Second FY11 Virginia-class Submarine for U.S. Navy

The U.S. Navy has released $1.2 billion for the construction of the 14th Virginia-class submarine, SSN-787, to General Dynamics Electric Boat, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics. This award marks the beginning of production of two submarines per year on the Virginia-class program.

The release of the funding allows procurement of long lead-time components that will support the planned official construction start later this year on the as-yet-unnamed submarine at Electric Boat and its teammate, Huntington Ingalls Industries in Newport News, Va.

The Virginia class is the first U.S. Navy warship designed from the keel up for the full range of mission requirements in the post-Cold War era, as General Dynamics states. Optimized for maximum technological and operational flexibility, these submarines play a key role in the nation's defense with their stealth, firepower and unlimited endurance.

Virginia-class submarines displace 7,800 tons, with a hull length of 115 m. They are capable of speeds in excess of 25 knots and can dive to a depth greater than 240 m, while carrying Mark 48 advanced capability torpedoes, Tomahawk land attack missiles and unmanned underwater vehicles.