A couple of weeks ago, General Dynamics Electric Boat launched the eighth of the U.S. Navy’s new Virginia-class Block IV nuclear attack submarines, designated USS Idaho (SSN-799). This milestone occurred at the company’s shipyard in Connecticut, where the submarine will await the installation of final equipment and systems before undergoing future sea trials.
The future USS Idaho will be the eighth configured to the Block IV standard and the twenty-sixth Virginia-class submarine in the U.S. Navy’s fleet, which has invested approximately $17.8 billion in the program since the contract was signed in 2014. Construction began in 2017, and the submarine is named after the former battleship BB-42, which entered service in 1919.
The construction of the USS Idaho has faced delays due to various issues, notably shortages of materials and qualified personnel during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the U.S. Naval Institute, the current production rate stands at 1.4 submarines per year, with efforts shared between Newport News Shipbuilding (Huntington Ingalls) and General Dynamics Electric Boat. Newport News Shipbuilding is responsible for manufacturing the bow and stern sections of each submarine, while General Dynamics Electric Boat builds the midsection housing the nuclear reactor.
Looking ahead, production rates are expected to increase, as the AUKUS alliance is considering starting the construction of Virginia-class submarines for the Royal Australian Navy. To meet this goal within the stipulated timeframe, the two shipyards will need to achieve a minimum production rate of 2.3 submarines per year, with this target anticipated to be reached by 2028.
The U.S. Navy plans to incorporate a total of 66 Virginia-class nuclear submarines to replace the older Los Angeles-class boats and offer a lower-cost alternative to the Seawolf-class submarines. This is significant, as the new submarines have been designed to significantly reduce the total ownership cost (RTOC) through minor design changes that lower maintenance costs and increase availability.
Image credits: General Dynamics Electric Boat on X
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