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Ohio-Class Submarine (SSBN/SSGN)

Ohio-Class Submarine (SSBN/SSGN)

Brand: General Dynamics Electric Boat
Category: Naval Warfare Systems
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Displacement 18,750 tons submerged
Maximum Speed 25+ knots
Radar Range N/A (Submarine Sonar-Based)
Vertical Launch Cells (VLS) 24 (Trident II D5 Tubes)

Full Specifications
Product Overview
Reviews

Full Specifications

1. General Information

System Name	Ohio-Class SSBN
Type / Role	Nuclear Ballistic Missile Submarine
Manufacturer	General Dynamics Electric Boat
Country of Origin	United States
In Service	1981 – Present
Year Introduced	1981
Unit Cost	Approx. $2 billion (USD)
Crew	155 (15 officers, 140 enlisted)

2. Dimensions & Structure

Length	560 ft (170.7 m)
Beam (Width)	42 ft (12.8 m)
Draft	35 ft (10.7 m)
Displacement	18,750 tons (submerged)
Hull Material	High-strength steel
Deck Configuration	Single-hull with missile deck

3. Performance & Propulsion

Propulsion Type	Nuclear (S8G reactor)
Engine Model	General Electric S8G PWR
Power Output	60 MW
Maximum Speed	25+ knots (submerged)
Range	Unlimited (nuclear)
Endurance	~120 days submerged

4. Sensors & Radar Systems

Primary Radar	N/A (Passive Sonar Suite)
Radar Range	N/A
Sonar System	AN/BQQ-6, AN/BQS-13
Electro-Optical / IR System	Periscope and ESM Suite
Electronic Warfare Suite	AN/BLQ-10
Fire Control Radar	Mk 98 Fire Control System

5. Weapons & Armament

Main Gun	None
Vertical Launch System (VLS) Cells	24 (Trident II D5)
Missiles	Trident II D5 SLBMs
Anti-Ship Missiles	None
Anti-Submarine Torpedoes	Mk 48 ADCAP Torpedoes
Close-In Weapon System (CIWS)	None
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 (submarine tender support)

7. Defensive & Electronic Systems

Countermeasures	Acoustic decoys, noisemakers
ECM / ECCM	Integrated EW Suite
Missile Defense System	Trident II D5 deterrent role
Combat Management System	Submarine Control System
Communication Systems	VLF, UHF, SATCOM, ELF

8. Operational Information

Service Branch	U.S. Navy
Primary Operator	United States
Operational History	Continuous deterrent patrols since 1981
Notable Feature	Backbone of U.S. nuclear triad

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

Exceptional stealth and endurance
Carries 24 Trident II D5 missiles
Integral to U.S. nuclear deterrence strategy
Advanced sonar and communication systems
Proven operational reliability

CONS

Extremely high operational cost
Limited conventional warfare capability
Aging fleet nearing replacement
Crew-intensive maintenance cycles
Large acoustic signature compared to newer designs

Ohio-Class Ballistic Missile Submarine (SSBN)

The Ohio-class submarines form the cornerstone of the United States Navy’s strategic nuclear deterrent. Built by General Dynamics Electric Boat, these nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) were designed to ensure second-strike capability through unparalleled stealth, endurance, and firepower. Commissioned between 1981 and 1997, 18 Ohio-class submarines were constructed, with 14 configured as SSBNs and 4 later converted to SSGNs for conventional strike and special operations support.

Each Ohio-class submarine measures 560 feet in length and displaces over 18,000 tons submerged, making it one of the largest submarines ever built by the U.S. Navy. Powered by a S8G nuclear reactor, the vessel can remain submerged for months, limited only by crew endurance and onboard supplies. With a maximum submerged speed exceeding 25 knots, it can silently patrol vast ocean regions while remaining virtually undetectable.

The Ohio-class SSBN carries 24 Trident II D5 submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs), each capable of delivering multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles (MIRVs). These precision-guided warheads can strike targets thousands of miles away, ensuring credible nuclear deterrence. The class is also fitted with advanced sonar systems, electronic countermeasures, and robust communication arrays for secure contact with U.S. Strategic Command.

Operating primarily under U.S. Strategic Command (STRATCOM), the Ohio-class fleet remains continuously deployed, with at least one submarine on deterrent patrol at all times. Its reliability, low acoustic signature, and massive payload make it the most survivable leg of America’s nuclear triad.

Ohio-Class Price in United States

While the exact unit cost varies by configuration and modernization phase, the estimated price per Ohio-class submarine exceeds $2 billion (USD). Its successor, the Columbia-class, is projected to continue the Ohio’s legacy into the next generation of undersea deterrence.

Reviews

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Technology:

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