Military History | How To Make War | Wars Around the World Rules of Use How to Behave on an Internet Forum
Submarines Discussion Board
   Return to Topic Page
Subject: NSSN Virginia Class BAtch 2 block III + centre U-Shape section with variable payload
Adamantine    11/7/2008 7:36:33 PM
Originally NSSN Batch 2 (block III) is suppose to have a US shape mid section that can house variable payload package. However latest info on Virginia Batch 2 block III seems to have omitted this centre U shape section. The only main structural modification seems to be the replacement of the 12 VLS tube with TWO 6 pack silo size tube containing the same 12 missile plus a more advance and cheaper LAB (large aperture bow array). Is the U-shape centre section really been omitted in the latest plan for the NSSSN Batch 2 block III ? Will this features be re-enstated in Batch 3 block IV/V NSSN if it is omitted in the Batch 2 boats?
 
Quote    Reply

Show Only Poster Name and Title     Newest to Oldest
gf0012-aust       11/7/2008 7:50:54 PM
I assume that you're referring to NH, NM, MO, CA MS and MN as Block 2's?
ND is Block 3
 
Not sure why you state "and cheaper LAB (large aperture bow array)"  what evidence is there that it's cheaper? any evidence of array size will not external - it will be internal and nobody is going to talk about those things in the public domain anyway

the Block size within the batches refers to a new construction method.  not necessarily fitout.
 
Quote    Reply

gf0012-aust       11/8/2008 4:03:57 PM
as an extension of my prev....
 
the change to the LABA is not an issue of going to a "cheaper" solution - the change in LABA is due to through life costings and  to meet other requirements already in place wirh Seawolf and mod Ohios....
 
the issue  of the "u shaped" section directly relates to the fundamental build difference betwen Blk 1's and Blk 2's.  ie the US has improved the construction methods for Blk 2's.
 
 
 
Quote    Reply

Adamantine       11/8/2008 5:06:28 PM

Hi Matey,
 
 
Earlier sources state that Batch 2 boats will have a U-Shape centre section that would allow various mission payloads to be removed quickly and inserted through the open part of the 'U'.
 
However it seems that now the only main modifications for Batch 2 boat is removing the 12 VLS and replace them with two circular silo with 6 missile each (modified from the system used in Ohio SSGN) and a new bow section with new sonar array .
 
 
 
Quote    Reply

gf0012-aust       11/8/2008 5:26:06 PM



The LAB is cheaper according to info from http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ship/ssn-774-spiral-2.htm</div>;" target="_blank">link
 
Have to say that I disagree with that in the literal sense - and it doesn't reflect what I have from USN cleared sources.  Through life cost is cheaper and it's been changed not just have a cheaper through life cost - but to co-exit and be sympathetic with Seawolf and Ohio(mod) issues

Earlier sources state that Batch 2 boats will have a U-Shape centre section that would allow various mission payloads to be removed quickly and inserted through the open part of the 'U'.
 
The batch 2 sections are all bigger modules than the original batch 1's (some 400t greater in individual weight) - no comment on what they intend to do with modules that may be bigger
 
However it seems that now the only main modifications for Batch 2 boat is removing the 12 VLS and replace them with two circular silo with 6 missile each (modified from the system used in Ohio SSGN) and a new bow section with new sonar array .
 
There has been a change in AUR silos - but the issue of LABa is tied into my prev response this thread. In absolute terms it's not a "new" array. It's a legacy of project review as well .
 
 
 


 
Quote    Reply

gf0012-aust    typo's   11/8/2008 5:27:51 PM
Have to say that I disagree with that in the literal sense - and it doesn't reflect what I have from USN cleared sources.  "Through Life" cost is cheaper and it's been changed, but not just to have a cheaper "Through Life" cost - but to co-exist and be sympathetic with existing Seawolf and Ohio(mod) issues
 
Quote    Reply

dwightlooi       11/9/2008 9:04:53 PM
The #1 priority in the Virginia program right now is to get to 2 boats per year ASAP @ a cost cap of $2 billion per boat (2005 USD). Everything else is secondary and will be done if schedules and costs permit. Right now it seems like they are going to make 2 boats by 2011 and hit the $2 billion target by 2013.
 
 

 
Quote    Reply

HERALD1357    Watching with interest.   11/9/2008 9:45:26 PM
GF:
 
 
Want to ask you a question.
 
Herald

 
Quote    Reply

doggone       11/30/2008 5:13:08 PM
I think 'dwight' is on the right track. It's not so much which pocket the ammo is in, it's more important to know that it's the right ammo for the job, and can you bring out enough guns and ammo each year to keep ahead of the program.
 
Quote    Reply

doggone       11/30/2008 7:09:41 PM
I think 'dwight' is on the right track. It's not so much which pocket the ammo is in, it's more important to know that it's the right ammo for the job, and can you bring out enough guns and ammo each year to keep ahead of the program.
 
Quote    Reply



 Latest
 News
 
 Most
 Read
 
 Most
 Commented
 Hot
 Topics