USS Skate (SSN-578)

History of the USS Skate (SSN-578)

The USS Nautilus, a 4,000-ton nuclear-powered submarine, was commissioned in September 1954, making it the world's first operational ship of its kind. It offered significant advantages over diesel-electric submarines of the time due to its advanced propulsion system. The USS Seawolf, another impressive nuclear-powered submarine, followed in March 1957. Both submarines were part of the "Skate Class," designed to be cost-effective alternatives for locating larger and more expensive submarines. The USS Skate, a key member of this class, was commissioned in December 1957. It was joined by other submarines in the class and contributed to the development of the U.S. nuclear-powered submarine fleet.

Specification

Basic

Year of Service: 1957

Origins: United States

Crew: 84

Builder: Electric Boat Corporation - USA

Carrier: United States

Roles

Underwater Attack

Move subsurface to find, track and/or attack or reconnaissance areas.

Sea Patrol

Active patrolling of critical waterways and sea areas; also serves as a local deterrent against air and maritime threats.

Fleet Support

Provide support (fire or materiel) to major surface fleets in blue water environments.

Torpedoes

Able to launch torpedoes at distant targets.

Dimensions and Weight

Length: 267.6 feet (81.56m)

Ray: 25. 0 feet (7.62m)

Shift: 2,600 t

No. submerged: 2,900 t

Power and Performance

Installed Power: 1 x SWW Nuclear Reactor Drive 2 x Axle Rear.

Surface Velocity: section 15.5 (17.8 km/h)

Underwater speed: 18 nodes(20.7 km/h)

Weapons

6 x 21" (533 mm) forward torpedo tubes.

2 x 21" (533 mm) rear torpedo tubes. 22 torpedo reloads.