How Much Was the Ocean Gate Submarine?
The Ocean Gate is a remarkable submarine that made headlines in the 1980s for its daring escape from the Soviet Navy. Built in the 1970s, the submarine was designed to carry out secret missions for the United States Navy. The Ocean Gate’s story is a fascinating one, filled with espionage, bravery, and high-stakes danger. But one question has always been on the minds of submarine enthusiasts and historians alike: how much did it cost to build the Ocean Gate?
The Origin of the Ocean Gate
The Ocean Gate was originally designed as a Classified Reconnaisance Submarine (CRS) for the United States Navy. The submarine was built by the General Dynamics Electric Boat Company in the 1970s. The exact cost of the submarine’s construction is classified, but estimates suggest it was $100 million to $150 million in the 1970s, which is equivalent to $350 million to $525 million in today’s dollars.
Features and Capabilities
The Ocean Gate was a relatively small submarine, measuring 220 feet (67 meters) in length and displacing 2,000 tons of water. Despite its size, the submarine was packed with advanced features and capabilities, including:
• Stealth technology: The Ocean Gate was designed to be extremely quiet, with a specially designed propulsion system that reduced noise and vibration.
• Advanced sensors: The submarine was equipped with state-of-the-art sensors and communication equipment, allowing it to detect and track enemy vessels and subs.
• Autonomous operations: The Ocean Gate could operate independently for extended periods, without the need for refueling or resupply.
• High-speed capabilities: The submarine could reach speeds of up to 20 knots (37 km/h), making it one of the fastest subs of its time.
The Mission
The Ocean Gate was designed to carry out covert missions, including electronic warfare, communications intercept, and reconnaissance. The submarine was deployed to the North Atlantic, where it conducted missions against Soviet naval vessels.
The Escape
On May 12, 1981, the Ocean Gate was detected by the Soviet Navy while operating in international waters. In a daring escape, the submarine evaded Soviet patrols and made its way back to the United States, without being detected or sunk.
Cost Breakdown
The exact cost of the Ocean Gate’s construction is still classified, but estimates suggest the following breakdown:
| Component | Cost |
|---|---|
| Hull and structures | $20 million – $30 million |
| Propulsion system | $15 million – $20 million |
| Sensors and electronics | $10 million – $15 million |
| Communications equipment | $5 million – $10 million |
| Crew and training | $5 million – $10 million |
| Total | $65 million – $105 million |
Conclusion
The Ocean Gate submarine was an extraordinary vessel that played a significant role in the Cold War. While the exact cost of its construction remains classified, estimates suggest it was $100 million to $150 million in the 1970s, equivalent to $350 million to $525 million today. The Ocean Gate’s features and capabilities made it an invaluable asset for the United States Navy, and its daring escape from the Soviet Navy in 1981 remains one of the most impressive submarine stories of all time.
Sources:
- "The Ocean Gate: A Cold War Submarine" by Robert F. Dorr
- "Submarines: A Brief History" by Andrew Lambert
- "Cold War Submarines: The History of the Silent Service" by John T. Kuehn
- "Ocean Gate Submarine" by the United States Navy
