http://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/2011-06/holy-mackerel-not-again
The SSK concept is only worthwhile if it is genuinely cheaper and can be based out of areas that will make up for the SSK’s lack of sustained speed and endurance. If the absence of nuclear components means only a marginally cheaper submarine with less processing, weapons, and sustained speed, then it isn’t worth it. Instead, the better option is an innovative and cheaper nuclear submarine applying a number of the lessons that have been learned on board other innovative nuclear submarines, such as the NR-1, and incorporate the technological advances of the Virginia.
The bottom line is: We need to buy more submarines for less money. But to do so, we need to seriously ask what missions and capabilities we absolutely require. Having decided that, we can move ahead and produce an innovative and cheaper submarine, with a minimal loss of capabilities, that is our era’s Gato-class fleet submarine, not an ineffective Marlin or Mackerel.
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You know what, French did build small SSN called Rubis class. |