Submarines - U.S. Navy (since 1945): books

US Nuclear Submarines - The Fast-attack (Osprey)

The adoption of nuclear power revolutionized submarine design and means that vessels can stay underwater for months, trailing the enemy or training weapons on land targets from secret positions, "always there, never seen."

Jim Christley, a former submariner, explores here the influence of Admiral Hyman Rickover in cautiously introducing these stealthy machines of war, and frankly discusses the power and perils of using nuclear reactors at sea. Using unique and detailed artwork, he outlines the many evolving aspects of design within the submarine classes, from the very first nuclear submarine, USS Nautilus, to the classes under construction even now.

Contents: Introduction - The Propulsion Problem - Evolution: Nautilus to Virginia - Fast Attack Submarine Sensors - The Fire-Control System and Weapons - History and Operational Use - Bibliography - Index.

The US Navys Fast Attack Submarines (1) - Los Angeles Class 688

This illustrated book covers the complete history of the United States Los Angeles class attack submarines from initial design and construction, through testing and trials, to its current operations.

The nuclear-powered USS Los Angeles (SSN-668) class attack submarine represented the lead ship of the largest group of vessels constructed for the US Navy during the Cold War, and was purposefully designed for anti-submarine operations against the Soviets. Sixty-two boats were built and launched between 1976 and 1996, and the class continues to serve in force to this day.

The exclusive and extensive photographic coverage of the boats interior is featured here for the first time. Details of the boats armament includes: four 21" bow-mounted torpedo tubes supporting the Mk 48 ADCAP torpedo series; Tomahawk (BGM-109) cruise missile; and Harpoon (UGM-84) anti-ship missile capability.
The authors unprecedented access allows the reader a first time view of these submarines.

Atom-Uboote - USA, Frankreich und England (Typenkompass)

Im Zweiten Weltkrieg hatten sich Uboote als ernstzunehmende und gefährliche Waffe erwiesen. Allerdings beschränkte der konventionelle Dieselantrieb ihre Reichweite und die Länge der möglichen Tauchgänge. Zudem waren sie während der notwendigen Frischluftzufuhr für die Motoren per Schnorchel extrem gefährdet.

Als die USA 1955 mit der atomgetriebenen "Nautilus" das Atom-Uboot-Zeitalter einläuteten, waren alle diese Nachteile mit einem Schlag beendet und die grossen Uboot- Flotten weltweit mussten nachziehen.
Ingo Bauernfeind schildert in diesem Typenkompass die Entwicklung der Atom-Uboote der Nato-Staaten.