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Submarines use sound
waves (sonar) to find their way underwater, to locate their targets, and
to avoid their enemies. That makes learning how sound waves travel in
seawater important. This in turn requires research on the physical characteristics
of seawater, the topography of the ocean floor, and a host of related
topics. Given the many natural as well as man-made sources of noise in
the ocean, the study of underwater sound is a most complicated subject.
For these reasons, the Navy has long supported a wide range of research
in such sciences as oceanography, acoustics, and other areas vital to
submarine operation. The nuclear-powered research submersible NR-1 has
contributed much to this effort.
Nuclear-powered
Research Submersible NR-1
NR-1 entered service in 1969. She was designed primarily to locate and
recover underwater objects, such as sunken Soviet submarines or lost Soviet
missiles. Secondarily, she also engaged in deep-submergence research.
NR-1
is 140 feet (43 m) long, 12 feet (3.6 m) in diameter, and displaces about
400 tons submerged. She carries a crew of two officers, three enlisted
men, and two scientists. A pressurized-water reactor the size of a refrigerator
drives two externally mounted electric motors with propellers and also
provides power to four ducted thrusters for maneuverability. NR-1 does
not have to be as quiet as a combat submarine, nor does she have to withstand
as much shock. She does, however, meet the same high standards of reactor
safety and reliability as any American nuclear-powered submarine. Courtesy
U.S. Naval Institute
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A
scientist examines an anchor recovered by NR-1 from the floor
of the Mediterranean Sea. Courtesy David Mindell and the Institute
for Exploration |
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The oceanographic
research ship Trieste at sea. Courtesy U.S. Naval Institute
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