1959: Skipjack Class (U.S.) Power + Streamlining = Speed
Skipjack in the 1960s Photograph courtesy U.S. Navy
The Skipjack class of attack submarines was the first to combine nuclear power with the
extraordinary speed enabled by a new, more hydrodynamic teardrop hull design that was first
tested on a conventionally powered sub. All U.S. nuclear subs since have used this basic
combination.
