Then, towards the end of the decade, the company was involved in the development of the world’s first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, the USS Enterprise, which was to feature Superior Tube’s unique cruciform control rods as well as its nuclear grade tubing. Superior Tube’s successful involvement in the Nautilus project was a major factor in the company’s decision to establish its Nuclear Products Division in 1956, specializing initially in the manufacture of vacuum welded zirconium and hafnium fabrications for reactor fuel and control rod assemblies.īy the time of the launch of Nautilus, Superior Tube was already manufacturing the power plant cladding for the USA’s second prototype nuclear submarine, USS Seawolf. Named after the submarine in Jules Verne’s 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, the Nautilus became the first vessel to pass beneath the North Pole and went on to become the first submarine literally to travel 20,000 leagues under the sea! Superior Tube provided the zirconium cladding for its nuclear power plant as well as the specially welded cruciform control rods for its reactors.

Superior Tube Company’s Products Go 20,000 Leagues Under the Seaġ954 saw the launch of the world’s first nuclear-powered submarine, the USS Nautilus.

COMMERCIALLY PURE (CP) TITANIUM - GRADE 2.

21-6-9 Stainless Steel Tube | UNS S21900.6Mo Stainless Steel Tube | UNS S31254 | WNR 1.4547.

First nuclear submarine reactor