How Long Can Submarines Stay Underwater? Insights on Nuclear vs. Conventional Submarines

Discover how long submarines can operate underwater, focusing on nuclear and conventional types in this informative Q&A.

319 views

Modern nuclear submarines can generally stay submerged for months at a time without resurfacing, limited primarily by food supplies and crew endurance rather than technical constraints. Conventional submarines, relying on batteries, generally resurface every few days to a week to recharge.

FAQs & Answers

  1. What determines how long a submarine can stay submerged? The duration a submarine can stay submerged is primarily determined by food supplies and crew endurance.
  2. How do nuclear submarines differ from conventional submarines? Nuclear submarines can remain underwater for months, while conventional submarines must resurface every few days to recharge batteries.
  3. What is the primary limitation for conventional submarines? Conventional submarines are limited by battery life, requiring them to surface frequently.