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Seawolf-Class Submarine (SSN-21)

Seawolf-Class Submarine (SSN-21)

Brand: General Dynamics Electric Boat
Category: Naval Warfare Systems
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Displacement 9,150 tons submerged
Maximum Speed 35+ knots
Radar Range N/A (uses sonar)
Vertical Launch Cells (VLS) None

Full Specifications
Product Overview
Reviews

Full Specifications

1. General Information

System Name	Seawolf-class (SSN-21)
Type / Role	Nuclear Attack Submarine
Manufacturer	General Dynamics Electric Boat
Country of Origin	United States
In Service	1997–Present
Year Introduced	1997
Unit Cost	Approx. $3 billion USD
Crew	140 (officers and enlisted)

2. Dimensions & Structure

Length	353 ft (108 m)
Beam (Width)	40 ft (12 m)
Draft	35 ft (10.7 m)
Displacement	9,150 tons (submerged)
Hull Material	HY-100 Steel
Deck Configuration	Single Pressure Hull

3. Performance & Propulsion

Propulsion Type	Nuclear
Engine Model	S6W Reactor
Power Output	45,000 shp
Maximum Speed	35+ knots
Range	Unlimited (nuclear)
Endurance	30–90 days

4. Sensors & Radar Systems

Primary Radar	None (submarine)
Radar Range	N/A
Sonar System	AN/BQQ-10, TB-29A Towed Array
Electro-Optical / IR System	Yes
Electronic Warfare Suite	AN/WLY-1 Countermeasures
Fire Control Radar	Mk 2 Fire Control

5. Weapons & Armament

Main Gun	None
Vertical Launch System (VLS) Cells	None
Missiles	UGM-109 Tomahawk
Anti-Ship Missiles	Harpoon (optional)
Anti-Submarine Torpedoes	Mk-48 ADCAP
Close-In Weapon System (CIWS)	None
Decoy Systems	Acoustic Countermeasures

6. Aviation & Support

Helicopter Capability	No
Hangar Capacity	No
UAV Operations	Limited
Flight Deck Size	N/A
Replenishment at Sea	Yes (via tender or port)

7. Defensive & Electronic Systems

Countermeasures	Acoustic decoys
ECM / ECCM	Yes
Missile Defense System	None
Combat Management System	BSY-2
Communication Systems	Submarine High Data Rate (HDR)

8. Operational Information

Service Branch	United States Navy
Primary Operator	U.S. Navy
Operational History	Active in Pacific and Arctic regions
Notable Feature	Ultra-quiet propulsion and deep-diving capability

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 noise reduction
High speed and deep diving capability
Heavy weapons loadout (up to 50 weapons)
Advanced sonar and detection systems
Long endurance from nuclear propulsion

CONS

Extremely high unit cost
Limited production (only 3 units)
Complex maintenance requirements
Designed for Cold War missions
Lacks large vertical launch system capacity

Seawolf-Class Nuclear Attack Submarine (SSN-21)

The Seawolf-class represents one of the most advanced and formidable nuclear-powered attack submarines ever built by the United States Navy. Designed during the late Cold War by General Dynamics Electric Boat, the Seawolf-class (SSN-21) was engineered to dominate deep-ocean warfare against the Soviet Union’s most advanced submarines. Though conceived for large-scale underwater conflict, its superior stealth, endurance, and firepower ensure continued relevance in 21st-century naval operations.

Powered by a S6W nuclear reactor, the Seawolf-class boasts extraordinary underwater performance—capable of exceeding 35 knots (40 mph) while remaining nearly undetectable. The submarine’s double-hull titanium structure and advanced sound-dampening technologies make it one of the quietest submarines ever constructed.

Armed with eight 660 mm torpedo tubes, it can deploy up to 50 weapons, including Mk-48 ADCAP torpedoes and UGM-109 Tomahawk cruise missiles. Its combat system integrates advanced sonar arrays, including the BQQ-10 system, capable of detecting distant threats with unmatched precision.

Although initially planned for 29 boats, the program was curtailed after the Cold War, resulting in only three units—USS Seawolf (SSN-21), USS Connecticut (SSN-22), and USS Jimmy Carter (SSN-23). The latter features a multi-mission platform for special operations and undersea intelligence gathering.

The Seawolf-class remains a strategic deep-water deterrent, capable of tracking enemy submarines, launching precision strikes, and supporting covert missions—hallmarks of U.S. maritime supremacy.

Seawolf-Class Price in United State

Each Seawolf-class submarine reportedly costs around $3 billion USD, reflecting its advanced nuclear systems, acoustic quieting, and multi-mission capabilities—making it one of the most expensive yet capable submarines in the world.

Reviews

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