With the growing number of foreign diesel / electric powered submarines, the US attack submarine relies on technological superiority, increased speed, endurance, mobility, stealth, and carrying capacity offered by nuclear energy to maintain dominance of the sea depths. North Dakota is the eleventh "Virginia" class submarine to enter service, the first of the Block III. Compared to the previous Virginia, the Block III present improvements in terms of technology and hydrodynamics with the 40% of the redesigned bow. Block III submarines introduce new launch tubes, designed to reduce costs and increase fire capacity. The ten "Virginia" class submarines currently in service have 12 vertical launch tubes with a diameter of 21 inches. The Block III submarines implement two new large launch tubes, called "Virginia Payload Tubes", with a diameter of 87 inches that can accommodate six Tomahawks each. The submarine is 115 meters long and will be able to reach 800 feet in depth (240 meters) at a maximum immersion speed of 25 knots. It is powered by a S9G nuclear reactor designed to operate for 33 years without refueling. The United States of America's nuclear-powered attack submarines are designed to search and destroy both enemy submarines and surface ships. They are armed with Tomahawk cruise missiles, support special forces and carry out intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions.
The "Virginia" class has several innovations that significantly improve combat capabilities with particular attention to operations supporting special forces. The "Virginia" have a fly-by-wire control system for better management of the boat in shallow waters. The torpedo room can then be reconfigured to accommodate four fully equipped Seal teams. In the "Virginia", traditional periscopes, have been replaced by high-resolution cameras in black and white and infrared on top of the telescopic arms. The construction of North Dakota started in March of the 2009. The keel of the submarine was shown to the public during a ceremony that took place on the 11 May of 2012. The submarine was delivered for sea trials on November 2 last year.
Franco Iacch
(photo: General Dynamics)
