SSNs have the speed, but not necessarily the maneuverbility. If an SSN wants to "slug it out" with an SSK, it has its own risk. The SSK, being much smaller, can bring around its body and nose faster, to detect via hull sensors, and launch torpedoes. Be wary that SSKs are still capable of bursts of speed up to 20 knots, and you have to give a margin with undocumented and classified speeds. The Albacore back in the fifties, ran a record breaking 37 knots.
Fighting an SSK is like fighting a cobra---it can bite if you get close. Hence even if the SSN has superior speed, it still has to be very careful. But of course, speed has the advantage of being able to pick the fight under your terms.
The nuclear sub also has that other advantage in that it has much greater reserves of electrical power to power sensors and active sonars.
As for sensors, active sonar does not have that much of a range anyway, and everyone prefers to rely on passive sonar, which does not give you away and has better range anyway. Typically you can expect a sub to have a sonar location range of around 50km, but depending on the sound source and the water conditions, much further detection can be possible. Its possible to hear loud sounds across the ocean. The Astute claims it can hear across the globe. Remember, sound is not like light. Sound does not require a direct line of sight, it simply travels when there is a medium. Thus it does not have a horizon limitation. Cold dense water, especially at deep ocean, often provides the best medium. In the right conditions, sonar may well exceed radar in sheer range. This is where passive low frequency flank sonars make their money.
At periscope depth, a sub can still rely on passive radar reception (RWR) and for communications, satcom.
Fighting an SSK is like fighting a cobra---it can bite if you get close. Hence even if the SSN has superior speed, it still has to be very careful. But of course, speed has the advantage of being able to pick the fight under your terms.
The nuclear sub also has that other advantage in that it has much greater reserves of electrical power to power sensors and active sonars.
As for sensors, active sonar does not have that much of a range anyway, and everyone prefers to rely on passive sonar, which does not give you away and has better range anyway. Typically you can expect a sub to have a sonar location range of around 50km, but depending on the sound source and the water conditions, much further detection can be possible. Its possible to hear loud sounds across the ocean. The Astute claims it can hear across the globe. Remember, sound is not like light. Sound does not require a direct line of sight, it simply travels when there is a medium. Thus it does not have a horizon limitation. Cold dense water, especially at deep ocean, often provides the best medium. In the right conditions, sonar may well exceed radar in sheer range. This is where passive low frequency flank sonars make their money.
At periscope depth, a sub can still rely on passive radar reception (RWR) and for communications, satcom.
