Nova Classe SSN: Virginia

[VICTOR]

Northrop, General Dynamics to build up to 7 nuclear subs
Navy contract's value could be nearly $11 billion

Associated Press, August 15, 2003

WASHINGTON - The Navy announced contracts yesterday for construction of up to seven nuclear-powered submarines that would cost almost $11 billion if all are built.
The basic contract calls for divisions of defense contractors Northrop Grumman and General Dynamics to begin building six Virginia-class submarines between this year and 2007.

Congress could decide to cut that number to five, leave it at six or increase it to seven.

The 377-foot boats are the Navy's most advanced attack submarines, capable of carrying the kind of Tomahawk cruise missiles used in the war with Iraq as well as nuclear-tipped missiles and Navy SEAL commandos.

Four are now under construction, including the first, the USS Virginia, which is to be christened this weekend and completed next June.

Congress has so far refused to approve the Bush administration's plans for starting construction of seven submarines by 2007 because of cost overruns and delays in past submarine-building programs.

The latest contract sets aside close to a third of the companies' $146 million profit on each sub - $45 million - as incentives for meeting objectives such as construction deadlines and giving subcontracts to small businesses, said John J. Young Jr., the Navy's assistant secretary for research, development and acquisition.

The companies can be asked to repay those incentives and will lose more of their profit if costs are more than projected, Young said.

If Congress agrees to pay for all seven subs, the Navy will save about $1 billion - $155 million per submarine - over buying the boats individually, Young said. The savings fall to $126 million per submarine at six boats and $80 million per submarine for five, he said.

The contract with General Dynamics Electric Boat Corp. and Northrop Grumman's Newport News Shipbuilding does not include the submarines' nuclear reactors, sophisticated electronics and some other gear. Each hull will cost about $1.4 billion, with each fully outfitted submarine costing about $2.2 billion, Young said.

Final construction of each submarine hull is scheduled to alternate between the Electric Boat shipyards in Connecticut and the Newport News shipyards in Virginia.

If Congress approves six or seven subs, each shipyard will be working on one hull at the same time by 2007.

[LEO]

Pelo que eu vi em outro lugar, a USN planeja adquirir mais de 30 submarinos.


Os "Virginias" (SSN 774), serão os submarinos mais moderno da USN, já que implementaria mais tecnologia do que os atuais em uso na USN e possivelmente substituiria os "Los Angeles" quando suas vidas uteis terminassem.

Dentre as capacidades de armamentos, estariam 12 tubos de lançamento vertical que possibilitaria o uso de Tomahawks. O Virgina deverá ter capacidade de até 38 Tomahawks ou Torpedos.



LEO

[LEO]

[VICTOR]

SSN 774 (Virginia), retirada a público pela primeira vez, antes de ser batizada e comissionada (prevista para 16 de agosto).

[VICTOR]

Começam os testes de mar da nova classe Virginia

USS Virginia Begins Sea Trials

(Source: General Dynamics; issued July 30, 2004)

GROTON, Conn. --- Virginia (SSN-774), the nation’s newest and most advanced nuclear-powered attack submarine, returned to the Electric Boat shipyard here today following the successful completion of its first voyage in open seas, called “alpha sea trials.”

Virginia’s alpha sea trials included a range of submarine and propulsion plant operations, submerging for the first time, and high-speed runs on the surface and submerged, to demonstrate that the ship’s propulsion plant is fully mission capable.

[VICTOR]

Groton, Conn. (July 30, 2004) - Rebocadores da Thames Towing, de New London, Conn., colocam o USS Virginia (SSN 774) no seu leito na General Dynamics Electric Boat Shipyard em Groton, Conn. O USS Virginia volta aos estaleiros da Eletric Boat após três dias de testes mar.



U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 3rd Class Steven Feller

Fonte: USN

[VICTOR]

Aqui vai a mensagem do Sniper sobre o lançamento do USS Virginia:

22/10/2004 - 21h01
> EUA lança novo submarino de ataque
>
> WASHINGTON, 22 out (AFP) - Os Estados Unidos vão lançar neste
sábado
> um novo submarino nuclear de ataque capaz de chegar mais próximo
das
> costas que os anteriores, sem se fazer notar, anunciaram nesta
sexta-
> feira responsáveis da Marinha americana.
>
> O "USS Virginia", que será inaugurado durante um ato em Norfolk
> (Virgínia, leste do país), pode lançar mísseis de cruzeiro Tomahawk
a
> grande distância de seu alvo ou se aproximar o suficiente da costa
> para desembarcar cerca de 50 soldados.
>
> Com um custo de dois bilhões de dólares, este submarino é o
primeiro
> de uma série de 30 que a Marinha americana pretende adquirir para
> substituir os submarinos de tipo Los Angeles. Três outros do mesmo
> tipo do "USS Virginia" estão em construção nas oficinas de Groton
> (Connecticut, nordeste

Fonte: fórum sistemas de armas

[VICTOR]

USN commissions new attack sub USS Virginia

Navy commissions USS Virginia, newest fast-attack submarine

By Sonja Barisic
Associated Press
Published October 24, 2004

NORFOLK, Va. -- With bells ringing and horns blaring, the Navy on Saturday commissioned the lead ship of its latest class of fast-attack submarines specifically designed for post-Cold War security threats.

The $2.2 billion nuclear-powered USS Virginia differs from other submarines because it can not only roam the ocean depths but also get close to shore in shallow water, which Navy officials say is important in fighting terrorism.

Lynda Johnson Robb, daughter of President Lyndon Johnson and wife of former Sen. Charles Robb (D-Va.), gave the traditional order to "man our ship and bring her to life" in ceremonies at Norfolk Naval Station, the world's largest Navy base.

"Aye, aye, ma'am," the crew of about 130 responded. They then raced up both ends of the sub and lined up on deck as a Navy band played "Anchors Aweigh."

The 377-foot-long sub is the first to be built without a periscope, using a high-resolution digital camera instead. That meant the control room, which always had to be directly below the periscope, could be moved to a larger space in the sub's lower deck.

The Virginia also can launch undersea drones.

Other improvements include a new computerized autopilot designed to reduce stress on the crew and a reconfigurable torpedo room that can hold extra beds for Special Operations forces.

In his keynote address, Sen. John Warner (R-Va.) said the Virginia will help lead the fight against terrorism.

"We cannot ever blink. We cannot ever flinch. We cannot yield," said Warner, a former Navy secretary. "This ship will very definitely play a role in that war on terror."

The sub is the first of 10 Virginia-class submarines scheduled to be built through a partnership between Northrop Grumman Newport News and General Dynamics Electric Boat.

The class is projected to have 30 subs.

First Lady Laura Bush christened the USS Texas, the second sub in the class, at the Newport News shipyard in July.

Ralph Folger, 81, of Troy, N.Y., was among more than 4,000 invited guests at the ceremonies Saturday. He served on three subs during World War II.

"It's the newest and latest thing out and completely different from anything I've ever served on," Folger said. "It's spectacular."

Crew members were excited about the commissioning.

"It really means that we are joining the ranks of the rest of the warships," said Lt. Cmdr. Luis Molina, 34, of Jacksonville, N.C., who will serve aboard the Virginia. "You're going from a big hunk of steel that was built by the shipyard to a ship of the line."

Chicago Tribune

[VICTOR]

Naval Station Norfolk, Va. (Oct. 18, 2004) – The Navy's newest attack submarine, PCU Virginia (SSN 774), pulls into port at Naval Station Norfolk, Va., in preparation for her commissioning on October 23, 2004. Virginia is the Navy’s only major combatant ready to join the fleet that was designed with the post-Cold War security environment in mind and embodies the war fighting and operational capabilities required to dominate the littorals while maintaining undersea dominance in the open ocean. U.S. Navy photo by Journalist Seaman Andy Zask

[VICTOR]

Naval Station Norfolk, Va. (Oct. 18, 2004) – The Navy's newest attack submarine, PCU Virginia (SSN 774), pulls into port at Naval Station Norfolk, Va., in preparation for her commissioning on October 23, 2004. Virginia is the Navy’s only major combatant ready to join the fleet that was designed with the post-Cold War security environment in mind and embodies the war fighting and operational capabilities required to dominate the littorals while maintaining undersea dominance in the open ocean. U.S. Navy photo by Journalist Seaman Andy Zask

[Rui Elias Maltez]

Eles é que sabem o que querem fazer, mas será que seria assim tão necessário, uma vez que os "Los Angeles" ainda davam para mais uns anos?

[VICTOR]

Jane´s Defense Weekly: problemas de orçamento ameaçam futuro da classe Virginia. Muito dinheiro indo para o conflito no Iraque

Funding curb forces Virginia reality check

By Andrew Koch JDW Bureau Chief
Washington, DC

The long-term health of the US Navy's Virginia-class nuclear-powered attack submarine (SSN) - one of its most cherished programmes - appears in grave danger because of the growing cost of the war in Iraq, tightening defence budgets and mounting deficits.

According to US Department of Defense (DoD) documents, statements by senior navy officials and insider accounts, a combination of funding shortfalls and pressures from the highest levels of the DoD are moving decision-makers toward the conclusion that the Virginia-class programme should be cancelled well before its planned 30 boats will be built.

One well-placed source told JDW the navy could build as few as 10 of the boats before switching to a new design in about 2012. The service had planned to move to a substantially modified centre section design of the Virginia at about that time, which would allow far greater flexibility in the types of payload carried such as unmanned vehicles and weapons. If the new plan continues, the source said, the navy could start buying a new smaller SSN, possibly augmented by diesel-electric attack submarines (SSKs) with advanced air-independent propulsion (AIP). US Deputy Secretary of Defense Paul Wolfowitz, the source said, recently visited Germany to inquire about gaining access to AIP boats, although JDW was unable to verify this before going to press.

In a directive issued at the end of December 2004, Wolfowitz directed the navy to "design a future undersea superiority system alternative ... that includes considerations of new propulsion systems" and applied $600 million to the effort over the next six years. The navy has been working on a design that uses distributed pump water-jet propulsion for the past year and the source said "those involved say its going to be amazing". The same directive - Program Budget Decision 753 - also removed funds for three Virginia-class boats, keeping production rates at one per year rather than two starting in Fiscal Year 2009 as previously planned.

323 of 827 words

[Rui Elias Maltez]

Tal como havia escrito na minha intervenção acima, datada de Novembro, acho que é um rematado disparate, estarem os EUA a investirem agora em 30 submarinos de ataque nesta fase, com os da Classe Los Angeles ainda capazes de durarem mais uns anos com bons níveis de operacionalidade.

[P44]

Northrop Grumman Successfully Launches Virginia-Class Submarine


(Source: Northrop Grumman Corp.; issued April 11, 2005)


NEWPORT NEWS, VA --- Northrop Grumman Corporation reached a construction milestone on April 9 by launching the second Virginia-class submarine, Texas (SSN 775). This was the company's first submarine launching in nearly a decade.

Northrop Grumman's Newport News sector is teamed with General Dynamics Electric Boat to build the first 10 ships of the Virginia class. Current plans call for 30 Virginia-class submarines in the fleet. The first ship of the class, the USS Virginia (SSN 774) was delivered on Oct. 12, 2004. Virginia is the first major combatant delivered to the U.S. Navy that was designed with the post-Cold War security environment in mind.

Becky Stewart, vice president of submarine programs for Northrop Grumman Newport News, was among 150 employees and 40 sailors who participated in the launch. “Watching Texas take her first journey into the water was an exciting event for all of the people who have been involved in constructing the ship,” Stewart said. “It's a milestone that the entire team, shipbuilders and crew members, have been working hard to achieve. This crucial accomplishment is a testament to the great talent, skill and dedication of our employees and the Texas crew.”

Preparations for the launch began April 6 when the sector's floating dry dock, a transportable dock used to launch and dock ships, moved into position behind the Texas. The following morning a transfer car system raised the 7,800-ton submarine off its keel blocks and transported it 500 feet to the floating dry dock. On April 8, the floating dry dock, with Texas on board, moved into launch position and shipyard employees and Texas crew members completed final launch preparations. On April 9 the floating dry dock began to slowly fill with water and after seven hours, Northrop Grumman Newport News successfully launched Texas into the James River. Once in the water, tugboats moved Texas to the shipyard's submarine pier where final outfitting and testing will take place.

Captain John Litherland, Prospective Commanding Officer of the Pre-Commissioning Unit Texas, rode in Texas' sail as it touched water for the first time. “It's great to finally get the Texas into the water, her natural environment,” said Litherland. “My crew and I are excited about achieving this significant milestone, and look forward to continuing our joint efforts with the men and women of Northrop Grumman Newport News to complete the construction and testing of this great ship and take her to sea.”

Texas is the second ship of the Virginia class. With improved stealth, sophisticated surveillance capabilities and special warfare enhancements, it will provide undersea supremacy well into the 21st century.

The keel for Texas was laid on July 12, 2002 and the ship was christened on July 31, 2004. First Lady Laura Bush is the ship's sponsor and attended both ceremonies. The ship is scheduled to be delivered in 2006.

Northrop Grumman Newport News, headquartered in Newport News, Va., is the nation's sole designer, builder and refueler of nuclear-powered aircraft carriers and one of only two companies capable of designing and building nuclear-powered submarines. Newport News also provides after-market services for a wide array of naval and commercial vessels. The Newport News sector employs about 19,000 people.

[J.Ricardo]

Lançado o USS Texas, segunda unidade da classe Virginia

Northrop Grumman


O USS Texas no interior do dique antes da realização da cerimônia de lançamento.

Após quase dez anos sem lançar um submarino ao mar, o estaleiro norte-americano Newport News (do grupo Northrop Grumman) lançou no último dia 9 de abril o USS Texas (SSN 775). O batimento de quilha ocorreu em julho de 2002 e o navio foi batizado em julho de 2004, numa cerimônia que contou com a participação da primeira dama Laura Bush. O primeiro submarino da classe foi entregue em outubro do ano passado e o Texas está previsto para ser entregue a USN em 2006. Além destes, existem mais oito unidades contratadas e um total de trinta projetadas. No ano fiscal de 1998, a estimativa era de que o programa completo custaria 56 bilhões de dólares. No entanto, somente o custo inicial da primeira unidade já superava 4 bilhões. A classe Virginia é a primeira classe de submarinos totalmente desenvolvida segundo os parâmetros da nova ordem mundial e não mais segundo os paraâmetros de um oponente com as características das forças soviéticas.