The Virginia-class submarine is a nuclear-powered cruise missile fast attack submarine. They are currently in the United States Navy. The Virginia class is also known as the SSN-774 class. They can carry nuclear weapons and are equipped to launch ballistic missiles. These submarines might be used to combat terrorists or other threats in the future.
Block V
The Virginia-class submarines are a revolutionary measure of firepower. Block V is eighty feet in length and comes with a Virginia Payload Module measuring eighty feet. While Chinese submarines may not have the firepower or sophisticated sensing systems of a Virginia-class submarine, they do likely carry similar advanced technology.
The Virginia-class procurement program is praised as an example of how to get a ship built with high efficiency. It has a proven track record, and the ships were delivered on-schedule and on-cost. The notable achievement of this program is the decrease in delivery times. Block III took 72 months, Block III took 66 month and Block IV took 84 months.
Design changes
The Virginia-class submarine is in the process of undergoing major design changes. These changes will allow the submarine to carry more Tomahawk missiles and torpedoes. These modifications are being carried out in Nashua New Hampshire and Syracuse New York. The changes are expected to save the Navy $40 million per ship, and will also enhance the Virginia-class' payload flexibility.
12 vertical launch tubes are planned for the Virginia-class submarines. These tubes will be wider and smaller in cross-section. Moreover, the subs will share common technology, which means any innovations can be applied to the other submarine classes as well. In addition, the design changes are expected to save about $8 million in the long run.
Costs
The US Navy is currently working on its first Virginia class submarine, USS District of Columbia. Construction has slowed down despite the fact that the keel had been laid on June 4. It is difficult for the workforce and suppliers to complete the project as planned because of errors, quality issues, delays in materials supply, and other factors.
Bryan Clark (a Hudson Institute senior fellow) said that the Virginia Class submarine will likely be less expensive than other submarines. He pointed out that both the Navy (EB) and the Navy have traditionally completed submarines on budget. Also, that there were improvements made to shipyards in the 2000s. Because of the missile module, however, the next block Virginia class submarines is likely to cost more that $3 billion.
Delivery schedule
General Dynamics Electric has been awarded $13.1 million by the US Navy to construct submarines of the Virginia-class. These submarines are the Navy’s latest stealth multimission submarines. They are capable of both shallow-water as well deep-ocean antisubmarine warfare. The composite parts of these new submarines will be built by Goodrich's Engineered Polymer Products group. Currently, they are building components for one submarine a year in 2009 and 2010 and two ships a year from 2011 through 2013. They also make bow domes, sonar, weapon equipment and other parts.
Block IV of Virginia-class submarines will then be followed by Block V which includes ten vessels. After the SSGNs have been retired, the Block V boats will be equipped with a Virginia Payload module. They will then have guided-missile capabilities. On December 2, 2019, the Navy placed an order for nine new Virginia class submarines. There are eight Block Vs and one Block IV. The Navy has the option of ordering a tenth sub at a later time.
Contractors
General Dynamics Electric Boat has been awarded a modification contract by the U.S. Navy to support its Virginia-class submarines. The contract, valued at $532.9million, will pay for work at the company’s facilities in Groton (CT) and Newport News (VA). The Virginia-class submarines are the Navy's newest undersea warfare platform. They are designed to conduct anti-submarine warfare operations in deep ocean waters, and can also perform ISR (intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance) missions. They are also capable supporting battle groups or engaging in mine warfare.
Expect the Virginia-class submarines to be completed within five years. The contract will include all aspects of planning, procurement, and repairs. Huntington Ingalls was also involved in the project.