One characteristic of 4th gen nuclear submarines is the use of pumpjet propulsion, which might be quieter even than a skewed propeller. Subs that have them include the Resolute, Astute, Sea Wolf and Virginia class. The French Barracuda class plans to have it too, and some of the latest French SSBNs appear to have them.

I’m not sure the Akula II has that and it does not appear at least from the first Akula II the Vepr, that it has one. The Borei does however, and I seem more confident that the Borei is more qualified to be in the 4th generation.

Did you mean Astute and not Resolute:confused:

RN Trafalgar Class has pump jet propulsion (except Trafalgar).

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/7718156.stm

At least 20 people have died in an incident involving the failure of a fire extinguishing system on a Russian nuclear submarine, local media report.

Russian Pacific Fleet spokesman Igor Dygalo said both sailors and shipyard workers died in the incident, which occurred during sea trials.

He said the submarine itself had not been damaged and there had been no radiation leaks.

Military prosecutors are investigating the incident.

The submarine, whose name and class have not been revealed, has been ordered to suspend sea trials and return to port in the far eastern Primorye territory, Capt Dygalo said.

Reports say the incident occurred in the nose of the vessel. The nuclear reactor, which is in the stern, was not affected.

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev is being kept fully informed about the incident, his press service said.

Russia’s worst submarine disaster happened in August 2000, when the nuclear-powered Kursk sank in the Barents Sea. All 118 people on board died.

Very sad news.

I wonder if anyone has considered using bait ships to trim the number of pirates in the area a bit?

1) Is that rust all over the CDG’s flight deck?

2) Is it just me or does anyone else think that’s an incredibly bad place for the Kuznetsov’s Granit launchers to be?:confused:

So to let solders die because of petty interservise politics not thanks!! I rather our soldiers had proper air support rather than have aircraft which could be helping them looking pretty on carriers. No JFH is doing what it should by helping the troops until its airbases could take more conventional aircraft

What on earth are you talking about? Who exactly is advocating letting people die because of interservice rivalry? For that matter who even mentioned interservice rivalry?

I distinctly remember photos from the last few days of both Ark and Illustrious at Sea for exercises around the UK, both carriers were present and one of them (not sure which) definitely had a load of harriers aboard.

It was Lusty I believe, JFH back from Afganistan and Navy gets to see what a Harrier looks like again, just illustrates why FAA needs its own aircraft to me.

Can’t see any real chance of RN ever having 30 odd escorts again unless something really serious kicks off.