A1B reactor
The A1B reactor is a nuclear reactor being designed for use by the United States Navy to provide electricity generation and propulsion for the Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carriers.[1] It has been in development since 1998.[2]
The A1B designation stands for:[3]
- A = Aircraft carrier platform
- 1 = Contractor's first core design
- B = Bechtel Marine Propulsion Corporation is the contracted designer
Initial plans for the Gerald R. Ford-class carrier program include a two-reactor complex intended to replace the A4W reactor design used on the Nimitz-class carriers. The new A1B reactor plant is a smaller, more efficient design that provides approximately three times the electrical power of the Nimitz-class A4W reactor plant.[4] The modernization of the plant led to a higher core energy density, lower demands for pumping power, a simpler construction, and the use of modern electronic controls and displays. These changes resulted in a two-thirds reduction of watch standing requirements and a significant decrease of required maintenance.[5]
References
- ↑ "FY 2005 Congressional Budget, Naval Reactors" (PDF). US: DoE. p. 31. Archived (PDF) from the original on 16 September 2008. Retrieved 2008-09-14.
- ↑ Dujardin, Peter (July 15, 2006). "Nuclear Advancements Lauded". Daily Press. VA. Retrieved 2012-07-06.
- ↑ "Brief" (PDF). Bechtel. December 2002. Retrieved 2007-09-19.
- ↑ "Gerald R Ford (CVN 78) Christening" (PDF), Newport News (VA: Navy)
- ↑ Schank, John; et al. (2005). "Modernizing the US aircraft carrier fleet: accelerating CVN 21 production versus mid-life refueling" (PDF). RAND. p. 78. Retrieved 2008-09-14.
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