
Title
Tango Bravo: breaking down barriers in submarine design
In
Jane's Navy International
Imprint
vol. 112, no. 3, 39173, pp. 14-19
Description

Accession No.1109

Abstract

"In 1951 the US Congress gave the green light to the construction of the world's first nuclear-powered submarine. Just 18 months later, USS Nautilus became the first commissioned nuclear-powered vessel in the US Navy (USN). That was more than half a century ago. Yet in the intervening period the fundamental precepts underpinning nuclear submarine design have changed remarkably little, with successive generations of boats still characterised by an aft propulsor; a rear compartment accommodating machinery spaces and a long propeller shaft; a central reactor compartment; and a forward compartment with sonar rooms, torpedo rooms and crew berthing. However, the USD 97 million Tango Bravo programme is looking to change all this. Launched in early 2005, its goal is to overcome identified Technology Barriers (hence 'Tango Bravo') and thereby achieve the twin goals of reducing costs while at the same time improving operability. Five technology barriers were identified: propulsion not constrained by a centreline shaft; externally stowed and launched weapons; alternatives to the existing spherical sonar array; technologies that simplify the submarine hull, mechanical and electrical systems (HM&E) and automation to reduce crewing. Tango Bravo was charged ton find solutions to the tyrannies that these barriers imposed. In effect, the idea was to blow apart the existing paradigms for submarine design, and thereby drive down the size and cost of submarines to about half that of a Virginia class boat."