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USS South Dakota (SSN-790)

2018 MODERN NAVY

History of USS South Dakota (SSN-790)

The Virginia-class series of nuclear-powered submarines is one of the most important underwater components of the modern United States Navy (USN). In total, the group plans to build around 48 ships, 16 of which will be completed by the end of 2017. The latest of these is USS South Dakota (SSN-790), which was laid on April 4, 2016 and named on October 14, 2017. The vessel is part of the Block III batch and features an improved bow section and improved technology.

After the contract was awarded on December 22, 2008, Electric Boat (General Dynamics) was responsible for her construction.

The ship displaces 7,800 tons under load, is 377 feet long, and has a beam of 34 feet. Power comes from an S9G series nuclear reactor unit producing 40,000 horsepower single-shaft stern. This provides essentially unlimited range (reactor life is estimated at 33 years) and speeds of up to 25 knots.

There are 134 crew members on board (14 officer candidates) and mission duration is limited to food supplies and general maintenance schedules.

The armament of the attack submarine includes 4 x 533 mm torpedo tubes for launching Mk 48 series torpedoes. About 37 reloads are possible. In addition, the boat also supports the launch of BGM-109 "Tomahawk" land attack cruise missiles, and installed 12 vertical launch systems (VLS).

Ships can launch these while fully submerged to position them out of sight of the enemy. Harpoon anti-ship missiles are also another long-range combat option for the ship, and this guy can also release mines if needed.

The general profile of the SSN-790 is consistent with the Virginia class. The nose is rounded to improve hydrodynamic efficiency and includes a sonar fitting and four torpedo tubes. Midships are the conning tower/sail with various communications and sensors mounted on the structure. The fuselage is tubular, the tail is tapered, and the cross-shaped plane is arranged.

At the rear is a single-shaft propeller unit that uses ducted noise reduction. The entire ship has also been optimized for stealth with various noise reducers. Also carries surface search and navigation radar, as well as a full electronic warfare suite.

The Virginia-level Block III group includes USS North Dakota, USS John Warner, USS Illinois, USS Washington, USS Colorado, USS Indiana, and USS Delaware. As of this writing (2017), USS South Dakota and USS Delaware are still officially "under construction".

The versatility of these ships allows them to perform intelligence-gathering missions, support special forces, defend contested waters and deny enemy strategic areas.