Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 53:46-55:18

How carrier ASW doctrine met nuclear submarines

Carrier groups sought more sensors and weapons to hold submarines farther away, while recognizing that quiet diesel boats and modern nuclear boats pose different detection problems.

Anti-Submarine WarfareCarrier Battle GroupsDiesel Electric SubmarinesGotland Class SubmarinesNuclear SubmarinesRoyal NavyUS Navy
Watch at this timeFull video guide
Question

How did US and Royal Navy carrier ASW doctrine adapt to nuclear submarines?

Short answer

They layered more ASW assets around the group to detect and engage submarines as far away as possible.

Notes

Carrier groups responded to nuclear submarines by layering more sensors and weapons so contacts could be detected and prosecuted far from the ships being protected. The panel cautions that nuclear propulsion does not make every boat the hardest possible target. A battery-powered diesel submarine lying quiet can penetrate a screen, as a Swedish boat demonstrated during exercises with the US Navy. Modern nuclear designs can reduce pump noise substantially, but circulation and other machinery still shape the acoustic contest.