Intro
Explore the Los Angeles Class Submarine, the US Navys 688 Nuclear Fleet. Discover its advanced capabilities, stealth design, and powerful armament. Learn about its key features, including its S6G reactor, VLS tubes, and BQQ-10 sonar. Get an inside look at the LA Class submarines history, operations, and significance in modern naval warfare.
The Los Angeles-class submarine is a type of nuclear-powered attack submarine that has been in service with the United States Navy since 1976. These submarines are some of the most advanced and capable in the world, and have played a key role in maintaining the United States' military dominance. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the Los Angeles-class submarine, including its design, capabilities, and history.
The Los Angeles-class submarine is a type of nuclear-powered attack submarine, also known as a SSN (Ship, Submersible, Nuclear). These submarines are designed to be fast, stealthy, and heavily armed, making them a formidable force on the battlefield. The Los Angeles-class submarine is 362 feet (110 meters) long and 33 feet (10 meters) wide, and displaces approximately 6,000 tons of water.
Design and Construction
The Los Angeles-class submarine was designed in the 1960s and 1970s, and the first boat, USS Los Angeles (SSN-688), was commissioned in 1976. The submarines were built by the Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company in Virginia, and the General Dynamics Electric Boat Company in Connecticut. A total of 62 Los Angeles-class submarines were built, with the last boat, USS Cheyenne (SSN-773), being commissioned in 1996.
The Los Angeles-class submarine has a number of innovative design features, including a teardrop-shaped hull and a retractable diving plane. The submarines are also equipped with a number of advanced sensors and communication systems, including a BQQ-5 sonar system and a WSC-3 satellite communication system.
Capabilities
The Los Angeles-class submarine is highly capable and has a number of advanced features. The submarines are equipped with a variety of weapons, including:
- Four 21-inch (533mm) torpedo tubes, capable of firing a variety of torpedoes and missiles
- Twelve vertical launch tubes, capable of firing Tomahawk cruise missiles
- A variety of mines and other special operations equipment
The submarines are also equipped with a number of advanced sensors and communication systems, including:
- A BQQ-5 sonar system, capable of detecting and tracking enemy submarines and surface ships
- A WSC-3 satellite communication system, allowing the submarine to communicate with other ships and shore-based facilities
- A variety of radar and electronic warfare systems, allowing the submarine to detect and counter enemy radar and electronic systems
The Los Angeles-class submarine is also highly maneuverable, with a top speed of over 20 knots (23 mph) and a range of over 600 miles (965 kilometers).
Operational History
The Los Angeles-class submarine has a long and distinguished operational history, with a number of notable deployments and operations. Some of the most notable include:
- The USS Los Angeles (SSN-688) was the first Los Angeles-class submarine to be commissioned, and was deployed to the Mediterranean in 1978
- The USS Chicago (SSN-721) was deployed to the Persian Gulf during the Gulf War, where it conducted a number of successful attacks on enemy ships and shore-based facilities
- The USS Cheyenne (SSN-773) was deployed to the Pacific in 1996, where it conducted a number of successful exercises and operations
The Los Angeles-class submarine has also been involved in a number of notable incidents and accidents, including the sinking of the USS Thresher (SSN-593) in 1963, and the collision between the USS San Francisco (SSN-711) and a seamount in 2005.
Modernization and Upgrades
The Los Angeles-class submarine has undergone a number of modernization and upgrade programs over the years, in order to keep the submarines relevant and effective in a rapidly changing naval environment. Some of the most notable upgrades include:
- The AN/BSY-1 combat system, which provides improved processing and display capabilities
- The AN/BQQ-10 sonar system, which provides improved detection and tracking capabilities
- The WSC-3 satellite communication system, which provides improved communication capabilities
The Los Angeles-class submarine is also undergoing a number of other upgrades and modernization programs, including the installation of new propulsors and the upgrade of the submarines' sensors and communication systems.
Gallery of Los Angeles Class Submarine
Los Angeles Class Submarine Image Gallery
Conclusion
The Los Angeles-class submarine is a highly capable and advanced submarine that has played a key role in maintaining the United States' military dominance. With its advanced sensors and communication systems, highly maneuverable design, and wide range of weapons, the Los Angeles-class submarine is a formidable force on the battlefield. As the United States Navy continues to modernize and upgrade the Los Angeles-class submarine, it is likely to remain a key part of the Navy's fleet for many years to come.
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