Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1954-01-17

AS an added protection. an
intricate and highly sensitive
radiation monitoring system is
being installed in Nautilus. The
system is SO sensitive that none
of the officers or crew will be
permitted to wear watches with
radium-coated dials. because
even that amount would be reg
istered automatically.
In addition to nuclear power,
the Nautilus will have q diesel
electric engine for emergency use
while surfaced or cruising with
its snorkel breathing tube poked
up through the top Of the water.
And batteries. used primarily to
provide power for the extensive
air conditioning made necessary
by the heat thrown on by the
reactor and turbines, are q third
propulsion power source avail
able.
according to the Associated
Press. steam pressure in the
Nautilus will be about 500 pounds
as against 100000 pounds used
in steam turbines of conventional
craft. The reason is that the
water is transferred more slowly
through the pumps and piping
Of the heat exchange system, in
order not to risk friction wear
Hull Thick and Stubby.
The hull design of Nautilus, q
stubby, round and rather thick
ship Of more than 300-foot
length. was dictated by the fact
that she will operate submerged
the great part of the time. In
this. she differs from the fleet
type submarines of World War
II or the postwar attack-type
craft, both of which are actually
surface ships. with the ability to
submerge and to stay under for
comparatively brief periods OF
time.
Nautilus was given a blunt bow
because it will not have 10 cut
through heavy seas and self-cre-
ated waves. Such a bow will
allow the water to flow smoothly
around it. Nautilus skin viii be
smooth; there will be no gun
mounts or cleats projecting
only the coming tower.
In this connection, a marine
engineer wrote in and complained
that the Navy did q helluva
lousy job in the hull design.
The writer had purchased a So
cent toy plastic model of Maui
titus and was disappointed. He
wanted a sleek, speedy looking
ship, with a streamlined bow.
Can Evade Sonar.
Nautilus will be the first ship
to evaluate nuclear propulsion.
but she will have q tremendous
combat capability. Her terrific
underwater speed, which can be
maintained for weeks on end,
will make her virtually safe from
detection. Present-day sonar
(sound detection) equipment.
such as that carried by destroy
ers, Is almost worthless when the
ship is moving at speeds in ex-
cess Of 20-25 knots.
Nautilus will be able to return
again and again to the. attack,
something impossible for conven-
tional submarines, dependent on
short-lived batteries. This ship
could creep quietly into a convoy
area. fire torpedoes from its six
tubes and speed away before the
first explosion.
How Nautilus would be en-
ployed if war should come no
one. at this time. can say. Nor
Is it likely that her employment
after she completes certain tests
for the Acc and the Bureau Of
Ships probably early next year,
has as yet been determined.
Possible Tasks Outlined.
But Navy observers say she
could perform any one of the fol.
lowing tasks-better than any
other submarine:
/. A guided missile ship. With
minor alterations, she could be
equipped to launch atomic-war-
bead missiles having ranges in
excess of 500 miles. Surfacing at
night off the enemy's shore. she
could loose fearful destruction,
slide back under the water and
head for the safety of the deep.
One Of these missiles, the Reg
illus, is now in production, but
whether atomic warheads are
available has never been stated
officially. The Regulus has been
fired successfully from conven-
tional submarines in tests.
2. A radar picket sub equipped
with electronic search equip
ment able to detect the approach
of hostile forces and weapons.
either airborne or afloat.
3. A submarine killer. It could
seek out and sink enemy under
sea. boats. by using its superior
speed and stealth.
4. A troop carrier. 1t could
haul commanders or intelligence
agents and land them behind
enemy lines.
S. A cargo carrier or UNDER
water oiler.
6. AS a polar explorer. With
its ability to go to great depths
and to stay submerged for long
periods, it could cruise beneath