First U.S. submarine designed for battle space dominance across a broad spectrum of regional and littoral missions as well as open-ocean, "blue water" missions. Has ability to sustain high-tempo operations for months on end without the need for forward-based logistic support.
Costs about 30% less to acquire and operate than a SEAWOLF.
Greater integrated acoustic and non-acoustic stealth than any SSN at sea or under construction, ensuring the U.S. can gain and sustain access to contested and otherwise politically denied areas.
Multi-mission land, sea, and undersea firepower, advanced sensors, and other special features will enable VIRGINIA to execute numerous tasks simultaneously in support of America's security objectives.
Sophisticated surveillance capabilities.
Special warfare enhancements - Advanced SEAL Delivery System (ASDS) and nine-man lockout trunk.
Advanced state-of-the-art submarine communication and Electronic Support Measures (ESM) systems with "Plug and Fight" electronics.
Advanced sonar sensors for Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) and mine warfare.
Superior littoral warfare and land strike capability (12 Vertical Launch System (VLS) tubes and 4 torpedo tubes for 16 Tomahawk missile salvo capability)
Design readily allows insertion of new technologies and mission reconfigurability.
Reconfigurable torpedo room
Unmanned Undersea Vehicle (UUV) capability
General Characteristics:
Length: 377 feet (115 meters)
Beam: 34 feet (10.4 meters)
Displacement: Approx. 7,800 tons (7925 metric tons)
Speed: 25+ knots (46+ kph)
Crew: 14 Officers, 120 Enlisted
Armament: 12 VLS tubes, four 21 inch (533 mm) torpedo tubes; Tomahawk missiles, Mk 48 Advanced Capability (ADCAP) torpedoes; advanced mobile mines, and UUVs
Delivery: Scheduled for delivery in 2004
Production of VIRGINIA Class Submarines is the most cost-effective way to maintain needed SSN force level, ensure continued U.S. undersea superiority and provide transition to an affordable, capable and flexible SSN for the future.
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