Virginia-class (SSN-774)

Summary

Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Submarine
SubtypeNuclear attack submarine
ManufacturerGeneral Dynamics Electric Boat, Huntington Ingalls Industries, , Newport News Shipbuilding
Year commissioned2004
Units SSN-774 USS Virginia
SSN-775 USS Texas
SSN-776 USS Hawaii
SSN-777 USS North Carolina
SSN-778 USS New Hampshire
SSN-779 USS New Mexico
SSN-780 USS Missouri
SSN-781 USS California
SSN-782 USS Mississippi
SSN-783 USS Minnesota
SSN-784 USS North Dakota
SSN-785 USS John Warner
SSN-786 USS Illinois
SSN-787 USS Washington
SSN-788 USS Colorado
SSN-789 USS Indiana
SSN-790 USS South Dakota
SSN-791 USS Delaware
SSN-792 USS Vermont
SSN-793 USS Oregon
SSN-794 USS Montana
SSN-795 USS Hyman G. Rickover
SSN-796 USS New Jersey
Current operators 🇺🇸 United States

Description

The SSN-774 Virginia class submarine, also known as the Virginia-class attack submarine, is an advanced and highly versatile naval vessel designed for a range of missions. Developed by General Dynamics Electric Boat and Huntington Ingalls Industries, this class of submarines has gained widespread recognition for its cutting-edge technology and exceptional performance.

The Virginia class submarines feature a length of approximately 377 feet and a beam of 34 feet, allowing for stealthy movement and enhanced maneuverability in various underwater environments. With a submerged displacement of around 7,800 tons, these submarines are capable of diving to depths of more than 800 feet.

Equipped with powerful nuclear propulsion, the Virginia class submarines have an extended range and endurance, enabling them to operate for extended periods without refueling. This advanced propulsion system also ensures quiet operation, making these submarines incredibly difficult to detect, thus enhancing their effectiveness in covert operations.

The Virginia class submarines boast a range of innovative features, including advanced sonar systems, stealth design, and sophisticated electronic systems. The submarines are armed with torpedo tubes and can accommodate Tomahawk cruise missiles, enabling them to engage both surface and underwater targets effectively. Additionally, these submarines can also be deployed for intelligence gathering, reconnaissance, and surveillance missions.

Another notable aspect of the Virginia class is its modular design, which allows for rapid upgrades and integration of new technologies. This feature ensures that the submarines remain at the forefront of technological advancements and can adapt to evolving naval requirements.

Coined as the "submarine of the future," the Virginia class exemplifies the United States Navy's commitment to maintaining superiority in undersea warfare capabilities. With its advanced features, unmatched stealth, and operational flexibility, the Virginia class continues to play a crucial role in enhancing the United States' maritime strength and security.

Technical specifications

Displacement6930 tons
Displacement submerged7700 tons
Range Unlimited, except by food supplies
EnduranceLimited only by supplies
Crew135 members
Width10.0 m (32.8 ft)
Length115.0 m (377.3 ft)
Max. depth500 m (1640.4 ft)
Propulsion

1 General Electric S 9G reactor with a power of 40,000 hp - 1 pumpjet

Armament

12 T/CLS Mk.45 (12 Tomahawk) + 4 533mm TLTs (26 Mk.48 or Sub-Harpoon)

Maximum speed25 knots
Max. speed submerged34 knots
Photo of Virginia-class
Virginia-class silhouette
Wikipedia and other open sources.