US Virginia Class Nuclear Fast Attack Submarines

The US Virginia class nuclear fast attack submarine is a crucial asset in America’s subsurface fleet, playing a vital role in protecting the Western Pacific region. Despite its importance, the Pentagon has reduced the production rate of these submarines from two to one per year, sparking concerns in Congress. The Navy estimates that producing at least two Virginia class submarines per year is necessary to deter future threats.

Capabilities and Roles

Fast attack submarines like the Virginia class are multi-domain assets that can perform a broad spectrum of naval roles, including:

• Deploying Special Forces to strike enemy harbors
• Collecting intelligence
• Sabotaging long-range missile launchers

These capabilities make them a key piece of the strategic puzzle in potential conflicts, such as in the South China Sea.

Countermeasures and Upgrades

China is developing a project called the “Great Underwater Wall” to counter American fast attack submarines. In response, the US is investing in advanced technologies, including:

• High-performance night vision and thermal imaging equipment, such as the Generation 3 PVS-14 and Sidekick thermal imaging kit
• Handheld devices with high-definition displays and terrain navigation capabilities
• Active tiles that can alter the return echo frequency, confusing sonar operators

The Virginia class submarine has also benefited from advancements in computer technology, featuring 3D visualization designs and multi-functional capabilities.

Stealth Features and Sonar Technology

The Virginia class submarine has stealth features, including special coatings and tiles, to counter detection by sonar. However, these tiles can be prone to ripping off and can be detected by modern low-frequency sonars. The US is also developing new sonar technologies, including the large aperture bow sonar, to improve detection and tracking abilities.

History and Evolution

The Virginia class submarine has its roots in the Cold War, when the US responded to the development of advanced Soviet submarines. The US developed the Seawolf class submarines in 1989 to counter the Soviet Union’s advanced submarines, but the program was canceled after three were built due to the Soviet Union’s collapse in 1991. The Virginia class was then envisioned as a cheaper alternative, with an original cost of around $1.8 billion.

Modern Submarine Warfare

Modern submarine warfare has shifted to focus on hunting and killing other submarines, a factor that has become more significant in recent years. The US Navy is investing in new technologies, including the Hammerhead mine, an underwater drone that can covertly place mines at key choke points. The mine uses an encapsulated torpedo, allowing it to attack enemy vessels from a distance, and its targeting system enables it to effectively engage targets.

Challenges and Concerns

The US Navy is reducing production of Virginia-class submarines due to increased complexity and cost, with each sub now costing around $4.3 billion. The US has only two shipyards capable of constructing nuclear submarines, which slows down production and increases costs. Investing in the submarine industrial base, such as the $3.3 billion included in a recent foreign aid package, can help address this issue.

Upgrades and Future Plans

The Virginia class submarines are being upgraded to carry more firepower, with the block 5 version having an extra section called the Virginia payload module, which increases its missile capacity from 12 to 40. The US Navy plans to build 66 Hammerhead mines to maintain its underwater superiority. The Navy is also developing the Raptor torpedo, a cheaper but equally effective alternative to the Mark 48 heavyweight torpedo.

Key Vocabulary

Watch The Video

Vocabulary Quiz

1. Which word means ‘a device that can detect and track objects using sound waves’?

A) Radar
B) Sonar
C) Torpedo
D) Mine

2. What is the primary purpose of the ‘Great Underwater Wall’ project being developed by China?

A) To improve underwater navigation
B) To counter American fast attack submarines
C) To enhance submarine stealth capabilities
D) To develop new sonar technologies

3. What is the name of the underwater drone that can covertly place mines at key choke points?

A) Raptor
B) Hammerhead
C) Mark 48
D) Virginia Payload Module

4. What is the estimated cost of each Virginia-class submarine currently?

A) $1.8 billion
B) $3.3 billion
C) $4.3 billion
D) $5.5 billion

5. What is the name of the torpedo being developed as a cheaper alternative to the Mark 48 heavyweight torpedo?

A) Mark 48
B) Raptor
C) Hammerhead
D) Virginia

Answer Key:

1. B
2. B
3. B
4. C
5. B

Grammar Focus

Grammar Focus: Passive Voice in Technical Descriptions

Grammar Quiz:

Choose the correct form of the passive voice for each sentence:

1. The Virginia class submarine ____________________ with advanced sonar technology to improve its detection capabilities.

• is equipping
• has been equipped
• is being equipped
• were equipped

2. The “Great Underwater Wall” project ____________________ by China to counter American fast attack submarines.

• is developing
• has been developed
• is being developed
• was developed

3. The US Navy ____________________ in new technologies, including the Hammerhead mine, to maintain its underwater superiority.

• is investing
• has been invested
• is being invested
• was invested

4. The Virginia class submarines ____________________ to carry more firepower, with the block 5 version having an extra section.

• are upgrading
• have been upgraded
• are being upgraded
• were upgraded

5. The submarine’s stealth features, including special coatings and tiles, ____________________ to counter detection by sonar.

• are designing
• have been designed
• are being designed
• were designed

Answer Key:

1. has been equipped

2. is being developed

3. is investing

4. are being upgraded

5. have been designed