Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 1:08:02-1:08:21

Could USS Enterprise reach 50 knots?

The carrier's unusual eight-reactor plant makes very high reported speeds plausible, though the answer does not claim a documented trial figure.

Aircraft CarriersNuclear PropulsionShip SpeedUS NavyUSS Enterprise (CVN-65)
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Question

Are stories that USS Enterprise reached 50 knots believable?

Short answer

The claim is plausible in view of the carrier's eight reactors, although no documented speed trial is presented here.

Notes

A reported 50-knot speed for USS Enterprise is treated as plausible, though it is not verified. The reason is the carrier's exceptional machinery arrangement: eight nuclear reactors could deliver enormous power to the shafts. That does not establish that the ship achieved the figure under a particular load or trial condition. It does explain why Enterprise belongs in a different propulsion category from conventionally powered warships constrained near 30 knots.