Virginia Class
The Virginia class is the U.S. Navy’s latest class of advanced capability nuclear-powered fast-attack submarines, replacing the aging fleet of Los Angeles-class attack submarines. Electric Boat and partner Huntington-Ingalls Newport News Shipbuilding (HII-NNS) share construction of Virginia-class submarines in a teaming agreement, and together have delivered 22 Virginia-class ships since 2004.
Representing a revolution in advanced design and construction techniques and mission flexibility, Virginia-class submarines are providing the U.S. Navy with the capabilities it requires to maintain undersea superiority well into the 21st century. These submarines excel in a wide range of warfighting missions and collect intelligence critical to irregular warfare efforts with advanced intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. Unobtrusive, non-provocative and connected with land, air, sea and space-based assets, these versatile and powerful vessels are a core component of the U.S. Navy fleet that ensure our future national security by providing an affordable and flexible multi-mission stealth platform. Through extensive use of modular construction, open architecture and commercial off-the-shelf components, the Virginia class is designed to remain state-of-the-practice for its entire operational life through the rapid introduction of new systems and payloads.
The Virginia class has been authorized and contracted by the U.S. Navy in a series of five blocks. Electric Boat and HII-NNS are currently building Block IV and Block V boats. Block V Virginia-class submarines will incorporate the Virginia Payload Module (VPM) beginning with the second ship of the block, PCU Arizona (SSN 803). VPM incorporates four additional large-diameter payload tubes in a new hull section located amidships, enabling the submarine to deliver a variety of capabilities, including weapons, unmanned undersea vehicles and other undersea payloads.
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