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USS Cheyenne (SSN-773) Submarine

USS Cheyenne (SSN-773) Submarine

Manufacturer: Newport News Shipbuilding
Category: Submarines
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Power Nuclear reactor
Stealth Advanced acoustic quieting
Weapons Torpedoes, cruise missiles
Sensors Integrated sonar suite

Defense Systems Full Specifications

1. General Information

Name / Class	USS Cheyenne (SSN-773), Los Angeles class 688I
Country of Origin	United States
Type	Nuclear powered attack submarine
Manufacturer	Newport News Shipbuilding
Operators	United States Navy
In Service	1996
Status	Active service

2. Dimensions & Design

Length	110.3 m
Beam (Width)	10.0 m
Draught / Draft	9.8 m
Displacement (Surfaced)	Approx 6,900 tons
Displacement (Submerged)	Approx 7,100 tons
Hull Material	High strength steel
Crew	Approx 135 officers and sailors

3. Propulsion & Performance

Power Source	Nuclear
Engine / Reactor Type	S6G pressurized water reactor
Propulsion System	Steam turbine, single shaft
Speed (Surfaced)	20+ knots
Speed (Submerged)	25+ knots
Range	Unlimited (nuclear powered)
Endurance	Up to 90 days
Operational Depth	Classified
Test Depth	Approx 650 ft
Maximum Depth	Classified

4. Armament

Torpedo Tubes	4 x 533 mm
Torpedoes / Missiles	Mk 48 ADCAP torpedoes
Cruise / Ballistic Missiles	Tomahawk land attack missiles (VLS)
Mines	Submarine launched naval mines
Decoys / Countermeasures	Acoustic decoys and countermeasures

5. Sensors & Electronics

Sonar System	AN/BSY-1 integrated sonar suite
Radar	Navigation radar
Combat Management System	AN/BSY-1
Electronic Warfare System	Integrated EW suite
Communication Systems	Secure satellite and radio systems
Navigation Systems	Inertial navigation system

6. Stealth & Defense

Anechoic Coating	Yes
Noise Reduction Features	Rafted machinery, quiet propulsor
Magnetic Signature Reduction	Yes
Acoustic Signature Level	Classified

7. Payload & Capacity

Weapons Payload	Mixed torpedoes and cruise missiles
Special Forces Accommodation	Limited SOF support
UUV / Drone Capability	Limited integration

8. Notable Technologies

Reactor / AIP Type	Nuclear reactor
Automation Level	Moderate
Special Features	Vertical launch system for Tomahawk missiles

9. Operational History

Major Deployments	Pacific and global patrols
Combat / Exercises	RIMPAC, joint naval exercises
Upgrades	Combat system and sensor upgrades

10. Cost & Production

Unit Cost	Approx USD 2.2 billion
Number Built	62 Los Angeles class submarines
Production Period	1972 to 1996

11. Media & Credits

Image / Video Source	U.S. Navy
Official Website	navy.mil
Reference Credit	U.S. Department of Defense

PROS

Nuclear propulsion with unlimited range
Very low acoustic signature
Proven Tomahawk strike capability
Strong anti submarine performance
Long operational endurance

CONS

Aging platform nearing retirement window
High maintenance and lifecycle cost
Limited internal space for upgrades
No ballistic missile role
Crew intensive operations

USS Cheyenne SSN-773 Nuclear Attack Submarine

USS Cheyenne (SSN-773) is a nuclear powered fast attack submarine of the Improved Los Angeles class, designed to give the U.S. Navy a quiet, lethal, and flexible undersea combat platform. Built during the final phase of the Cold War, Cheyenne remains a key asset for modern naval operations, combining stealth, endurance, and multi mission capability.

Constructed by Newport News Shipbuilding in Virginia, USS Cheyenne entered service in 1996. The submarine is optimized for anti submarine warfare, anti surface warfare, intelligence collection, and land attack missions. As part of the 688I variant, it features enhanced quieting measures and the ability to launch Tomahawk cruise missiles from vertical launch system tubes.

Mission and Capabilities

USS Cheyenne is designed to operate undetected in contested waters. Its nuclear reactor provides virtually unlimited range and months of endurance, limited mainly by crew supplies. The submarine can track enemy vessels, gather intelligence close to hostile shores, and strike land targets with precision weapons.

Weapons and Systems

The submarine is armed with Mk 48 ADCAP heavyweight torpedoes and Tomahawk land attack missiles. Advanced sonar suites allow long range detection of surface and subsurface threats. Integrated combat systems fuse sensor data for rapid engagement decisions in complex environments.

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Operational Role

USS Cheyenne has conducted multiple Western Pacific and global deployments, supporting carrier strike groups and joint operations. It also participates in multinational exercises, reinforcing U.S. undersea dominance and allied interoperability.

USS Cheyenne (SSN-773) Price

The unit cost of USS Cheyenne was approximately 2.2 billion USD at the time of construction, reflecting nuclear propulsion, advanced sensors, and combat systems.

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