Virginia Class

This is coolbert:

Here is some interesting stuff on the most recent and advanced class of American submarine.

The Virginia class boat.

"The Virginia class (or SSN-774 class) of attack submarines are the first U.S. subs to be designed for a broad spectrum of open-ocean and littoral missions around the world"

The follow-up to the abortive Seawolf class fast-attack submarine. The Seawolf, only three of which were built, thought to be too expensive and NOT versatile enough for modern naval warfare demands?

About thirty of the Virginia class of submarine are to be built. For the cost of $2 billion per vessel. Yes, you heard me right, $2 billion per vessel. Modern naval warfare is NOT CHEAP. And, it takes SEVEN YEARS just to build one warship, from the time when construction commences until the ship is ready for use!

BUT, is a formidable combat naval vessel, able to perform a whole host of missions, designed to do so from the start. Versatile, responsive, multi-functional. IT HAS TO BE FOR THE COST!!

To be equipped with an impressive arsenal. To include weaponry such as:

* Torpedoes.
* Missiles.
* Mines.

And perform, as has been said, a variety of missions. To include:

* Traditional submarine warfare [obviously].
* Deploy combat swimmers and SEAL teams.
* Conduct reconnaissance, intelligence-gathering, surveillance.

"The Virginias incorporate several innovations":

* NO periscope. Uses electro-optic displays [via extend able "photonics masts"]
* NO propeller. Uses "pump-jet propulsors for quieter operations" [with shroud]!

And, as with the German Type XXI submarine of the World War Two era, is built using modular construction techniques.

"The Virginia class is built through an industrial arrangement designed to keep both GD Electric Boat and Northrop Grumman Newport News (the only U.S. shipyards capable of building nuclear vessels) in the submarine-building business"

I recall very well the political hot-potato that was created when it was announced that the Seawolf project would be discontinued after only three boats were built! Lots of anger and outcry from experienced, very skilled shipwrights. AND the U.S. Navy would lose "forever" the only facility still capable of building an atomic-powered submarine. The remedy is for modular construction and assembly at two facilities, aspects of the process shared or alternated! Sounds like a good idea!




Double-click on the above photo to see the Virginia class in high-resolution. Impressive. And for Russian naval GRU officers, no need to spend lavish sums of money to obtain drawings and plans of the sub either!!

Even the U.S. Navy cannot afford any longer various "classes" of submarine. Having several different types of boats, each having a distinct dedicated mission, is just not sustainable any more? One type [class] of submarine must be able to launch missiles, attack via torpedoes, deliver special operations personnel [SEAL], do reconnaissance and intelligence gathering when needed, operate efficiently in pelagic and littoral waters, etc.

And, in the case of American submarines, nuclear-powered, able for extended missions with a world-wide reach, projecting power to any point of the globe at will!

Such is the Virginia class of American sub!!

coolbert.