Question

The Navy's nuclear fleet offers all of the following advantages over conventionally-powered vessels, EXCEPT which one?

1) Higher speed and maneuverability
2) Longer operational range
3) Reduced dependence on fossil fuels
4) Lower maintenance costs

Answer 1

Navy's nuclear fleet offers several advantages over conventionally-powered vessels. These include greater speed and maneuverability, endurance, enhanced stealth capabilities, and lower emissions. However, lower maintenance costs is not one of the advantages.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Navy's nuclear fleet offers several advantages over conventionally-powered vessels. These include:

1. Greater speed and maneuverability: Nuclear-powered ships have a higher top speed and can change direction more easily compared to conventionally-powered vessels. This allows them to respond quickly to changing situations and travel longer distances without refueling.
2. Endurance: Nuclear-powered ships can operate for longer periods without refueling. This gives them the ability to stay at sea for extended missions, conduct continuous operations, and maintain a constant state of readiness.
3. Enhanced stealth capabilities: Nuclear-powered ships produce less noise and vibrations, making them harder to detect by enemy forces. This is particularly important for submarines, which rely on stealth to stay undetected.
4. Lower emissions and minimal air pollution: Nuclear reactors used in naval propulsion do not emit air pollutants like fossil fuel-fired power plants.

Nuclear-powered ships have complex reactor systems that require specialized maintenance and periodic refueling, which can be more expensive compared to the maintenance needs of conventionally-powered vessels.