*Class Name
Seawolf (SSN-21)
*Shipyard
*Number In Class
3
*Subs In Class
USS Seawolf SSN-21 Launched- 6/24/95 Commissioned- 7/19/97
USS Connecticut SSN-22 Launched- 9/1/97 Commissioned- Dec. '98
USS Jimmy Carter SSN-23 Launching- Summer '99? Commissioned- 2001
*Length (Ft.(M.))
326 (99.4)
*Beam (Ft.(M.))
40 (12.2)
*Draft (Ft.(M.))
33 (10.1)
*Top Speed (Knots)
35+
*Complement (Crew)
12/121
*Surface Displacement (Tons)
7,460
*Structural/Powerplant
Constructed of HY-100 high-tensile steel to allow for deeper diving. Extremely advanced quieting systems, approaching that of the Ohio-class (SSBN-726) ballistic missile submarines. Powered by a single General Electric S6W nuclear reactor generating 60,000 SHP. This system powers a single pump-jet, which greatly reduces emitted noise. In addition, stability is improved through the use of six stern fins. So effective is the quieting, that at 20 knots a Seawolf will be virtually silent.
*Weapons
Eight - 30"/762 mm torpedo tubes with 50 weapons (Mk 48 ADCAP, UGM-84 Harpoon anti-ship missiles, and R/BGM-109 Tomahawk anti-ship and land attack missiles), or up to 100 mines.
*Countermeasures
BLD-1D/F, WLQ-4(V)1, and WLR-8 radio/radar intercept systems, and decoy/countermeasures launchers.
*Sensors
BSY-2 combat system with BQG-5D wide apature sonar, BQS-24 navigation/under ice sonar, and TB-16D and TB-29 towed sonar arrays, BPS-16 navigation radar, two periscopes.
*Comments
The largest and most expensive attack submarine in US history, the Seawolf-class has been controversial since their inception. 29 were originally planned, though this has been scaled back. Hugely expensive (over $3 billion a copy), it was designed for operations in the intense ASW environment expected in a war with the former Soviet Union. The demise of the Soviet war machine has caused severe questions and criticism of the design. In spite of this, three have been contracted to General Dynamics Electric Boat. Follow-on boats will be of a newer, smaller design. Nevertheless, the Seawolf will be the most capable attack submarine ever built by any nation. The BSY-2 combat system is a significant cybernetic achievement, and will give Seawolf's captain the ability to shoot faster and sooner than any opponent afloat. In addition, the provision for eight "swim-out" torpedo tubes means they will be able to fire larger missile salvos, and launch torpedoes much more quietly. The final unit may be modified into a special operations configuration with enlarged "lock-out" chambers. These will undoubtedly be the last US attack submarines with an "unlimited" design, where cost is no object. END