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Submarines2004–presentProfile in progress
Virginia is a multi-mission attack-submarine family. The Block IV research entry focuses on the maintenance-related design changes described by the US Navy.
United StatesVirginia-class submarine
U.S. Navy photo by General Dynamics Electric Boat · Public domain · Resized · Public domain · Source ↗ · ModifiedElectric Boat Newport News Shipbuilding
United States Navy Royal Australian Navy (planned)
Seawolf class Ohio class (cruise missile submarine variant)
SSN(X) class
$2.8 billion per unit (2019); $4.3 billion per unit w/VPM (2023)
2000–present
2004–present
US Navy : 45 Royal Australian Navy : 3 (3 block IV second-hand) + option for 2 more
43 Detailed orders: 4 block I, 6 block II, 8 block III, 10 block IV, 12 Block V, 3 block VI)
8 (2 block IV, 6 block V)
26 (4 block I, 6 block II, 8 block III, 8 block IV)
0
26 (4 block I, 6 block II, 8 block III, 8 block IV)
Nuclear-powered attack submarine (SSN)
Submerged: Block I–IV : 7,900 t (8,700 short tons) Block V : 10,200 t (11,200 short tons)
377 ft (115 m) 460 ft (140 m) for Block V
34 ft (10 m)
1 × S9G nuclear reactor 280,000 hp (210 MW) 2 × steam turbines 40,000 shp (30 MW) 1 × single shaft pump-jet propulsor 1 × secondary propulsion motor
25 knots (46 km/h; 29 mph) or over
Unlimited
Only limited by food and maintenance requirements.
Over 800 ft (240 m)
135 (15 officers; 120 enlisted)
Block I–II : 12 × vertically launched missiles: 12 × VLS tubes (for Tomahawk cruise missiles ) 25 × torpedo tube launched torpedoes & missiles: 4 × 21" torpedo tubes (for Mk-48 torpedoes or UGM-84 Harpoon missiles ) Block III–IV : 12 × vertically launched missiles: 2 × Virginia payload tubes, each capable of launching six cruise missiles (12 × Tomahawk BGM-109) 25 × torpedo tube launched torpedoes & missiles: 4 × 21" torpedo tubes for Mk-48 torpedoes or UGM-84 Harpoon missiles Block V-VI : 40 × vertically launched missiles: 4 × Virginia payload modules (VPM), each capable of launching seven cruise missiles (28 × Tomahawk BGM-109 and future guided cruise missiles) 2 × Virginia payload tubes, each capable of launching six cruise missiles (12 × Tomahawk BGM-109) 25 × torpedo tube launched torpedoes & missiles: 4 × 21" torpedo tubes for Mk-48 torpedoes or UGM-84 Harpoon missiles
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Reference text from Wikipedia contributors, used under CC BY-SA 4.0.
The system in detail
The Navy’s account of USS Vermont explains that Block IV changes aim to lengthen intervals between depot maintenance periods. These are programme intentions, not a live measure of submarine availability.
Do not substitute later-block dimensions or payload arrangements for Block IV. Publicly stated design characteristics also do not establish acoustic performance, patrol locations or readiness.
Virginia class equipment records. Variants, orders and quantities are shown as reported in each inventory source; coverage is incomplete.
United StatesNaval inventory of the source class and listed configurations; excludes orders and construction. Source-year holdings, not immediately deployable strength.
United States Navy Royal Australian Navy (planned)
Equipment reference ↗