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Following another thread on non-nuke boats...I still have unanswered questions.

So, handwave nuclear power & nuclear weapons entirely. Also, ignore the uselessness of SLBMs without nukes. (Substitute thermobarics or something if it makes you feel better.)

I'm wondering what happens to the size & missile outfit of subs in this kind of scenario. Does the lower endurance lead to longer-ranged missiles? More missiles per boat, or fewer?

I have in mind AIP or fuel cell power, & I'm picturing a max size around that of Skipjack. Does the smaller size & (relatively) cheaper powerplant lead to more boats built, making up for the slower transit times? Does it also lead to fewer missiles per boat, or am I wrong about the max hull size? (An AIP *Ohio isn't impossible...)

Does this drive improvements in battery technology, with spinoffs in the civilian world?

Is there pressure to develop new drive systems? (I have in mind an MHD...which may be ASB.:eek:)

Thoughts?
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