The command ship of the U.S. Navy and weapons (NAVSEA) concluded with the Electric Boat division of General Dynamics contract for the design and creation of strategic nuclear submarine of the new generation of SSBN (X), which in the future will have to replace the type of submarine Ohio. As reported by Defense News, the deal amounted to about two billion dollars.
According to the U.S. Navy, Electric Boat, located in Groton, Connecticut, is the only company in the country, able to develop a submarine - Replacement Ohio. The contract signed with the company on the condition of costs and payment of fixed remuneration. Thus, the military will be able to control and influence on pricing in the design process SSBN (X).
It is expected that work on the design of the new submarine will begin in 2017. According to preliminary estimates, the first patrol SSBN (X) will be able to perform in 2031. Creating a submarine is part of the program ORP (Ohio-Class Replacement Program), which implies the construction of 12 new strategic submarines. They will replace the existing 14-type submarines Ohio.
Presumably, the new submarine project SSBN (X) will stand for the U.S. Navy until at least 2083.
In mid-September 2012 the U.S. Navy adopted the key requirements for the SSBN (X). The document, signed by the project manager Captain William Brogemom and deputy head of the Development of Marine Systems Command Shipbuilding and U.S. Navy Vice Admiral Thomas Eccles, contains the parameters of perspective the ship, as well as the requirements for the launcher of ICBMs, designed for four mines.
Details of the project SSBN (X) while classified. Presumably, the first phase of the submarine will be armed with ballistic missiles Trident II D5LE (Life Extension, missiles with extended life), as well as multi-purpose cruise missiles, Tomahawk. New nuclear reactors, ships will not require medium-charge for the life of the SSBN (X). Subs get 16 missile silos for ballistic missiles.
