SAGA-N: A Nuclear-Powered Submarine Vehicle For Commercial Operation

Abstract

SAGA-N, the first nuclear-powered commercial submarine, is under construction and active development in France and Canada. The ship' s capability to support saturation diver operations at depths to 450 m and other work site operations to 600 m, both at submergad ranges to 300 nautical miles, will be enhanced by the introduction of the small-scale nuclear-electric plant, AMPS. This plant, based on a low-pressure reactor heat source and a low-temperature Rankine cycle engine will deliver 100 kWe to the ship's main electrical bus. The ship will be particularly useful for oceanographic research and resource development in ice covered and ice infested waters.