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Attack submarines are designed to seek and destroy enemy submarines and surface ships.
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Nuclear powered Fast Attack submarine. The Los Angeles class SSN design proved to be so effective that as time progressed and technological improvements were made to the submarine's systems, rather than build a completely new class of boat it was decided to reuse the Los Angeles design, but fitted with newer, more advanced systems. Based on research and development studies, performed in part by USS Memphis (SSN691) which had been specifically modified during refit to serve as a technology test bed, several major improvements were made to the basic Los Angeles design. In addition to internal upgrades to improve the submarine's sensors and to make it quieter, the hull was also modified to increase submerged speed. Furthermore, by strengthening the sail and moving the forward dive planes from the sail to the bow, the San Juan boats have a true "under ice" capability. The Improved Los Angeles (or San Juan class) submarines currently fill the role of America's front line fast attack submarine, surpassing the Los Angeles class in all respects, and will continue to serve until replaced by either the Seawolf class (SSN21) or the Virginia class (SSN774).
The concept of technical superiority over numerical superiority was and still is the driving force in American submarine development. A number of Third World countries are acquiring modern state-of-the-art non-nuclear submarines. Countering this threat is the primary mission of U.S. nuclear attack submarines.
Their other missions range from intelligence collection and special forces delivery to anti-ship and strike warfare. The Navy began construction of Seawolf class submarines in 1989. Seawolf is designed to be exceptionally quiet, fast well-armed with advanced sensors. It is a multi-mission vessel, capable of deploying to forward ocean areas to search out and destroy enemy submarines and surface ships and to fire missiles in support of other forces.
The first of the class, Seawolf (SSN 21), completed its initial sea trials in July 1996. Attack submarines also carry the Tomahawk cruise missile. Tomahawk launches from attack submarines were successfully conducted during Operation Desert Storm.
In late 1998, the contract was let for building the first of the New Attack Submarine. This class, the Virginia-class fully embraces the new strategic concept in ... From the Sea and Forward... From the Sea. It is the first U.S. submarine to be designed for battlespace dominance across a broad spectrum of regional and littoral missions as well as open-ocean, "blue water" missions. The Virginia-class achieves the right balance of core military capabilities and affordability.
The Benjamin Franklin-class were converted from Fleet Ballistic Missile submarines and carry drydeck shelters. They are equipped for special operations and support SEALs. The former missile spaces have been converted to accommodations, storage, and recreation spaces.
