Combined nuclear and steam propulsion

A CONAS drive ( abbreviation of combined nuclear and steam propulsion, Combined nuclear and steam propulsion ') is a marine propulsion concept that is used in the nuclear and conventionally produced steam to drive.

At cruising speed while only the steam generated by nuclear reactors will be used. To achieve the maximum conventional fired steam boilers are joined. Furthermore, in case of failure of nuclear reactors, the ship can only be driven with conventionally generated steam.

The advantage of this configuration is the redundancy of the drive systems.

Use

The only ships that use this system, the Russian battle cruiser of the Kirov - class and based on a body of the Kirov - class command and reconnaissance ship "Ural" (Project 1941).

Only conventionally fueled ships reach the Kirov - class maximum of 17 knots with a range of 1,000 nautical miles. Driven nuclear they reach about 25 knots. In connection of all steam generator, the maximum speed is 32 knots.