Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 3:07:07-3:07:50

Could a nuclear aircraft carrier exceed 40 knots?

A speed question separates the enormous power available in a nuclear carrier from the hull-form limits that determine how usefully it can be converted into knots.

Aircraft CarriersNaval ArchitectureNuclear PropulsionUS NavyWarship Speed
Watch at this timeFull video guide
Question

Could a U.S. nuclear-powered aircraft carrier exceed 40 knots?

Short answer

Possibly, especially in later designs, but reactor power is only part of the answer because the hull form may limit the speed that can be used.

Notes

The claim that a U.S. nuclear-powered carrier could exceed 40 knots is plausible for some designs, especially as carrier classes and propulsion plants developed. Their reactors can deliver immense power to the machinery, although hull form may prevent that output from translating directly into speed. This is an engineering possibility rather than a confirmed public performance figure.