As of October 2023, the United States has 14 Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs). These submarines serve as a key component of the U.S. nuclear deterrent strategy, carrying Trident II (D5) ballistic missiles. The Ohio-class submarines are designed for stealth and long-duration missions, ensuring a continuous at-sea deterrent capability.
Yes, there are submarines capable of diving to depths of 12,500 feet. Military submarines, such as the U.S. Navy's Virginia-class submarines, can operate at significant depths, though exact capabilities are often classified. Additionally, deep-sea research submarines, like the DSV Alvin and the Triton Submarines, are designed to reach such depths for exploration and scientific purposes.
$2.4 billion for the newest Virginia Class attack submarines
The 2 most advanced submarines currently in service are the U.S. Virginia-class and the British Astute-class fast-attack submarines. Both are technologically comparable in capability.
Submarine weights can vary significantly depending on their type and size. A typical military submarine can weigh anywhere from 1,500 tons for smaller, smaller-class submarines to over 18,000 tons for larger, nuclear-powered submarines. For example, the U.S. Navy's Virginia-class submarines weigh approximately 7,800 tons, while the Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines can weigh around 18,750 tons when submerged.
Note: Submarines without the designation "USS" are still in the construction phase and have not been commissioned as Navy vessels.The commissioned, in-service submarines of the Virginia-class are:USS Virginia (SSN-774)USS Texas (SSN-775)USS Hawaii (SSN-776)USS North Carolina (SSN-777)USS New Hampshire (SSN-778)USS New Mexico (SSN-779)The non-commissioned submarines of the Virginia-class are:Missouri (SSN-780)California (SSN-781)Mississippi (SSN-782)Minnesota (SSN-783)North Dakota (SSN-784)John Warner (SSN-785)The class is currently budgeted for 18 boats in the class; submarine hulls 786 through 791 haven't been named yet.
Technically the first submarines with VLS capability were the George Washington class FBM submarines, with Ballistic Missile capability. For Fast-Attacks, the Los Angeles class were the first to initially retrofitted (active boats, then designed with (new construction boats), forward compartment VLS capability for launching Tomahawk and Harpoon missiles.
During World War II, the naval symbols S1 and S2 referred to specific types of submarines in the U.S. Navy. S1 indicated a class of submarines known as the S-class, which were small coastal submarines designed for operations in shallow waters. S2 typically referred to the S-class submarines that had been modified or upgraded. These designations helped in identifying and categorizing the various submarine models used during the war.
The current total is 71 active and 2 reserve as of May 2011 - Commissioned 14 SSBN's (Ballistic Missile Submarines) 4 SSGN's (Cruise Missile Submarines, converted SSBN's) 53 SSN's (Fast-Attack Submarines) Reserve 2 SSN's (688-class Fast-Attacks) The USS California, the newest Virginia-class SSN, is scheduled for commissioning in October 2011, with another 4 on the way.
The Seawolf-class submarines include three operational vessels: USS Seawolf (SSN-21), USS Connecticut (SSN-22), and USS Jimmy Carter (SSN-23). These submarines were designed for anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, and intelligence gathering. They are known for their advanced technology and stealth capabilities.
According to Wikipedia the US Navy has: Los Angeles class (29 in commission, 2 in reserve) – fast attack submarines Ohio class (18 in commission) – 14 ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs), 4 guided missile submarines (SSGNs) Seawolf class (3 in commission) – fast attack submarines Virginia class (19 in commission, 1 delivered, 1 fitting out, 7 under construction, 2 on order) – fast attack submarines The existing fleet of ballistic submarines currently carries 54 percent of the United States' nuclear deterrent arsenal.
78 (72 active and 6 under construction) There are two different types of submarines... The Attack Sub, which is designed to seek & destroy enemy subs & surface ships. The Ballistic Missile Sub, which is a nuclear-powered sub armed with long-range strategic missles. As for as Attack Sub's, there is 1 Virginia Class (5 under construction), 2 Seawolf Class (1 under construction), & 51 Los Angelos Class. As for as the Ballistic Missile Sub there are currently 18 active