Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 2:44:17-2:45:29

Stirling power loses its submarine advantage on the surface

Stirling machinery can be viable, but surface ships have easier alternatives that provide similar useful output without the same maintenance and training burden.

Naval TrainingShip MaintenanceShip PropulsionSubmarine Design
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Question

Is a Stirling-type generator viable for a surface warship as it is for some submarines?

Short answer

It is technically possible, but its special benefits rarely outweigh the maintenance and training costs when a surface ship can use simpler machinery.

Notes

A submarine may accept the complication because quiet air-independent power solves a problem that other systems cannot solve as neatly. On the surface, gas turbines, diesels, and other generators can meet most of the same practical needs with a better support base. Continuity also matters: moving sailors from an older version of a familiar system to a newer one is cheaper and faster than training an entirely different maintenance culture.