The first Virginia class multi-mission nuclear fast attack sub took 86 months to build. The Navy’s most recent addition, the USS Mississippi, took 62 months to be completed even with added hardware and capabilities. That is over a year less than the 74 months that were predicted and budgeted for by the USN. All the while General Dynamics’ engineers and shipbuilders have also been able to enhance quality and combat readiness of the new stealthy subs. Hopefully the DoD will dig deep within a successful program like this and port any unique ideas, no matter how small, and talent over to other more troubled defense programs, as in the end quality leadership and innovative cost saving processes are our best chances of getting ourselves out of the budgetary and developmental death spiral we are currently in.
Great work General Dynamics, our sub force is absolutely key to America’s future ability to project power and ensure our freedom of movement on the high seas. I hope the DoD wises up and recognizes a great weapon system at a great value and ups the Navy’s “goal” of 48 boats going forward, one it will probably never sustain at current budgetary levels anyway. The Virginia class nuclear fast attack boat is truly the Navy’s nuclear powered submerged “Swiss Army Knife.” They can do so many things, from hunting other submarines and surface combatants, to intelligence gathering, to special forces delivery and extraction, to direct attack via their Tomahawk cruise missiles and more. Further, the nuclear submarine remains the most survivable military asset on the planet, which makes their unique capabilities totally indispensable as we turn our strategic focus on the vast expanses of the Pacific theater.
http://www.dodbuzz.com/2012/05/03/the-navys-new-sub-comes-in-a-year-early-how/
The USN with its global responsibilities requires subs that can be strategically deployed around the world. And this is the only argument for a nuclear powered sub since it’s underwater speed is excellent.
But there are more stealthy alternatives. Especially for close to the coast missions like intelligence gathering and special forces deployment. The type 212 is more quiet than any nuclear sub and therefore it is more stealthy. The 212 can operate in 17m deep waters and will be equipped with land attack capabilities and wired guided missiles for the helicopter thread.
I think the 212 would be great in combination with the new mothership approach of the US special forces.
I have been a big fan of importing or licensing and improving the best diesel electric available. Didnt the Navy operate 212s as aggressors out of San Diego recently? Why not buy both? We have plenty of fleet support tenders and oilers don’t we?
Yes, they invited the Italian Navy to participate at a maneuver. Though I’am not sure if Atlantic or Pacific. Unfortunately but understandable there are no public reports…
It seems the US navy recently started to put a lot of effort into dealing with diesel subs. China has a bunch of them so this makes sense.