US Nuclear Submarines: The Fast Attack

Osprey New Vanguard #138

by Jim Christley, Tony Bryan (Illustrator)

"Silent but deadly" - Osprey's US Nuclear Submarines: The Fast-Attack takes a fresh look at the controversial design and development of the nuclear submarine of which the United States Navy operates the largest fleet in the world. The advent of nuclear power transformed the submarine from a slow underwater vessel, incapable of staying submerged for long periods, into a weapon of stealth and endurance.

Jim Christley, a former submariner, uses his own experience of serving aboard these vessels, and a wealth of technical information, to explore the many engineering issues and trade-offs, as well as the high risks of running a nuclear reactor at sea, which have dominated the intriguing story of the US nuclear submarine.

Genres: History, Military Fiction

48 pages, Paperback

First published September 18, 2007

Reviews

[Sean Chick]

Good Osprey title that benefits from Christley's personal experience serving on some of these boats.

[Almantas]

Osprey Publishing New Vanguard publication.

[Patrick]

For a 48 page book published in 2007, it was a decent little summary of the fast attack nuclear sub history and details. I finished it during a single lunch hour including this review. I guess that I would have like to have seen more tables of data and cutaway artwork, but overall it was a good book. I am curious what the the feedback from sub professionals would be about this book. From a relative layman submarine book collector, it was a pleasure to speed through.

[Josh Boardman]

Somewhat useful for quick reference and terminology, but the promises of the rear wrapper are not fulfilled. "Full color illustrated cutaways!" means a single cutaway, JUST ONE, of a Los Angeles Class Submarine. Nevertheless a good reference in the world of nuclear fast attack, in which the offerings are unfortunately meager.