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USS Florida (SSGN-728) Submarine

USS Florida (SSGN-728) Submarine

Brand: General Dynamics Electric Boat
Category: Submarines
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Power Nuclear (GE S8G Reactor)
Stealth Low acoustic signature, anechoic coating
Weapons 154 Tomahawk missiles, Mk 48 torpedoes
Sensors AN/BQQ-10 sonar suite, AN/WLR-10 ESM

Full Specifications
Product Overview
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Full Specifications

1. General Information

Name / Class	USS Florida (SSGN-728) / Ohio-Class (Converted)
Country of Origin	United States
Type	Nuclear-Powered Guided-Missile Submarine
Manufacturer	General Dynamics Electric Boat
Operators	U.S. Navy
In Service	1983 (SSBN), 2006 (SSGN)
Status	Active

2. Dimensions & Design

Length	170.7 m (560 ft)
Beam (Width)	12.8 m (42 ft)
Draught / Draft	11 m (36 ft)
Displacement (Surfaced)	16,764 tons
Displacement (Submerged)	18,750 tons
Hull Material	HY-80 Steel
Crew	~155 (15 officers, 140 enlisted)

3. Propulsion & Performance

Power Source	Nuclear
Engine / Reactor Type	GE S8G PWR Reactor
Propulsion System	Single shaft, pump-jet propulsor
Speed (Surfaced)	20+ knots
Speed (Submerged)	25+ knots
Range	Unlimited (nuclear)
Endurance	70–90 days submerged
Operational Depth	240 m
Test Depth	300 m
Maximum Depth	490 m

4. Armament

Torpedo Tubes	4 × 533 mm
Torpedoes / Missiles	Mk 48 ADCAP, Tomahawk TLAMs
Cruise / Ballistic Missiles	154 × Tomahawk TLAMs
Mines	Capable
Decoys / Countermeasures	Mk 2 Mobile Decoy, AN/WLR-10 ESM

5. Sensors & Electronics

Sonar System	AN/BQQ-10(V4) suite
Radar	Surface search radar
Combat Management System	AN/BYG-1
Electronic Warfare System	AN/WLR-10 ESM
Communication Systems	VLF, UHF, SATCOM
Navigation Systems	Inertial and GPS

6. Stealth & Defense

Anechoic Coating	Yes
Noise Reduction Features	Pump-jet propulsion
Magnetic Signature Reduction	Built-in
Acoustic Signature Level	Extremely low

7. Payload & Capacity

Weapons Payload	154 TLAMs
Special Forces Accommodation	Up to 66 SOF
UUV / Drone Capability	Yes (Advanced payload modules)

8. Notable Technologies

Reactor / AIP Type	GE S8G nuclear reactor
Automation Level	Moderate
Special Features	Lockout chambers, dry deck shelters

9. Operational History

Major Deployments	Mediterranean, Middle East, Indo-Pacific
Combat / Exercises	Libya (2011)
Upgrades	Fire control, communications, sonar improvements

10. Cost & Production

Unit Cost	Approx. $1 billion (conversion)
Number Built	1 (Florida; 4 SSGNs total)
Production Period	1979–1997 (conversion 2000–2007)

11. Media & Credits

Reference Credit

Creative Commons

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

Massive Tomahawk missile payload (154 missiles)
Nuclear propulsion ensures global reach
Supports special operations and UUV missions
Advanced sonar and stealth technologies
Proven operational record in combat

CONS

High maintenance and operational costs
Limited production (only four converted)
Aging hull structure from 1980s design
Cannot deploy ballistic missiles
Requires extensive crew training and logistics support

USS Florida (SSGN-728): America’s Undersea Arsenal

Commissioned in 1983 and later converted from a ballistic missile submarine to a guided-missile platform, the USS Florida (SSGN-728) represents the evolution of American undersea warfare. Built by General Dynamics Electric Boat, the Ohio-class submarine was originally designed for strategic nuclear deterrence but was refitted in the early 2000s to carry Tomahawk cruise missiles and support special operations forces—transforming it into a stealthy, multi-mission strike platform.

From Deterrence to Precision Strike

Following the end of the Cold War, the U.S. Navy converted four Ohio-class SSBNs, including the USS Florida, into SSGNs (Ship, Submersible, Guided Missile, Nuclear) variants. The transformation replaced 24 Trident missile tubes with launch canisters capable of carrying up to 154 Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles (TLAMs)—one of the largest payloads of any submarine worldwide. Additional space was configured to host SEAL delivery vehicles and special operations personnel, enabling covert infiltration and reconnaissance missions.

Advanced Capabilities

USS Florida is powered by a GE S8G nuclear reactor, providing virtually unlimited endurance and the ability to remain submerged for months. Its advanced sonar systems, AN/BQQ-10(V4) suite, and low acoustic signature make it one of the quietest submarines in operation. The submarine’s operational history includes significant combat deployments, notably in Operation Odyssey Dawn (2011), where it launched over 90 Tomahawk missiles against Libyan targets.

USS Florida (SSGN-728) Submarine Price in United State

The USS Florida (SSGN-728) is not commercially available; however, the estimated unit conversion cost exceeded $1 billion, reflecting its immense strategic and technological value to the U.S. Navy.

Reviews

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Electronic Warfare:

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Technology:

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