BLUF
Using incremental improvements in design and production processes allows the United States Navy to launch Virginia Class Submarines on an almost annual basis.Summary
This article by Caleb Larson in the National Interest makes the following points:
- Virginia-class submarines come in five “blocks.”
- Block Vs is essentially a new class of submarine.
- About 25m longer & carries more Tomahawk missiles.
- Able to launch and recover underwater drones.
- Replaced the Sea wolf-class (only three built) designed to attack Soviet Union underwater strongpoints.
References
Posts related to this topic:
- New Collins-based submarine ‘best fit’ while waiting for Aukus, defence experts say | The Runway (airforce.gov.au)
- AUKUS submarine deal gets a boost in US Congress | The Runway (airforce.gov.au)
- The “X-Factor” in Columbia-Class Submarine Design | The Runway (airforce.gov.au)
- Here's why the news about Australia getting nuclear submarines with the help of the US and UK is a big deal | The Runway (airforce.gov.au)
References from the Web:
- NOV 2021 Astute versus Virginia: which nuclear-powered sub is the best fit for Australia?-the Strategist.
- JUL 2022 US Navy's Virginia class program of nuclear powered submarines in trouble-Naval Recognition
- JUL 2022 Report on Virginia-class Attack Submarine Program-USNI News.
