The Virginia-class submarine is a type of nuclear-powered cruise missile fast-attack submarine. They are in service with the United States Navy. The Virginia class is also known as the SSN-774 class. They are capable to carry nuclear weapons and have ballistic missiles. These submarines could be used in future to combat terrorists, and other threats.
Block V
The Virginia class submarines have a remarkable firepower. Block V models are eighty feet long, and come with a Virginia Payload Modul that measures eighty. While Chinese submarines do not possess the firepower or sophisticated sensors of a Virginia-class submarine, they may have similar advanced technology.
The Virginia-class procurement programme has been described as an outstanding example of how to procure ships with high efficiency. It has a track record that shows ships were delivered on schedule and on budget. Its delivery times were reduced from 84 to 72 months for Block III to 66 months in Block IV.
Design changes
Major design changes are underway for the Virginia-class submarine. The sub will be able to carry more Tomahawk and torpedoes. These modifications will take place in Nashua (New Hampshire) and Syracuse (New York). The Navy expects to save $40 million per ship with these modifications, as well as increasing the Virginia-class’ payload flexibility.
12 vertical launch tubes will be used to launch submarines of the Virginia class. These tubes will have a wider cross-section and be shorter. The subs share common technology which means that any innovations can also be applied to other submarine classes. In the long term, the design changes should save $8 million.
Costs
The US Navy currently is building its first Virginia-class submarine, the USS District of Columbia. Construction is still behind schedule, though the keel was laid June 4. The workforce has had to work harder because of quality problems, errors and delays with suppliers materials.
The Virginia-class submarine is expected to be less costly than other submarines of the same class, according to Bryan Clark, a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute. Clark noted that both the Navy and EB had previously completed submarines within budget, and that shipyard improvements were made in the 2000s. Due to the addition of a missile module, the next block Virginia-class submarines will cost more than $3Billion.
Delivery schedule
General Dynamics Electric has been awarded $13.1 million by the US Navy to construct submarines of the Virginia-class. These submarines will be the Navy's latest stealth multimission vessels and can be used for both shallow-water anti-submarine warfare and deep-ocean operations. Goodrich's Engineered Polymer Products team will build composite parts for these new submarines. They are currently building components for one submarine per year in 2009, 2010 and two ships per year from 2011 to 2013. They also make bow domes, sonar, weapon equipment and other parts.
Block IV of the Virginia-class submarines is followed by Block V, which has ten boats. Block V submarines will have a Virginia Payload Modul that gives them guided missile capability when the SSGNs retire. On 2 December 2019, the Navy announced an order for nine new Virginia-class submarines, including eight Block Vs and one Block IV. A tenth submarine can be ordered by the Navy at a later point.
Contractors
General Dynamics Electric Boat received a modified contract from the U.S. Navy in support of its Virginia-class submarines. This contract is valued at $532.9 million and will cover work at the company's facilities in Groton, CT, and Newport News, VA. The Navy's new undersea war platform is the Virginia class submarines. 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 capable of supporting battle teams and engaging mine warfare.
The Virginia-class submarines should be finished in five years. The contract includes planning, material procurement and repair. Huntington Ingalls & General Dynamics Electric Boat were both involved in this project.