Subscribe now

The strange story of the nuclear submarine and the super glue repair

Feedback ponders reports that a nuclear submarine was fixed with everyone’s favourite adhesive, while also detailing the latest thinking on the life-saving properties of coffee and the squeaky windscreen wiper problem

By Marc Abrahams

15 February 2023

New Scientist Default Image

Josie Ford

A sticky fix

News headlines tell a gripping, simple tale: “Royal Navy probe after claims £88m Trident submarine nuclear reactor fault was fixed with super glue” (Wales Online). “Furious Navy chiefs order investigation after ‘workers on Trident submarine glued broken bolts in a nuclear reactor chamber'” (Daily Mail). “Engineers Use Superglue To Repair Broken Nuclear Submarine: ‘Disturbing’ And ‘Insulting'” (International Business Times).

The Guardian quotes a UK navy source as saying: “It’s a disgrace. You can’t cut corners with nuclear. Standards are standards. Nuclear standards are never compromised.” But of course you can, and they are.

The …

To continue reading, subscribe today with our introductory offers

View introductory offers

No commitment, cancel anytime*

Offer ends 14th June 2023.

*Cancel anytime within 14 days of payment to receive a refund on unserved issues.

Inclusive of applicable taxes (VAT)

or

Existing subscribers

Sign in to your account