Virginia-class SSN-774 Submarine

Full Specifications

Virginia-Class Attack Submarine (SSN-774)

The Virginia-class (SSN-774) is the backbone of the U.S. Navy’s nuclear-powered fast attack submarine fleet, designed to ensure undersea superiority well into the 21st century. Developed by General Dynamics Electric Boat and Huntington Ingalls Industries, the Virginia-class represents a generational leap in stealth, surveillance, and strike capabilities over its predecessors like the Los Angeles-class.

Commissioned in 2004, these submarines combine advanced acoustic stealth, flexible payload options, and modular construction for cost efficiency and mission versatility. The Virginia-class operates in both open-ocean and littoral (coastal) environments, capable of striking targets on land and sea while conducting intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions.

Powered by a S9G nuclear reactor, the submarine can operate indefinitely without refueling, limited only by crew endurance and onboard supplies. It achieves speeds of 25+ knots submerged and carries Tomahawk cruise missiles, Mk-48 ADCAP torpedoes, and mines, making it a formidable strike platform. The Block V variant introduces the Virginia Payload Module (VPM)—adding four large-diameter payload tubes for increased missile capacity.

Equipped with sophisticated sonar arrays, photonic masts, and open-architecture combat systems, the Virginia-class integrates cutting-edge technologies to detect, track, and engage threats while maintaining extreme stealth. Its flexible design supports special operations deployment, UUV operations, and ISR missions, ensuring unmatched tactical versatility.

Virginia-Class (SSN-774) Price

Each Virginia-class submarine costs approximately $3.4 billion (Block V) depending on configuration and technology upgrades. Despite the cost, it remains one of the most capable and survivable undersea platforms in the world.