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Virginia-class SSN-774

Virginia-class SSN-774

Brand: General Dynamics Electric Boat
Category: Naval Warfare Systems
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Displacement 7,900 tons submerged
Maximum Speed 25+ knots submerged
Radar Range N/A (submarine sonar-based)
Vertical Launch Cells (VLS) 12 (up to 40 Tomahawks with VPM)

Full Specifications
Product Overview
Reviews

Full Specifications

1. General Information

System Name	Virginia-Class (SSN-774)
Type / Role	Nuclear-Powered Fast Attack Submarine
Manufacturer	General Dynamics Electric Boat / HII
Country of Origin	United States
In Service	2004 – Present
Year Introduced	2004
Unit Cost	Approx. $3.4 billion (Block V)
Crew	132 (15 officers, 117 enlisted)

2. Dimensions & Structure

Length	377 ft (114.9 m)
Beam (Width)	34 ft (10.4 m)
Draft	32 ft (9.8 m)
Displacement	7,900 tons (submerged)
Hull Material	HY-100 steel
Deck Configuration	Streamlined, single-hull design

3. Performance & Propulsion

Propulsion Type	Nuclear
Engine Model	S9G Reactor with Pump-Jet Propulsor
Power Output	Classified
Maximum Speed	25+ knots (submerged)
Range	Unlimited (nuclear power)
Endurance	33 years (reactor life)

4. Sensors & Radar Systems

Primary Radar	None (uses sonar systems)
Radar Range	N/A
Sonar System	AN/BQQ-10, TB-34 towed array
Electro-Optical / IR System	Photonic Masts with HD cameras
Electronic Warfare Suite	AN/BLQ-10 ESM
Fire Control Radar	Mk 2 Combat Control System

5. Weapons & Armament

Main Gun	None
Vertical Launch System (VLS) Cells	12 (40 Tomahawks with VPM)
Missiles	BGM-109 Tomahawk cruise missiles
Anti-Ship Missiles	Harpoon (optional fit)
Anti-Submarine Torpedoes	Mk-48 ADCAP
Close-In Weapon System (CIWS)	None
Decoy Systems	Acoustic countermeasures, towed decoys

6. Aviation & Support

Helicopter Capability	None
Hangar Capacity	None
UAV Operations	UUV support capability
Flight Deck Size	N/A
Replenishment at Sea	Supported

7. Defensive & Electronic Systems

Countermeasures	Acoustic and magnetic decoys
ECM / ECCM	AN/BLQ-1
Missile Defense System	None
Combat Management System	AN/BYG-1
Communication Systems	Integrated Undersea Network (C4I)

8. Operational Information

Service Branch	U.S. Navy
Primary Operator	United States
Operational History	Active in Pacific and Atlantic fleets
Notable Feature	Modular payload bay for future upgrades

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 acoustic stealth and low detectability
Long operational endurance via nuclear propulsion
Versatile payload options (Tomahawk, torpedoes, mines)
Modular design allows upgrades and mission adaptability
Advanced sonar and electronic warfare systems

CONS

Extremely high unit and maintenance cost
Complex construction and lengthy build time
Limited missile load compared to dedicated SSGNs
Requires highly trained and specialized crew
Dependent on costly U.S. Navy infrastructure

Virginia-Class Attack Submarine (SSN-774)

The Virginia-class (SSN-774) is the backbone of the U.S. Navy’s nuclear-powered fast attack submarine fleet, designed to ensure undersea superiority well into the 21st century. Developed by General Dynamics Electric Boat and Huntington Ingalls Industries, the Virginia-class represents a generational leap in stealth, surveillance, and strike capabilities over its predecessors like the Los Angeles-class.

Commissioned in 2004, these submarines combine advanced acoustic stealth, flexible payload options, and modular construction for cost efficiency and mission versatility. The Virginia-class operates in both open-ocean and littoral (coastal) environments, capable of striking targets on land and sea while conducting intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions.

Powered by a S9G nuclear reactor, the submarine can operate indefinitely without refueling, limited only by crew endurance and onboard supplies. It achieves speeds of 25+ knots submerged and carries Tomahawk cruise missiles, Mk-48 ADCAP torpedoes, and mines, making it a formidable strike platform. The Block V variant introduces the Virginia Payload Module (VPM)—adding four large-diameter payload tubes for increased missile capacity.

Equipped with sophisticated sonar arrays, photonic masts, and open-architecture combat systems, the Virginia-class integrates cutting-edge technologies to detect, track, and engage threats while maintaining extreme stealth. Its flexible design supports special operations deployment, UUV operations, and ISR missions, ensuring unmatched tactical versatility.

Virginia-Class (SSN-774) Price in United States

Each Virginia-class submarine costs approximately $3.4 billion (Block V) depending on configuration and technology upgrades. Despite the cost, it remains one of the most capable and survivable undersea platforms in the world.

Reviews

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