What is an Ohio Class Submarine?
The Ohio-class submarine is a class of nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) operated by the United States Navy. The Ohio-class submarines are the largest and most powerful submarines ever built, and they play a crucial role in the US Navy’s strategic deterrence mission.
Design and Construction
The Ohio-class submarines were designed and built by General Dynamics Electric Boat, a leading shipbuilder and defense contractor. The first Ohio-class submarine, USS Ohio (SSGN-726), was commissioned in 1981, and the last one, USS Michigan (SSGN-727), was commissioned in 1995. A total of 18 Ohio-class submarines were built, with 14 converted from Trident I ballistic missile submarines and 4 built from the ground up as guided-missile submarines.
Key Features
Here are some key features of the Ohio-class submarines:
- Length: 560 feet (170 meters)
- Beam: 42 feet (13 meters)
- Draft: 35 feet (11 meters)
- Displacement: 18,750 tons (17,000 metric tons)
- Speed: 25 knots (46 km/h)
- Range: Unlimited, due to nuclear power
- Crew: 155 officers and enlisted personnel
- Missile capacity: 20 Trident II (D5) ballistic missiles or 154 Tomahawk cruise missiles
Missile Systems
The Ohio-class submarines are equipped with the Trident II (D5) ballistic missile system, which is one of the most powerful and reliable missile systems in the world. The Trident II missile has a range of over 4,000 miles (6,400 kilometers) and can carry up to eight independently targetable warheads. The Ohio-class submarines can also carry Tomahawk cruise missiles, which are used for land-attack missions.
Nuclear Power
The Ohio-class submarines are powered by a S8G pressurized water reactor, which is a type of nuclear reactor that uses enriched uranium as fuel. The reactor is designed to provide a high level of power and reliability, and it can operate for extended periods of time without refueling.
Sensor and Electronic Warfare Systems
The Ohio-class submarines are equipped with a range of sensors and electronic warfare systems, including:
- BQQ-10 bow-mounted active/passive sonar
- BQS-15 variable-depth sonar
- SQQ-89 combat system
- ESM (Electronic Support Measures) system
- ECM (Electronic Countermeasures) system
Crew and Living Quarters
The Ohio-class submarines have a crew of 155 officers and enlisted personnel, who live and work on the submarine for extended periods of time. The crew quarters are designed to provide a comfortable and safe living environment, with amenities such as:
- Private sleeping quarters
- Mess hall
- Recreation room
- Fitness center
- Library
Operations and Maintenance
The Ohio-class submarines are operated and maintained by the US Navy’s Submarine Force, which is responsible for ensuring the readiness and effectiveness of the submarine fleet. The submarines are regularly deployed on missions, and they are supported by a network of shore-based facilities and personnel.
Conclusion
The Ohio-class submarine is a highly advanced and powerful submarine that plays a critical role in the US Navy’s strategic deterrence mission. With its advanced missile systems, nuclear power, and advanced sensors and electronic warfare systems, the Ohio-class submarine is a formidable force on the world’s oceans. The Ohio-class submarines are a testament to the US Navy’s commitment to building and operating the most advanced and effective submarines in the world.
