New Submarine Needed.

During World War II the Germans had proven the effectiveness of submarines by using them to devastate Allied shipping early in. the war. With the development of sonar and the use of depth charges, submarines became less of a threat, but they still could not be ignored.

Coming Up for Air.

World War I I - era submarines had to surface at least once a week and stay on the surface for a while, and thus their effectiveness was diminished. Diesel or gasoline engines require oxygen for combustion. Submarines with these engines had to replenish their oxygen supplies with fresh air to keep the engines running and to freshen the atmosphere so the crew would have breathable air.

Rickover's Idea.

Capt. (later Adm.) Hyman Rickover realized the potential for a nuclear-powered submarine. The nuclear reactor would heat a fluid. The fluid...