Description: A nuclear powered ocean engineering and research submarine.
Background: NR 1, the first deep submergence vessel using nuclear power, was launched at Groton on Jan. 25, 1969, and successfully completed her initial sea trials August 19, 1969. It maneuvers by four ducted thrusters, two in the front and two in the rear. The vehicle also has planes mounted on the sail, and a conventional rudder.
Features: The NR 1 performs underwater search and recovery, oceanographic research missions and installation and maintenance of underwater equipment, to a depth of almost half a mile. Its features include extendable bottoming wheels, three viewing ports, exterior lighting and television and still cameras for color photographic studies, an object recovery claw, a manipulator that can be fitted with various gripping and cutting tools and a work basket that can be used in conjunction with the manipulator to deposit or recover items in the sea. Surface vision is provided through the use of a television periscope permanently installed on a mast in her sail area.
Point of Contact:
Department of the Navy
Submarine NR 1
FPO AE 09587-3405
Primary Function: Deep submergence research and engineering vehicle
Hull Number: NR 1
Class: no class; this is a one-of-a-kind ship
Builder: General Dynamics (Electric Boat Division)
Power Plant: One nuclear reactor, one turbo-alternator; Two motors (external), two propellers, Four
ducted thrusters (two horizontal, two vertical)
Length: 150 feet (45.72 meters)
Displacement: 400 tons (406.42 metric tons)
Diameter: 12 feet (4.18 meters)
Maximum Operating Depth: 2,375 feet (724 meters)
Crew: 2 officer, 3 enlisted, 2 scientists
Armament: None
Date Deployed: Oct. 27, 1969