China has recently made a major breakthrough in nuclear submarine technology, especially in silent technology, which has reached the most advanced level in the world. This breakthrough will help China's nuclear submarines narrow the technological gap with the advanced nuclear submarines of the United States and Russia.
According to reports, China's nuclear submarines will use new nuclear power technology, which is capable of providing greater output power than traditional pressurized water reactors. This means that China's nuclear submarines will be able to increase their displacement from the current 9000 tons to 180,000 tons, increasing the number of ballistic missiles carried from 12 to 24 and increasing the speed from 24 to 35-40 knots.
In addition, this new nuclear power technology will significantly reduce the underwater noise level of nuclear submarines, making them superior to those of the most advanced nuclear submarines currently in service in the United States and Russia. This reduction in noise levels will significantly increase the concealment of nuclear submarines and enhance their combat capabilities. This technology is made possible by the small lead-cooled fast reactor nuclear power technology developed by the China Institute of Atomic Energy.
Lead-cooled fast reactor technology uses liquid lead or lead-bismuth alloy as a coolant, and the heat energy generated by nuclear fission is brought out through natural circulation without the involvement of a compression pump, thus reducing noise. This technology not only improves the utilization rate of nuclear fuel, but also minimizes radioactive waste and has inherent safety.
In general, this breakthrough in China's nuclear power technology will greatly improve the performance of its nuclear submarines, including firepower, speed and concealment, which will have a significant impact on the global nuclear submarine pattern and provide stronger guarantees for China.