The atomic submarine

With the courtesy and permission of the Dept. of Navy's Bureau of Ships, the Dept. of Defense, and the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC), this program unveils the Nautilus, an atomic submarine that can dive deeper and travel faster and further than any previous vessel. Lynn Poole describes the cramped conditions of a submarine crew and how they must be both physiologically and psychologically fit. Capt. Whelchel, from the Office of Chief Naval Operations, describes the disadvantages of a conventional submarine: inefficient design for operating beneath water, need to surface frequently to recharge batteries, and noise of its engines. He explains how the atomic submarine overcomes these inefficiencies. Mr. Poole reads from the Dec. 1944 Wartime Atomic Project report that suggested the government should initiate and push research and studies for nuclear sources for propulsion of Naval vessels. Film footage shows President Harry Truman speaking at the keel laying of the Nautilus. Donald Lockridge of the Atomic Energy Commission discusses the workings of the nuclear reactor in the Nautilus. This technology has major applications for new developments in the powering of many other operations in the future.