Design of Conventional Submarines with Advanced Air Independent Propulsion Systems and Determination of Corresponding Theater-Level Impacts

Finding a quiet, state-of-the-art conventional submarine in a large area is a challenging task and the potential impacts of the threat of such a submarine can delay operations and consume large numbers of military assets. At the theater level, a technological impact assessment of the operational characteristics of a notional air independent propulsion (AIP) system submarine design is performed using a mission simulation context. This paper refreshes the topic of conventional submarine design, provides examples of analyses that demonstrate the assessment of the performance characteristics of current technology, and provides aids for decision makers in determining the impacts of future designs and possible threats. At the theater level, a technological impact assessment of the operational characteristics of a notional AIP system submarine design is performed using a mission simulation context. This study investigates potential improvements by varying systems within the same hull form. The results demonstrate the probability of detections possible with AIP propulsion systems. Published in Naval Engineers Journal, v122 n1 p111-123, March 2010, The original document contains color images.