The Virginia Class submarine is the first U.S. Navy combatant to be designed for post-Cold War missions. It is capable of operating in blue water (open ocean) as well as in the littorals (close to shore). The Virginia Class is designed for a full range of mission capabilities such as:

• Covert Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR)
• Special Warfare Operations
  • Dry Deck Shelters & UUVs
  • Advanced SEAL Delivery System
  • 9-Man Lockout
• Anti-Submarine
• Anti-Surface Warfare
• Covert Precision Strike
• Direct Support of Forces Ashore
• Strike Group Support

Virginia Class Submarine Acquisition Status Update

Virginia Class Statistics:

• Submerged Displacement: 7835 tons
• Length: 377 feet
• Beam: 34 feet
• Speed: 25+ knots
• Depth: 800+ feet
• Weapon Payload: 38
• Torpedo Tubes: 4
• Vertical Launch Tubes: 12
• Advanced Mobile Mines
• Unmanned Undersea Vehicles (UUV)
• No Periscopes – Two Photonic Masts
• Propulsion – 40,000 hp, Advanced Propeller in Duct
• Power – S9G Pressurized Water Reactor (no refueling)
• Crew – 134 (118 when deployed, bunk limitation)
• Cost – $2.7B, USS New Mexico fully funded
• Design Life – 33 years

Virginia Class Submarines

EB (Electric Boat) and NN ( Newport News) indicate the Assembly Yard for each boat.