How long can a US nuclear subs stay submerged?
Christopher Snyder
Updated on March 21, 2026
The limits on how long they can stay underwater are food and supplies. Submarines generally stock a 90-day supply of food, so they can spend three months underwater. The diesel-powered submarines (not now used by the United States Navy) had a limit of several days submerged.
How long can a nuclear powered submarine stay submerged?
Nuclear submarines can operate underwater for three to four months at a time and easily span seas.How long can an AIP submarine stay submerged?
The new Swedish Blekinge-class submarine has the Stirling AIP system as its main energy source. The submerged endurance will be more than 18 days at 5 knots using AIP.What limits how long a modern submarine can remain submerged?
Current nuclear submarines do not need to be refueled for a period of 25 years. The only factor limiting the amount of time that a submarine can remain submerged is the amount of food and water that it can carry.What depth do submarines cruise at?
Now, the operating depth of most modern submarines is 300 to 450 meters. For a submarine to surface from that depth, it first uses its hydroplanes to reduce its depth upto 3 to 4 meters below waterline.How long can a Submarine stay underwater?
How long could ww2 Subs stay submerged?
Model of the USS Balao (SS-285) Fleet SubmarineTwo 126-cell battery groups gave her a submerged top speed of 8.75 knots (16.2 km/hr); holding her speed to 2 knots (4 km/hr), she could remain submerged for 48 hours.