Ohio – class SSBN submarine.

The Ohio nuclear-powered class of submarines developed and manufactured by General Dynamics Electric Boat for the United States Navy. Designed to carry either ballistic or cruise missiles, these submarines are central to America’s strategic deterrent posture and provide long-range, survivable strike capabilities.

Construction of the first unit, USS Ohio (SSBN 726), began in 1976 and it entered service in 1981. A total of eighteen submarines were built between 1976 and 1997. These submarines were initially fitted with Trident I (C4) ballistic missiles and later upgraded to the more advanced Trident II (D5) system, which provides greater range, accuracy, and the capability to deliver multiple independently targetable warhead.

Designed for deterrent patrols, Ohio-class SSBNs are deployed in remote oceanic regions where they remain concealed and ready to launch a retaliatory strike if necessary. Each vessel is operated under a dual-crew system — the Blue and Gold crews — which rotate to allow for high operational tempo and extended at-sea presence. Each patrol can last over seventy days, with rapid turnaround times between deployments.

Design:

The Ohio-class submarine features a submerged displacement of around 18,750 tons, a length of 170 meters, a beam of 13 meters, and a draft of approximately 12 meters. Its hull is built using HY-80 steel, capable of enduring high-pressure environments at operational depths beyond 240 meters. The submarine’s interior is arranged over three decks, providing space for weapons systems, crew quarters, operations centres, and propulsion compartments. The outer hull is fitted with anechoic tiles to absorb active sonar energy and suppress detection. Inside, machinery is mounted on vibration-isolated platforms to reduce radiated noise. The sail houses retractable masts for communications and surveillance systems. Each submarine supports a dual-crew model, enabling extended deployment without overtaxing personnel or systems.

Armamnet:

In the SSBN configuration, the Ohio class is armed with twenty-four Trident II D5 submarine-launched ballistic missiles, each housed in an individual launch tube. These missiles can carry up to twelve nuclear warheads with a range exceeding 12,000 kilometres. The missile system uses gas ejection for submerged launch, and inertial and stellar navigation systems provide guidance with global accuracy.

The SSGN configuration modifies twenty-two launch tubes to house Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles, with each canister holding seven missiles. This configuration allows for a maximum loadout of 154 Tomahawks, offering precision strike capability over 1,600 kilometres. The remaining two tubes serve as swimmer lockout chambers for Navy SEAL deployment and unmanned undersea vehicle launch.

All Ohio-class submarines feature four 533-millimeter torpedo tubes located in the bow. These tubes fire Mk 48 ADCAP torpedoes, which use active and passive sonar homing and are guided via onboard wire systems. The torpedoes have a top speed exceeding 50 knots and are equipped with shaped-charge warheads designed to destroy both surface ships and submarines.

Engine:

The Ohio-class is powered by a single S8G pressurized water reactor, which drives steam turbines connected to a reduction gear system and a single shaft fitted with a seven-bladed propulsor. The total shaft output is approximately 60,000 horsepower, enabling submerged speeds greater than 20 knots. The propulsion design is optimized for stealth, with careful attention to machinery noise isolation and flow noise reduction.

The nuclear reactor provides near-unlimited endurance, allowing the submarine to remain submerged for months at a time. The core is engineered to last over a decade between refuelling, reducing the frequency of maintenance periods. The engineering spaces include auxiliary propulsion units for precision manouvering and emergency diesel generators for backup power.

Sensors and Detection Systems:

The Ohio-class is fitted with the AN/BQQ-10 sonar suite, which includes a spherical sonar array in the bow, flank arrays along the hull, and a TB-29A towed array for long-range passive detection. These sensors provide a comprehensive acoustic picture, enabling early detection of surface ships and submarines in both open ocean and coastal environments. Navigation is maintained via high-precision inertial systems with satellite-assisted updates. The periscope system has been replaced in most boats with non-hull-penetrating optronic masts, offering high-resolution electro-optical and infrared imaging, laser range-finding, and digital control.

Electronic support measures are provided by the AN/WLR-8(V)2 system, capable of detecting and analysing radar and communication signals across a wide spectrum. Communications equipment includes satellite data links, very low frequency and extremely low frequency receivers, and secure line-of-sight channels, ensuring reliable contact with national command authorities at all times.

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