A nuclear submarine can sustain underwater speeds that give it valuable strategic mobility between operating areas. That advantage does not mean it should run fast continuously. Higher speed creates more noise and makes the submarine easier to detect, so commanders reserve it for situations in which mobility outweighs stealth. Propulsion therefore expands the boat's choices without removing the acoustic tradeoff.
Notable Point · 59:46-1:00:10
Nuclear submarine speed comes with an acoustic cost
Nuclear propulsion gives submarines sustained underwater mobility, but high speed increases noise and must be used selectively.