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Ohio-class submarine

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USS Michigan
Class overview
NameOhio
BuildersGeneral Dynamics Electric Boat[1]
Operators United States Navy[1]
Preceded byBenjamin Franklin class
Built1976–1997
In commission1981–present
Completed18
Active18
General characteristics
TypeSSBN/SSGN (hull design SCB-304)[5]
Displacementlist error: <br /> list (help)
16,764 tonnes (16,499 long tons) surfaced[1][2]
18,750 tonnes (18,450 long tons) submerged[1]
Length560 ft (170 m)[1]
Beam42 ft (13 m)[1]
Draft35.5 ft (10.8 m) maximum[3]
Propulsionlist error: <br /> list (help)
1× S8G PWR nuclear reactor[1]
2× geared turbines=60,000 shp (45 MW)[1] Fairbanks Morse auxiliary diesel[3]
1× 325 hp (242 kW) auxiliary motor
1 shaft with seven-bladed screw[3]
Speedlist error: <br /> list (help)
12 knots (14 mph; 22 km/h) surfaced[1]
+20 knots (23 mph; 37 km/h) submerged (official)[1]
25 knots (29 mph; 46 km/h) submerged (reported)[1]
RangeLimited only by food supplies
Test depth+800 ft (240 m)
Crewlist error: <br /> list (help)
15 officers[1][2]
140 enlisted[1][2]
Sensors and
processing systems		list error: <br /> list (help)
BQQ-6 passive bow-mounted array[1] (which includes BQS-13 fire control array)[4]
•BQR-19 navigation[1]

•TB-16[1] or BQR-23 towed array[4]
•BQR-25 conformal array[4]
Armamentlist error: <br /> list (help)
4× 21 in (53 cm) Mark 48 torpedo tubes (midships)
  • SSBN-726 to SSBN-733 from construction to refueling
    24 Trident I C4 SLBM with up to eight MIRVed 100 kt W76 nuclear warheads, range 4,000 nmi (4,600 mi; 7,400 km)
  • SSBN-734 and subsequent hulls upon construction, SSBN-730 to SSBN-733 since refueling
    24 Trident II D5 SLBM with up to 12 W76 or W88 (300–475 ktTNT) nuclear warheads (with MIRV), range 6,500 nmi (7,500 mi; 12,000 km)
  • SSGN conversion
    22 tubes, each with 7 Tomahawk cruise missiles, totaling 154.

The Ohio class is a class of nuclear-powered submarines used by the United States Navy. The Navy has a total of 18 Ohio-class submarines:

The Ohio class is named after the lead submarine of this class, the USS Ohio (SSGN-726) formerly designated SSBN-726. The 14 Trident II SSBNs together carry approximately fifty percent of the total American active inventory of strategic thermonuclear warheads. The exact number of warheads deployed in the oceans of the world varies in an unpredictable and classified manner, always at or below a maximum number set by various Strategic Arms Reduction Treaties. Although the Trident missiles have no preset targets when the submarines go on patrol, the warships, when required, are capable of quickly being assigned targets by using secure and constant radio communications links at sea, including VLF systems.

The Ohio-class submarines are the largest submarines ever built for the U.S. Navy. Two classes of Russian Navy submarines have larger total displacements: the Soviet-designed Typhoon-class submarines have more than twice the total displacements, and the Russian Federation's Borei-class submarines have roughly 25 percent greater displacements , but they are shorter by about one meter. The Ohio-class warships carry more missiles and warheads than either of the other designs.

The Ohio-classs submarines were designed specifically for extended war-deterrence patrols. Each of these submarines provided with two complete crews, called the Blue crew and the Gold crew, with each crew serving typically on 70 to 90 day deterrant patrols. To decrease the time in port for crew turnover and replenishment, three large logistics hatches have been installed to provide high-diameter resupply and repair access. These hatches allow rapid transfer of supply pallets, equipment replacement modules, and machinery components, significantly reducing the time required for replenishment and maintenance of the submarines.

The design of the Ohio class allows the warship to operate for about fifteen years between major overhauls. These submarines are reported to be as quiet at their cruising speed of 20 knots (37 km/h; 23 mph) or more then the previous Lafayette-class submarines were at 6 knots (11 km/h; 6.9 mph), although exact information remains classified.[citation needed]

The Ohio-class submarines were constructed from sections of hull, with each four-deck section being 42 ft (13 m) in diameter.[3][4] The sections were produced at Quonset Point, Rhode Island, and then assembled by the Electric Boat Company at Groton, Connecticut.[3]

Fire control for their Mark 48 torpedoes is carried out by Mark 118 Mod 2 system,[4] while the Missile Fire Control (MFC) system is a Mark 98.[4]

Except for the USS Henry M. Jackson (SSBN-730), the Ohio class submarines are named for States of the United States.

History

The first eight Ohio-class submarines were armed at first with 24 Trident I C4 submarine-launched ballistic missiles.[3] Beginning with the ninth Trident submarine, the USS Tennessee (SSBN-734), the remaining warships were equipped with the larger, three-stage Trident II D5 missile.[4] The Trident II missile carries eight multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles (MIRVs), in total delivering more destructive power than the Trident I missile and with greater accuracy. Starting with the USS Alaska (SSBN-732) in 2000, the Navy began converting its remaining ballisctic missile submarines armed with C4 missiles to carry D5 missiles. This task was completed in mid-2008.

The first eight submarines had their home ports at Bangor, Washington, to replace the submarines carrying the Polaris A3 missile that were then being decommissioned. The remaining ten submariens originally had their home ports at Kings Bay, Georgia, replacing the Poseidon and Trident Backfit submarines of the Atlantic Fleet. During the conversion of the first four submariens to SSGNs (see below), five of the submarines, the Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Nebraska, Maine, and Louisiana, were transferred from Kings Bay to Bangor. Further transfers occur as the strategic weapons goals of the United States change.

SSBN/SSGN conversions

Black submarine with orange paint from cheatline down in drydock at nightfall.
Ohio SSGN conversion

After the end of the Cold War, plans called for Ohio to be retired in 2002, followed by three of her sister boats. However, the Ohio, Michigan, Florida, and Georgia instead were slated for modification, to remain in service carrying conventionally-armed guided missiles, and were designated as SSGNs.

Beginning in 2002 through 2010, 22 of the 24 88 inches (2.2 m) diameter Trident missile tubes were modified to contain large vertical launch systems (VLS), one configuration of which may be a cluster of seven Tomahawk cruise missiles. In this configuration, the number of cruise missiles carried could be a maximum of 154, the equivalent of what is typically deployed in a surface battle group. Other payload possibilities include new generations of supersonic and hypersonic cruise missiles, and Submarine Launched Intermediate Range Ballistic Missiles (SLIRBM),[6] unmanned air vehicles (UAVs), the ADM-160 MALD, sensors for anti-submarine warfare or intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions, countermine warfare payloads such as the AN/BLQ-11 Long Term Mine Reconnaissance System (LMRS), and the broaching universal buoyant launcher (BUBL) and stealthy affordable capsule system (SACS) specialized payload canisters.

The missile tubes also have room for stowage canisters that can extend the forward deployment time for special forces. The other two Trident tubes are converted to swimmer lockout chambers. For special operations, the Advanced SEAL Delivery System and the Dry Deck Shelter can be mounted on the lockout chamber and the boat will be able to host up to 66 special operations sailors or Marines, such as Navy SEALs. Improved communications equipment installed during the upgrade allows the SSGNs to serve as a forward-deployed, clandestine Small Combatant Joint Command Center.[7]

On 26 September 2002, the Navy awarded the Electric Boat company a US$442.9 million contract to begin the first phase of the SSGN submarine conversion program. Those funds covered only the initial phase of conversion for the first two boats on the schedule. Advanced procurement was funded at $355 million in fiscal year 2002, $825 million in the FY 2003 budget and, through the five-year defense budget plan, at $936 million in FY 2004, $505 million in FY 2005, and $170 million in FY 2006. Thus, the total cost to refit the four boats is just under $700 million per vessel.

In November 2002, the USS Ohio entered a drydock, beginning her 36-month refueling and missile conversion overhaul. Electric Boat announced on 9 January 2006 that the conversion had been completed. The converted Ohio rejoined the fleet in February 2006, followed by the USS Florida in April 2006. The converted USS Michigan was delivered in November 2006. The converted Ohio went to sea for the first time in October 2007. The Georgia returned to the fleet in March 2008 at Kings Bay.[8] These four SSGNs are expected to remain in service until about 2023-2026.

Replacement

The helm of the Ohio-class guided-missile submarine USS Florida.
Main article: SSBN-X future follow-on submarine

The Department of Defense anticipates a continued need for a sea-based strategic nuclear force.[9] The first of the current Ohio SSBNs are expected to be retired by 2029,[9] meaning that a platform must already be seaworthy by that time. A replacement may cost over $4 billion per unit compared to Ohio's $2 billion.[2] The Navy is exploring two options. The first is a variant of the Virginia-class nuclear attack submarines. The second is a dedicated SSBN, either with a new hull or based on an overhaul of the current Ohio.[citation needed]

Cross-section diagram of the submarines of the class

With the cooperation of both Electric Boat and Newport News Shipbuilding, in 2007 the Navy had already begun a cost control study.[9] Then in December 2008 the Navy awarded Electric Boat a contract for the missile compartment design of the Ohio class replacement, worth up to $592 million. Newport News is expected to receive close to 4% of that project. Though the Navy has yet to confirm an Ohio class replacement program, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates, as of April 2009, confirms that the Navy should begin such a program in 2010.[2] The new vessel is scheduled to enter the design phase by 2014. It is anticipated that if a new hull design is used the program must be initiated by 2016 in order to meet the 2029 deadline.[9]

Rep. Gene Taylor of Mississippi had threatened to block the project unless the Navy shares with the Congress an internal Analysis of Alternatives.[10]

Boats of the class

Guided missile submarines

Ballistic missile submarines

Artist concept of an Ohio class SSGN launching TLAMs.

As ballistic missile submarines, the Ohio class has occasionally been portrayed in fiction books and films.

See also

References

Citations
  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p "SSBN-726 Ohio-Class FBM Submarines". Federation of American Scientists. Retrieved 27-09-2011. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  2. ^ a b c d e Frost, Peter, Newport News contract awarded, Daily Press, retrieved 2011 September 27 {{citation}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); More than one of |author= and |last= specified (help)[failed verification]
  3. ^ a b c d e f Adcock, Al. (1993), U.S. Ballistic Missile Submarines, Carrolltown, Texas: Squadron Signal, p. 40, ISBN 9780897472937
  4. ^ a b c d e f g Adcock, Al. (1993), U.S. Ballistic Missile Submarines, Carrolltown, Texas: Squadron Signal, p. 41, ISBN 9780897472937
  5. ^ Adcock, Al. (1993), U.S. Ballistic Missile Submarines, Carrolltown, Texas: Squadron Signal, pp. 4, 40, ISBN 9780897472937
  6. ^ Submarine Launched Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile, GlobalSecurity.org, retrieved 27 September 2011
  7. ^ "Electric Boat News" (PDF). General Dynamics Electric Boat. February 2006.[dead link]
  8. ^ "Navy Marks USS Georgia's Return To Service". CBS 4 News Jacksonville. Retrieved 3 December 2008.[failed verification]
  9. ^ a b c d "Global Security information on Ohio class replacement". Retrieved 27 September 2011.
  10. ^ "Lawmaker wants key submarine document". Retrieved 27 September 2011.
  11. ^ "Crimson Tide". Internet Movie Database. Retrieved 27-09-2011. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  12. ^ "The Abyss (1989) - Plot Summary". Internet Movie Database. Retrieved 27 September 2011.


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