United States Navy plans to replace 14 Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines with 12 Columbia-class boats
The United States Navy will replace the Ohio-class ballistic submarine submarines with a newer, more modern type of boat. The new boats will start patrolling in 2031. They will carry around 70% of the country’s nuclear arsenal. Since September 2013, the Navy has consistently said it wants to replace the Ohio-class submarines with the Columbia-class boats.
The US Navy currently has 14 Ohio-class submarines in service. Their expected service life is 42 years. They will only be replaced if their size is less than half. The Ohio-class boats were first deployed in 1980 and will be retired in the 2020s. Although initially delayed by two-years, the Navy has declared the replacement program its top priority and expects to acquire at least two more boats in 2024.
Boats will be larger that Ohio-class vessels
The Columbia-class program is designed to produce 12 ballistic missile submarines that will replace the Ohio-class boats. The US Navy considers the program a top priority and expects it to be completed by 2021. These new submarines will be larger than the current ones and will be the largest ever built by the US Navy.
These new boats will have a greater submerged displacement than Ohio-class boats. These boats will be more efficient in speed and firepower. The Navy expects these boats to last 40 years or more.
Virginia-class technology will be utilized by vessels
The new Columbia-class submarines will use technologies from the Virginia-class attack submarine. They will be shorter and heavier than Virginia-class submarines. However, they will carry fewer nuclear weapons. Their complex electric-drive propulsion system is designed to remain relevant for 50 years or more. The Navy and Electric Boat leaders believe that they have a sound plan. They also use techniques that have been used with the Virginia Class submarines.
Columbia-class subs will also be using the fly-by wire joystick control system as well as large-aperture, bow array sonar. These systems were first applied to Virginia-class attack submarines. This sophisticated control system uses algorithms and sends signals from the stern and rudder to guide the ship's movement. Sonar technology is used to detect and analyze underwater threats.
Boats will be constructed by GD/EB or HII/NNS
Until recently, the Columbia-class program was known as the Ohio Replacement Program, which was a reference to the Ohio-class submarines that the Navy is in the process of replacing. Columbia is the name of Columbia's first Columbia-class vessel. The first boat of this class will arrive in October 2027, followed by the second in October 2030 and the third in July 2032. The fourth in July 2033.
The new submarines are heavier than Ohio-class submarines. They weigh more than 23,000 tonnes, almost three times the weight of early-model Virginia class SSNs. The US Navy will require a new class ballistic missile submarine by 2029, according to estimates. The Columbia-class program will be led by GD/EB, HII/NS and other design elements.