USS Cheyenne (SSN-773) Submarine

Full Specifications

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.

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.