[topher]

However, Western equipment is much safer equipment.

I would not want to be on a boat with a liquid sodium reactor. Sodium reacts violently with water, so any damage to a submarine with such a reactor that allows water into reactor by combat damage might cause a mini-Chernobyl.

The Russians in the Cold War had an almost unlimited budget for weapons programs -- they ignored safety concerns in many areas.

The rocket torpedo sinking on August 12 (year I forget) is an example. I believe that sub went down because of trying to launch one of those, and there are rumors that the rocket torpedoes blew up inside the submarine.

[topher]

The rocket torpedo sinking on August 12 (year I forget) is an example.

The submarine Kursk just before midnight August 12, 2000.

Reports show there were two explosions. It is rumored they were working on a rocket torpedo.