Q&A · 4:28:56-4:29:30

Why a four-propeller SSN layout was rejected

The unusual four-quadrant propeller arrangement was rejected primarily because of noise and shrouding problems; sensitive technical detail is withheld.

Acoustic Signatures Nuclear Submarines Propellers Submarine Propulsion Underwater Noise

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Question

Why was the preliminary four-propeller arrangement for an SSN rejected?

Short answer

Primarily because of noise and shrouding difficulties; sensitive propulsor details are withheld.

Notes

The preliminary concept placed a four-bladed propeller in each quadrant. Acoustic noise and the difficulty of shrouding the arrangement were the decisive problems. Further detail is withheld because modern nuclear-submarine propulsors remain sensitive.