Sustaining U.S. Nuclear Submarine Design Capabilities. Executive Summary

Abstract

The U.S. submarine eet currently numbers more than 50 fast attack submarines (SSNs) and 18 submarines built to launch ballistic missiles (SSBNs). All are nuclear powered to maximize the duration and speed of underwater operations. While the submarine eet has been decreasing in size since the end of the Cold War, it is anticipated that the U.S. Navy will sustain a force of several dozen boats into the foreseeable future. Submarines are almost continually being built to replace older ones that must be retired. As is the case with surface ships, submarines are built in classes sets of boats constructed to a common design. Designing a new class of nuclear submarines is a very large and complex endeavor, lasting 15 years or longer and requiring 15,000 to 20,000 man-years at the prime shipyard contractor alone.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 2007
Accession Number
ADA467526

Entities

People

  • James Chiesa
  • Jessie Riposo
  • John F. Schank
  • Kimberly Curry
  • Mark V. Arena
  • Paul Deluca
  • Todd Weeks

Organizations

  • RAND Corporation

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Ground and Sea Platforms

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Attack Submarines
  • Boats
  • Employment
  • Engineering
  • Engineers
  • Marine Transportation
  • National Security
  • Naval Warfare
  • Navy
  • Nuclear Powered Submarines
  • Nuclear Propulsion
  • Ships
  • Submarine Design
  • Submarines
  • Unified Combatant Commands
  • Virginia Class
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Life Cycle Cost Analysis
  • Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering.
  • Strategic Security Studies