SSGT submarine concept explores non-nuclear mobility

BMT Defence Services Ltd in the UK has outlined a radical concept for a future non-nuclear, all-electric submarine that would trade submerged stealth in transit for the ability to sustain a long-range semi-submerged sprint into a distant theatre of operations. First shown at the Pacific 2004 exhibition and conference in Sydney earlier this year, the so-called SSGT design adopts a novel hybrid propulsion arrangement - incorporating twin gas turbine alternators - in an attempt to confer range, speed and endurance significantly greater than that currently achievable by conventional submarine designs. This would enable the submarine to transit semi-submerged for several thousand miles at a sustained 20kt and then operate fully covertly (using fuel cell or battery power) for up to 30 days in theatre.