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Columbia-Class Submarine (SSBN-826)

Columbia-Class Submarine (SSBN-826)

Brand: General Dynamics Electric Boat
Category: Submarines
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Power Life-of-ship nuclear reactor
Stealth Electric drive, low acoustic signature
Weapons 16 × Trident II D5LE SLBMs
Sensors Advanced sonar and combat management system

Full Specifications
Product Overview
Reviews

Full Specifications

1. General Information

Name / Class	Columbia-Class SSBN (SSBN-826)
Country of Origin	United States
Type	Nuclear Ballistic Missile Submarine (SSBN)
Manufacturer	General Dynamics Electric Boat, HII
Operators	U.S. Navy
In Service	2031 (Expected)
Status	Under Construction

2. Dimensions & Design

Length	171 m (560 ft)
Beam (Width)	13 m
Draught / Draft	12 m
Displacement (Surfaced)	~20,800 tons
Displacement (Submerged)	~21,000 tons
Hull Material	HY-100 High-Strength Steel
Crew	Approx. 155

3. Propulsion & Performance

Power Source	Life-of-Ship Nuclear Reactor
Engine / Reactor Type	S1B Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR)
Propulsion System	Electric Drive with Pump-Jet Propulsor
Speed (Surfaced)	20 knots (estimated)
Speed (Submerged)	25+ knots
Range	Unlimited (Nuclear)
Endurance	90+ days submerged
Operational Depth	300+ meters (approx. 1,000 ft)
Test Depth	~490 meters
Maximum Depth	~730 meters (estimated, classified)

4. Armament

Torpedo Tubes	4 × 533 mm (optional defensive fit)
Torpedoes / Missiles	Mk-48 ADCAP torpedoes (defensive), Trident II D5LE SLBMs
Cruise / Ballistic Missiles	16 × Trident II D5LE Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missiles
Mines	No dedicated mine-laying capability
Decoys / Countermeasures	Acoustic decoys, towed countermeasures

5. Sensors & Electronics

Sonar System	Bow, flank, and towed array sonar systems
Radar	Surface Search Radar (for navigation only)
Combat Management System	AN/BYG-1 Combat Management System
Electronic Warfare System	ESM/ECM Suite for threat detection and deception
Communication Systems	VLF, UHF, Satellite, and secure broadband links
Navigation Systems	Inertial Navigation + GPS

6. Stealth & Defense

Anechoic Coating	Yes – full-hull acoustic dampening tiles
Noise Reduction Features	Electric drive, isolated machinery, quiet pump-jet propulsion
Magnetic Signature Reduction	Integrated degaussing systems
Acoustic Signature Level	Extremely Low (classified)

7. Payload & Capacity

Weapons Payload	16 Trident II D5LE missiles + decoys
Special Forces Accommodation	No (dedicated SSBN platform)
UUV / Drone Capability	Limited / Experimental (future upgrade potential)

8. Notable Technologies

Reactor / AIP Type	S1B Life-of-Ship Pressurized Water Reactor
Automation Level	Highly Automated Systems
Special Features	Electric Drive, Modular Hull, Advanced CMS, Reduced Crew Workload

9. Operational History

Major Deployments	Scheduled for Atlantic & Pacific deterrent patrols (post-2031)
Combat / Exercises	None yet – class under construction
Upgrades	Incremental modernization planned (2040s onward)

10. Cost & Production

Unit Cost	USD 9.4 Billion (approx.)
Number Built	12 Planned
Production Period	2021–2042

11. Media & Credits

Reference Credit

Electric Boat

Our Rating

The overall rating is based on review by our experts

Combat Effectiveness 8 / 10
Electronic Warfare 8 / 10
Technology 8 / 10
Range & Endurance 8 / 10

PROS

Advanced stealth and acoustic reduction technology
Life-of-the-ship nuclear reactor (no refueling needed)
Reduced crew workload through automation
Enhanced communication and sensor suite
Long operational lifespan (42 years)

CONS

Extremely high development and unit cost
Long construction timeline
Limited to strategic nuclear missions
Requires specialized infrastructure
Dependent on Trident II modernization schedule

Columbia-Class SSBN: The Next-Generation U.S. Nuclear Deterrent

The Columbia-class (SSBN-826) represents the future backbone of the United States Navy’s strategic nuclear deterrent. Developed by General Dynamics Electric Boat in partnership with Huntington Ingalls Industries, this new class of ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) will replace the aging Ohio-class fleet beginning in the 2030s. Designed for a 42-year service life with no need for refueling, the Columbia-class combines stealth, endurance, and advanced automation to sustain America’s undersea nuclear deterrence well into the 2080s.

Design and Capabilities

Each Columbia-class submarine will displace approximately 20,810 tons submerged and measure 560 feet in length, making it one of the largest submarines ever built by the U.S. Navy. Powered by a life-of-the-ship nuclear reactor (S1B), it offers nearly unlimited range and exceptional acoustic quieting, surpassing all previous U.S. SSBN designs.

The submarine carries 16 Trident II D5LE (Life Extension) ballistic missiles, each capable of delivering multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles (MIRVs). With upgraded sonar arrays, advanced electronic warfare systems, and cutting-edge communications, the Columbia-class ensures survivability in high-threat environments.

Automation significantly reduces crew workload, allowing a complement of 155 sailors to operate efficiently for extended deterrent patrols.

Strategic Importance

As the most critical leg of the U.S. nuclear triad, the Columbia-class will guarantee second-strike capability against any nuclear threat. With continuous at-sea deterrence (CASD) operations, it ensures America’s strategic stability through stealth and persistence.

Columbia-Class (SSBN-826) Price in United States

The Columbia-class submarine program is estimated at over $128 billion for 12 boats, with each unit costing approximately $9.4 billion. Though expensive, it represents the U.S. Navy’s single most vital investment in sustaining long-term nuclear deterrence.

Reviews

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Electronic Warfare:

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Technology:

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