

A total of 18 of a planned 24 Ohio-class submarines were constructed by the Electric Boat Division of General Dynamics between 19.įollowing the START II treaty, the number of U.S. Navy, and the third-largest submarines ever built, the boats of the Ohio-class were initially designed to carry the concurrently developed Trident submarine-launched ballistic missiles.

Scott Pappano, program executive officer for Strategic Submarines confirmed that the nuclear-armed Ohio-class SSBNs, as well as the SSGNs, would be examined for “short-repair availability.” He explained the need to maintain the boats during an Advanced Nuclear Weapons Alliance Deterrence Center online event held on May 12.Īs the largest subs ever constructed for the U.S. According to a report from The Drive, up to five of the Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines ( SSBNs), along with four others of the class that were converted into guided-missiles submarines ( SSGNs) are currently under evaluation for short-term life extension. While there have been plans to retire some of the older boats, the Navy may have to keep them around a little while longer. The United States Navy currently operates 18 Ohio-class submarines, all of which were built between 19. Here is what we know right now along with an amazing photo essay: And while they might be old, they are under consideration for an extension of service. Along with reconfigured SSGN models, these submarines are the very core of the U.S. While they were born of a design first created in the 1970s, the Ohio-class submarines can destroy entire nations if we are talking about the SSBN version of these boats. This new platform will also have the capability to carry and support more than 66 Navy SEALs (Sea, Air and Land) and insert them clandestinely into potential conflict areas. The 22 missile tubes also will provide the capability to carry other payloads, such as unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs), unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and Special Forces equipment. The SSGNs will have the capability to support and launch up to 154 Tomahawk missiles, a significant increase in capacity compared to other platforms. Four Ohio-class strategic missile submarines, USS Ohio (SSBN 726), USS Michigan (SSBN 727) USS Florida (SSBN 728), and USS Georgia (SSBN 729) have been selected for transformation into a new platform, designated SSGN.

29, 2002 for conversion to SSGN at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard. 14, 2003) - Illustration of USS Ohio (SSGN 726) which is undergoing a conversion from a Ballistic Missile Submarine (SSBN) to a Guided Missile Submarine (SSGN) designation.
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"We're taking what we already know how to do and combining it together," Houston said, pointing to the payload and speed of the Seawolf class, the electronics of the Virginia class, and the expected service life of the Columbia class.Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Wash. The new submarine is dubbed SSN(X), indicating that the design is not yet determined, but Houston said the boats would take the best features of the Navy's three previous sub designs: the Seawolf- and Virginia-class attack submarines, or SSNs, and the still-in-development Columbia-class ballistic-missile submarines, classified as SSBNs. Houston is now the head of Naval Submarine Forces, Submarine Force Atlantic, and Allied Submarine Command. Bill Houston said of the new program at a Navy League event in July. "We are looking at the ultimate apex predator for the maritime domain," Vice Adm. US Navy officials are already laying the groundwork for the next generation of nuclear-powered attack submarines, drawing on the current fleet to develop a fearsome new boat. Account icon An icon in the shape of a person's head and shoulders.
