Representing a revolution in advanced design and construction techniques and mission flexibility, Virginia-class submarines will provide the U.S. Navy with the capabilities it requires to maintain undersea superiority well into the 21st century.

The Virginia class is the first U.S. Navy warship designed from the keel up for the full range of mission requirements in the post-Cold War era. Optimized for maximum technological and operational flexibility, these submarines will play a key role in the nation's defense with their stealth, firepower and unlimited endurance.

Under the terms of a $4.2 billion contract awarded by the Navy in 1998, and a follow-on $8.4 billion multiyear contract awarded in January 2004, Electric Boat is sharing construction of the first 10 ships of the class with its teammate, Northrop Grumman Newport News. Electric Boat delivered the lead ship of the class, Virginia (SSN774), on Oct. 12, 2004. It was commissioned into the fleet 11 days later, on Oct. 23, 2004, ushering in a new era of warfare from under the sea.

Ship statistics
Displacement: 7,700 tons (submerged)
Length: 377 feet
Hull Diameter: 34 feet
Speed: 25+ knots
Diving Depth: 800+ feet
Weapons:  Mark 48 advanced capability torpedoes, Tomahawk land attack missiles, Mark 60 CAPTOR mines, advanced mobile mines and unmanned underwater vehicles