Home
Catalog
Naval Warfare Systems
Los Angeles-class Submarine (SSN-688)

Los Angeles-class Submarine (SSN-688)

Brand: General Dynamics Electric Boat
Category: Naval Warfare Systems
Add to Compare

Displacement 6,900 tons (submerged)
Maximum Speed 30+ knots (56 km/h)
Radar Range Classified
Vertical Launch Cells (VLS) Up to 12 (Improved variants)

Full Specifications
Product Overview
Reviews

Full Specifications

1. General Information

System Name	Los Angeles-class (SSN-688)
Type / Role	Nuclear-Powered Attack Submarine
Manufacturer	Electric Boat / Newport News Shipbuilding
Country of Origin	United States
In Service	1976–Present
Year Introduced	1976
Unit Cost	Approx. $1.6 Billion (adjusted)
Crew	129 (12 officers, 117 enlisted)

2. Dimensions & Structure

Length	110.3 m (362 ft)
Beam (Width)	10.1 m (33 ft)
Draft	9.4 m (31 ft)
Displacement	6,900 tons (submerged)
Hull Material	HY-80 Steel
Deck Configuration	Single Hull

3. Performance & Propulsion

Propulsion Type	Nuclear-powered steam turbine
Engine Model	S6G Reactor with turbines
Power Output	35,000 shp
Maximum Speed	30+ knots (56 km/h)
Range	Unlimited (nuclear propulsion)
Endurance	90 days (crew-limited)

4. Sensors & Radar Systems

Primary Radar	BPS-15 surface-search radar
Radar Range	Classified
Sonar System	AN/BQQ-5, TB-29 towed array
Electro-Optical / IR System	None (periscope imaging)
Electronic Warfare Suite	AN/WLR-9(V)
Fire Control Radar	Mk 117 Fire Control System

5. Weapons & Armament

Main Gun	N/A
Vertical Launch System (VLS) Cells	12 (later variants)
Missiles	Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles
Anti-Ship Missiles	UGM-84 Harpoon
Anti-Submarine Torpedoes	Mk 48 ADCAP
Close-In Weapon System (CIWS)	N/A
Decoy Systems	Acoustic countermeasures

6. Aviation & Support

Helicopter Capability	None
Hangar Capacity	None
UAV Operations	No
Flight Deck Size	N/A
Replenishment at Sea	Yes

7. Defensive & Electronic Systems

Countermeasures	Acoustic decoys
ECM / ECCM	AN/WLR-9(V) suite
Missile Defense System	None
Combat Management System	Mk 117
Communication Systems	Secure SATCOM, Link-11

8. Operational Information

Service Branch	U.S. Navy
Primary Operator	United States
Operational History	Over 40 years of global deployments
Notable Feature	First U.S. class with VLS Tomahawks

Our Rating

The overall rating is based on review by our experts

Technology 8 / 10
Performance 8 / 10
Maintenance Efficiency 8 / 10
Operational Flexibility 8 / 10

PROS

Proven multi-mission versatility
High underwater speed and endurance
Nuclear propulsion for unlimited range
Robust weapons suite with Tomahawk VLS
Extensive operational history and upgrades

CONS

Aging fleet with limited modernization potential
Lacks advanced stealth features of newer classes
Crew-intensive operations
High maintenance costs due to reactor systems
No vertical launch system in early variants

Los Angeles-Class SSN-688: Backbone of U.S. Attack Submarine Fleet

The Los Angeles-class (SSN-688) nuclear-powered attack submarines are the enduring workhorses of the U.S. Navy’s undersea fleet. Designed and built by Newport News Shipbuilding and Electric Boat (General Dynamics), these submarines entered service in 1976 and have formed the core of America’s deep-sea deterrent ever since.

Developed during the height of the Cold War, the Los Angeles-class was engineered to counter advanced Soviet submarines while maintaining a multi-mission profile. The SSN-688 combines speed, endurance, and versatility, performing roles such as anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface warfare (ASuW), intelligence collection, and cruise missile strikes.

Powered by a S6G nuclear reactor, the submarine achieves speeds exceeding 30 knots (56 km/h) underwater with near-limitless range. Later variants — the Improved Los Angeles (688i) models — feature Vertical Launch System (VLS) tubes for Tomahawk cruise missiles, enhanced quieting, and advanced sonar arrays for superior detection and tracking.

Armed with four 533 mm torpedo tubes, the SSN-688 can launch Mk 48 ADCAP torpedoes, Harpoon anti-ship missiles, and Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles (TLAMs). Its BQQ-5 sonar suite, BPS-15 radar, and sophisticated EW systems enable effective operations in contested waters.

Over 60 submarines were constructed between 1976 and 1996, forming the backbone of the U.S. Navy’s attack submarine fleet for decades. Although gradually replaced by Virginia-class submarines, many Los Angeles-class boats remain active, continuing to uphold the U.S. Navy’s global undersea dominance.

Los Angeles-Class SSN-688 Price in United States

The estimated unit cost of a Los Angeles-class submarine was around $1.6 billion (modern equivalent) at the time of production. Operational costs depend on refit and modernization programs under U.S. Navy maintenance schedules.

Reviews

Be the first to add a Review

Please post a user review only if you have / had this product.
Your Name *
Your Email *
Review Title *
Review Text *
Rate this Product
Technology:

8
Performance:

8
Maintenance Efficiency:

8
Operational Flexibility:

8
Average Rating 6 / 10 based on your selection

Disclaimer Note

The information provided on TheDefenseWatch.com is for general informational purposes only. While we strive to ensure the accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of our content regarding defense and aerospace products, technologies, and specifications, we cannot guarantee that all information is 100% accurate or up-to-date due to the evolving nature of military technology and classified data. TheDefenseWatch.com does not warrant the reliability, suitability, or availability of the information for any specific purpose. Users are advised to consult official sources, such as manufacturers, government publications, or defense agencies, for precise and verified data before making decisions based on our content. We are not affiliated with any defense manufacturers, governments, or military organizations mentioned. Opinions, reviews, and ratings reflect expert analysis but are subjective and should not be considered endorsements. TheDefenseWatch.com is not responsible for any errors, omissions, or consequences arising from the use of this website’s content. External links are provided for convenience and do not imply endorsement. TheDefenseWatch.com reserves the right to update or modify content without prior notice. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy & Cookies Policy.