Manufacturing the Next Generation of “Boomers”

Navy awards contract modification to General Dynamics Electric Boat for Ohio replacement submarine.

Concept graphic for the Ohio replacement submarine. (Image courtesy of U.S. Navy.)

Concept graphic for the Ohio replacement submarine. (Image courtesy of U.S. Navy.)

The U.S. Navy has awarded a USD $101.3-million contract modification to General Dynamics Electric Boat (GDEB), the primary manufacturer of submarines for the Navy. The modification continues the development of the Navy’s next-generation nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (known to the Navy as an SSBN or colloquially as a “Boomer”), set to replace the current Ohio-class SSBN.

Ohio Replacement Submarine

The five-year, $1.85 billion contract was initially awarded to GDEB in December 2012 and called for research and development of the Ohio replacement submarine. The next-gen sub, also referred to as the Columbia-class submarine or SSBN(X), is slated to begin construction in 2021.

The contract modification is for the procurement of 22 missile tubes for the Columbia-class sub’s Common Missile Compartment (CMC). The CMC is so-called because it will be shared with the UK Royal Navy’s proposed replacement for its Vanguard-class SSBN.

Cutaway graphic of the Ohio replacement submarine. (Image courtesy of U.S. Navy.)

Cutaway graphic of the Ohio replacement submarine. (Image courtesy of U.S. Navy.)

The Columbia-class SSBN will have 16 missile tubes, each capable of carrying a Trident II D5LE missile. The replacement submarine will have similar dimensions as the current Ohio-class, with a length of 560 feet (171 m) and diameter of 43 feet (13 m). This is the same length as Ohio-class SSBNs but a foot longer in diameter.

“The Most Effective Warship Ever Built”

GDEB considers its Ohio-class SSBM “among the most effective warships ever built.” Furthermore, the company claims that “these submarines are without question the most powerful ships ever put to sea,” providing the U.S. Navy with “an unparalleled combination of stealth, strategic capability and superior operating capability.”

With such claims such as these about the Ohio-class submarine, it’s not hard to imagine what GDEB and the Navy will expect from the replacement. With an anticipated life span of about 40 years, the sub is sure to be equipped with an excess of technological capabilities.

The Navy states: “Owing to the unique demands of strategic relevance, [Columbia-class submarines] must be fitted with the most up-to-date capabilities and stealth to ensure they are survivable throughout their full 40-year life span.”

For more military engineering, check out 3M Subsidiary Lands Contracts to Protect US Troops.

Written by

Michael Alba

Michael is a senior editor at engineering.com. He covers computer hardware, design software, electronics, and more. Michael holds a degree in Engineering Physics from the University of Alberta.