USS Nautilus SSN-571

Users:
United States Navy

Built: 1952 (completed after testing in 1955)
In Commission: 1954-1980

For the longest time through world war I and II the existing submarines functioned more as surface vessels with the ability to submerge due to the limits of their diesel electric powerplant systems. After the second world war these powerplants would be improved, however a new form of powerplant would be developed in the wake of the advent of atomic energy. One such powerplant would be used to power the world's first nuclear powered submarine, the USS Nautilus.

Laid down in 1952, after nearly 18 months of construction, the Nautilus would be laid down on the Thames river. It would take until 1955 after years of testing for the submarine to prove herself, her captain ordering all lines cast off to let her free. Soon after, the captain would signal the message...

"Underway on Nuclear power"-Commander Eugene P. Wilkinson

And thus the nautilus would go on to shatter all of the submerged speed and distance records of the time. Capable of going faster and farther than any submarine before her. She would prove the ideal vessel for what would become her first great feat. In 1958 under a new commander she would depart from Pearl Harbor, in an operation dubbed 'Operation Sunshine'. The goal being to make way beneath the thick ice and be the first ship to cross the North Pole. Despite the treacherous path, she would ultimately succeed in crossing the geographic north pole.

"For the world, our country, and the Navy - the North Pole."-Commander William R. Anderson

Afterwards, she would go on to serve for around 25 years, taking part in naval exercises and going around the world over half a million miles. Even as new nuclear submarines were developed, improving on her design, she would continue to serve up until the year 1979. Her final voyage would take her to Mare Island Shipyard in Vallejo California, where she would be converted into a museum ship. In 1982, she would be towed then in 1985 docked at Groton Connecticut. Soon after, she would become part of the Submarine Force Library and Museum. The first and Finest submarine exhibit allowing people to have a look within.

Though the Nautilus wouldn't replace diesel electric submarines in the world, she would within the United States Navy. Proving a huge step in naval technology, whose success would in time lead to successful designs such as the Los Angeles class.

Source(s)
Wikipedia
ussnautilus.org

Features:

• Fully working hydroplanes and rudder (pitch and yaw)
• Simulated Ballast Control
• Unlimited Dive
• Near 1:1 Scale
• 6 Mark 37 Anti Submarine Torpedoes (Link)

Instructions:

Submarine Operation
1)Pitch for Pitch
2)Roll for Steering (Yaw)
3)VTOL for ballast (Sinking and Floating)
4)LandingGear to deploy bow planes.

Torpedo Operation
1)Air to Ground mode
2)Fire Weapon
3)Yaw for steering
4)Trim for Depth Control

And yet another incident involving an AI plane crashing in the water near me.

Here it is, the USS Nautilus, a replica of the first nuclear powered submarine. I originally had one built some time ago, but after it gave me problems I deleted it and started from scratch. Led to a better product in the end if I do say so myself.