Submarines propulsion

Nuclear propulsion

We have been involved in nuclear submarine propulsion since it’s inception in the 1950’s …

Shore-based testing

Management and operation of the Royal Navy’s land based nuclear reactor (Vulcan Shore Test Facility) at Dounreay in Scotland is undertaken by Rolls-Royce.…

We are the pioneer of one of the most important technological advances in naval propulsion - the use of nuclear propulsion for the Royal Navy's submarine flotilla.

As the UK Technical Authority for the Nuclear Steam Raising Plant, we manage all aspects of the plant design, safety, manufacture, performance and through-life support.

This role is undertaken in close co-operation with the Ministry of Defence to achieve maximum benefits to the submarine programme - improving affordability, reliability, availability, and sustainability. The £1bn 10 year Flotilla Reactor Support Programme (FRPS) support contract signed in 2007 is an example of this new and innovative way of working.

Safety support covers the complete plant life cycle from new build and plant life extension to decommissioning, and includes the provision of integrated whole submarine safety.

We also take an active role in developing technologies for the future with programmes to deliver cost effective solutions for the all-electric ship and all-electric submarine, with improved safety and availability.

ZEBRA Sodium/Nickel Chloride battery technology is ideal for submarine and surface applications – delivering new levels of performance and weight reduction, with zero emissions (gassing) and long-life in a high energy/power dense, maintenance free package.

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