General Dynamics Delivers 26th Virginia Submarine to US Navy
The US Navy has received the 26th Virginia-class nuclear-powered submarine from General Dynamics Electric Boat.
The handover of the USS Idaho (SSN 799) marks the second delivery under the series this year, following the USS Massachusetts (SSN 798), built by program partner HII, in November.
The Idaho is the 14th delivered by General Dynamics and the eighth of 10 Block IV Virginia-class submarines, which feature an overall capability upgrade for enhanced readiness and reduced sustainment work.
It is also the fifth American naval ship to bear the name of the Gem State, following the first wooden-hulled vessel from the 1860s and the last, a battleship, which served during World War II.
According to the navy, the Idaho will undergo additional tests before entering service by spring next year.
“Idaho represents the hard work and tenacity of shipbuilders, industry partners and Navy personnel to deliver the best undersea warfighting platform to the fleet,” said Capt. Mike Hollenbach, manager of the US Navy’s Virginia Submarine Program.
“With each delivery, the Navy reinforces our Nation’s superiority in the maritime domain.”
The Virginia Submarine
The Pentagon plans to build up to 43 Virginia systems to fill the gaps of the US Navy’s Seawolf-class submarines introduced in the 1980s, and the older Los Angeles-class built in the 1970s.
The contract to build the next-generation ships was awarded to General Dynamics and HII in 2014, with each company tasked with constructing half of the series.
A Virginia submarine sails with a 280,000-horsepower nuclear reactor that is coupled with pump-jet propulsion, steam turbines, and a support motor for a top speed of more than 25 knots (46 kilometers/29 miles per hour).
It is capable of open water and coastal missions, preserving underwater security and lethality across domains.
Depending on its Block configuration, the vessel’s length ranges from 115 to 140 meters (377 to 460 feet), with a standard beam of 10 meters (34 feet).
The submarine can accommodate approximately 135 sailors, and is armed with Harpoon anti-ship missiles, Tomahawk land-attack missiles, and Mark 48 heavyweight torpedoes.
