View source for Virginia-class submarine

{{short description|US Navy fast attack submarine class}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2021}}
{{use American English|date=March 2022}}
{{Infobox ship
|section1={{Infobox ship/image
 | image = SSN774.svg
 | image_caption = ''Virginia''-class SSN profile
 }}

|section2={{Infobox ship/image
 | image = US Navy 040730-N-1234E-002 PCU Virginia (SSN 774) returns to the General Dynamics Electric Boat shipyard.jpg
 | image_caption = [[USS Virginia (SSN-774)|USS ''Virginia'']] underway in July 2004
 }}

|section3={{Infobox ship/class overview
 | name = 
 | builders = * [[General Dynamics Electric Boat]]
              * [[Huntington Ingalls Industries]]
              ** [[Newport News Shipbuilding]]
 | operators = *{{naval|United States}}
               *{{naval|Australia}} (planned)
 | class_before = *{{sclass|Seawolf|submarine|4}}
                  *{{sclass|Ohio|submarine|4}} (cruise missile submarine variant)
 | class_after = {{sclass2|SSN(X)|submarine|4}}<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.19fortyfive.com/2021/12/why-the-us-navys-new-ssnx-submarine-could-change-everything/|title=Why the US Navy's New SSN(X) Submarine Could Change Everything|first=Caleb|last=Larson|date=14 December 2021|access-date=11 January 2022|archive-date=11 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220111091934/https://www.19fortyfive.com/2021/12/why-the-us-navys-new-ssnx-submarine-could-change-everything/}}</ref>
 | subclasses = 
 | cost = $2.8&nbsp;billion per unit (2019);<ref name="CRS2019">{{cite report|last1=O'Rourke|first1=Ronald|title=Navy Virginia (SSN-774) Class Attack Submarine Procurement: Background and Issues for Congress |date=April 16, 2019|series=CRS Report for Congress, RL32418|publisher=[[Congressional Research Service]]|url=https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/RL/RL32418/170|access-date=11 October 2021}}</ref> $4.3&nbsp;billion per unit w/VPM (2023)<ref name="CRS2023">{{cite report|last1=O'Rourke|first1=Ronald|title=Navy Virginia (SSN-774) Class Attack Submarine Procurement: Background and Issues for Congress |date=July 6, 2023|series=CRS Report for Congress, RL32418|publisher=[[Congressional Research Service]]|url=https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/RL/RL32418/247|access-date=7 July 2023}}</ref>
 | in_service_range = 
 | built_range = 2000–present
 | in_commission_range = 2004–present
 | total_ships_planned = *[[United States Navy|US Navy]]: 66<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cbo.gov/publication/61155|title=An Analysis of the Navy's 2025 Shipbuilding Plan| date=January 2025}}</ref>
                         *[[Royal Australian Navy]]: 3 <br /><small>(2 block IV second-hand, 1 block VII ) + option for 2<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://news.usni.org/2025/10/20/trump-backs-selling-submarines-to-australia-under-aukus-agreement|title=Trump Backs Selling Submarines to Australia Under AUKUS Agreement| date=20 October 2025}}</ref></small>
 | total_ships_on_order = *43<ref name="list submarines">{{Cite web|url=https://www.seaforces.org/usnships/ssn/Virginia-class.htm|title=Virginia class Attack Submarine - SSN| archive-date=7 April 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250407020514/https://www.seaforces.org/usnships/ssn/Virginia-class.htm}}</ref>
                          *<small>Detailed orders: 4 block I, 6 block II, 8 block III, 10 block IV, 12 Block V, 3 block VI)</small><ref name="list submarines" />
 | total_ships_building = *10 
                          *<small>(4 block IV, 6 block V)</small>
 | total_ships_completed = *24 
                           *<small>(4 block I, 6 block II, 8 block III, 6 block IV)</small>
 | total_ships_canceled = 0
 | total_ships_active = *24 
                        *<small>(4 block I, 6 block II, 8 block III, 6 block IV)</small>
 | total_ships_laid_up = 
 | total_ships_lost = 
 | total_ships_retired = 
 | total_ships_preserved = 
 }}

|section4={{Infobox ship/characteristics
 | hide_header = 
 | header_caption = 
 | type = [[Nuclear marine propulsion|Nuclear-powered]] [[attack submarine]] (SSN)
 | displacement = *'''Submerged:'''
                  :*'''Block I–IV''': {{convert|7900|MT|ST|sp=us|abbr=on}}
                  :*'''Block V''': {{convert|10200|MT|ST|sp=us|abbr=on}}<ref name="blockVa" />
 | length = *{{convert|377|ft|m|0|abbr=on}}
            *{{convert|460|ft|m|0|abbr=on}} for ''Block V''<ref name="blockVa" />
 | beam = {{convert|34|ft|m|0|abbr=on}}
 | height = 
 | draft = 
 | depth = 
 | decks = 
 | deck_clearance = 
 | power = 
 | propulsion = *1 × [[S9G reactor|S9G]] nuclear reactor<ref name="Propulsion">{{Cite book |last=Ragheb|first=Magdi|title=Nuclear Naval Propulsion|date=2011-09-09|publisher=IntechOpen |editor-last=Tsvetkov|editor-first=Pavel|language=en|isbn=978-953-307-474-0}}</ref> {{convert|210|MW|hp|abbr=on|lk=in|order=flip|disp=b}}
                *2 × steam turbines {{convert|40000|shp|MW|abbr=on|disp=b}}
                *1 × single shaft [[pump-jet]] propulsor<ref name="Propulsion" />
                *1 × secondary propulsion motor<ref name="Propulsion" />
 | speed = {{convert|25|kn|km/h mph}} or over<ref name="NavyFactFile" />
 | range = Unlimited
 | endurance = Only limited by food and maintenance requirements.
 | test_depth = Over {{convert|800|ft|m|abbr=on}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://navalpost.com/how-deep-can-a-submarine-dive/|title=How deep can a submarine dive?|publisher=navalpost.com|date=26 April 2021|access-date=15 June 2022|archive-date=31 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220131173900/https://navalpost.com/how-deep-can-a-submarine-dive/}}</ref>
 | complement = 135 (15 officers; 120 enlisted)
 | sensors = 
 | EW = 
 | armament = * '''Block I–II''':<ref name="US Navy to Arm Virginia-Class Attack Subs With New Hypersonic Weapon">{{cite web|url=https://thediplomat.com/2020/02/us-navy-to-arm-virginia-class-attack-subs-with-new-hypersonic-weapon/|title=US Navy to Arm Virginia-Class Attack Subs With New Hypersonic Weapon|website=The Diplomat |date=21 February 2020|access-date=20 March 2025}}</ref><ref name="Virginia Block III: The Revised Bow">{{cite web|url=https://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/virginia-block-iii-the-revised-bow-04159/|title=Virginia Block III: The Revised Bow|website=Defense Industry Daily |access-date=20 March 2025}}</ref>
              :*12 × vertically launched missiles:
              :** 12 × [[Vertical launching system|VLS]] tubes (for [[Tomahawk (missile family)|Tomahawk cruise missile]]s)
              *25 × torpedo tube launched torpedoes & missiles:<ref name="cbo">{{cite web |url=http://www.cbo.gov/sites/default/files/cbofiles/attachments/07-25-12-NavyShipbuilding_0.pdf |title=An Analysis of the Navy's Fiscal Year 2013 Shipbuilding Plan |publisher=[[Congressional Budget Office]] |number=Pub. No. 4456 |date=July 2012 |access-date=26 April 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923232023/http://www.cbo.gov/sites/default/files/cbofiles/attachments/07-25-12-NavyShipbuilding_0.pdf |archive-date=23 September 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref>
              ** 4 × 21" [[torpedo tube]]s (for [[Mark 48 torpedo|Mk-48 torpedo]]es or [[Harpoon (missile)|UGM-84 Harpoon missiles]])
              * '''Block III–IV''':<ref name="US Navy to Arm Virginia-Class Attack Subs With New Hypersonic Weapon"/><ref name="Virginia Block III: The Revised Bow"/>
              :* 12 × vertically launched missiles:
              :** 2 × Virginia payload tubes, each capable of launching six cruise missiles (12 × Tomahawk BGM-109)
              *25 × torpedo tube launched torpedoes & missiles:
              :** 4 × 21" torpedo tubes for Mk-48 torpedoes or UGM-84 Harpoon missiles
              * '''Block V-VI''':<ref name="US Navy to Arm Virginia-Class Attack Subs With New Hypersonic Weapon"/><ref name="Submarine Products and Technology">{{cite web|url=https://www.baesystems.com/en/product/submarine-products-and-technology|title=Submarine Products and Technology|website=BAE Systems |access-date=20 March 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=O'Rouke |first1=Ronald |title=Navy Virginia (SSN-774) Class Attack Submarine Procurement: Background and Issues for Congress |url=https://fas.org/sgp/crs/weapons/RL32418.pdf|via=Federation of American Scientists |publisher=Congressional Research Service |access-date=6 July 2017 |date=17 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170515130157/https://fas.org/sgp/crs/weapons/RL32418.pdf|archive-date=15 May 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Navy Selects Virginia Payload Module Design Concept"/><ref name="The Strategic Imperative of Virginia Block VI Submarines"/>
              :* 40 × vertically launched missiles:
              :** 4 × Virginia payload modules (VPM), each capable of launching seven cruise missiles (28 × Tomahawk BGM-109 and future guided cruise missiles)
              :** 2 × Virginia payload tubes, each capable of launching six cruise missiles (12 × Tomahawk BGM-109)
              *25 × torpedo tube launched torpedoes & missiles:
              :** 4 × 21" torpedo tubes for Mk-48 torpedoes or UGM-84 Harpoon missiles
 | notes = 
 }}
}}

The '''''Virginia'' class''', or the '''SSN-774 class''', is a class of [[Nuclear marine propulsion|nuclear-powered]] [[attack submarine]] with [[cruise missile]] capability in service with the [[United States Navy]]. The class is designed for a broad spectrum of [[Blue-water navy|open-ocean]] and [[littoral]] missions, including anti-submarine warfare and intelligence gathering operations.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.foxnews.com/tech/submarine-surge-why-the-navy-plans-32-new-attack-subs-by-2034 |title=Submarine surge: Why the Navy plans 32 new attack subs by 2034 |date=28 March 2019 |website=Warrior Maven |access-date=28 March 2019 |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190328194116/https://www.foxnews.com/tech/submarine-surge-why-the-navy-plans-32-new-attack-subs-by-2034|archive-date=28 March 2019}}</ref> They are scheduled to replace older [[Los Angeles-class submarine|''Los Angeles''-class]] [[attack submarine]]s, many of which have already been decommissioned, as well as four [[cruise missile submarine]] variants of the [[Ohio-class submarine|''Ohio''-class submarines]].<ref name="Navy Selects Virginia Payload Module Design Concept">{{cite web|url=https://news.usni.org/2013/11/04/navy-selects-virginia-payload-module-design-concept|title=Navy Selects Virginia Payload Module Design Concept|website=USNI News|date=4 November 2013|access-date=21 March 2025}}</ref><ref name="The Strategic Imperative of Virginia Block VI Submarines">{{cite web|url=https://strongernavy.org/the-strategic-imperative-of-virginia-block-vi-submarines/|title=The Strategic Imperative of Virginia Block VI Submarines|website=Americans for a Stronger Navy|date=6 August 2024|access-date=20 March 2025}}</ref> Upon the 25 July 2025 decommissioning of the ''Los Angeles''-class submarine [[USS Helena (SSN-725)|USS ''Helena'' (SSN-725)]], the ''Virginia''-class became the most numerous active submarine class in the world.

''Virginia''-class submarines will be acquired through 2043, and are expected to remain in service until at least 2060, with later submarines expected to operate into the 2070s.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://defensetech.org/2014/02/12/navy-considers-future-after-virginia-class-subs/ |title=Navy Considers Future After ''Virginia''-class Subs |publisher=Defensetech.org |last=Osborn |first=Kris |date=12 February 2014 |access-date=26 April 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150110032915/http://defensetech.org/2014/02/12/navy-considers-future-after-virginia-class-subs/ |archive-date=10 January 2015 |url-status=usurped}}</ref><ref name="forbes1">{{cite web |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/lorenthompson/2014/05/06/five-reasons-virginia-class-subs-are-the-face-of-future-warfare/ |title=Five Reasons Virginia-Class Subs Are the Face of Future Warfare |last=Thompson |first=Loren |website=Forbes |date=6 May 2014 |access-date=26 April 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150324161230/http://www.forbes.com/sites/lorenthompson/2014/05/06/five-reasons-virginia-class-subs-are-the-face-of-future-warfare/ |archive-date=24 March 2015}}</ref>

On 14 March 2023, the trilateral Australian-British-American security pact known as [[AUKUS]] announced that the [[Royal Australian Navy]] would purchase three ''Virginia''-class submarines as a stopgap measure between the retirement of their conventionally powered {{sclass|Collins|submarine}}s and the acquisition of the future [[SSN-AUKUS]] class submarines. If SSN-AUKUS falls behind schedule, Australia will have the option of purchasing two additional ''Virginia''-class submarines.<ref name="AUKUSMar23">{{cite press release |author1=Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese |author2=Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Rishi Sunak |author3=President of the United States of America Joseph R. Biden |title=Joint Leaders Statement on AUKUS |url=https://www.pm.gov.au/media/joint-leaders-statement-aukus |website=Prime Minister of Australia |date=14 March 2023 |access-date=14 March 2023}}[[File:CC-BY_icon.svg|50x50px]] This article contains quotations from this source, which is available under a [[creativecommons:by/4.0/|Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International Licence]].</ref><ref name="Aust14March23">{{cite news |last1=Stewart |first1=Cameron |title=Big gamble, but even bigger benefits in AUKUS subs |url=https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/defence/aukus-alliance-submarines-are-a-big-gamble-but-even-bigger-benefits/news-story/88b8f4ceb16a16d94c866f019a0d8138 |access-date=17 March 2023 |work=[[The Australian]] |date=14 March 2023|url-access=subscription}}</ref>

== History ==
[[File:Virginia class submarine.jpg|thumb|Rendering of a ''Virginia''-class attack submarine]]

The class was developed under the codename Centurion, later renamed New SSN (NSSN).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gdeb.com/about/history/|title=General Dynamics Electric Boat - History|website=gdeb.com|access-date=21 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171019070946/http://www.gdeb.com/about/history/|archive-date=19 October 2017}}</ref><ref name="SSN-774 Virginia class">{{cite web|url=http://www.harpoondatabases.com/encyclopedia/Entry1383.aspx |title=SSN-774 Virginia class |access-date=23 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130910002816/http://www.harpoondatabases.com/encyclopedia/entry1383.aspx |archive-date=10 September 2013}}</ref> The "Centurion Study" was initiated in February 1991.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://fas.org/man//dod-101/sys/ship/docs/920721-cr.htm |title=Navy Report on New Attack Submarine (Senate - July 21, 1992) |publisher=[[Federation of American Scientists]] |access-date=26 April 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150509232338/http://fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/ship/docs/920721-cr.htm |archive-date=9 May 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref> The ''Virginia''-class submarine was the first US Navy warship with its development coordinated using such [[3D modeling|3D visualization]] technology as [[CATIA]], which comprises [[computer-aided engineering]] (CAE), [[computer-aided design]] (CAD), [[computer-aided manufacturing]] (CAM), and [[product lifecycle|product lifecycle management]] (PLM). Design problems for Electric Boat—and maintenance problems for the Navy—ensued nonetheless.<ref name="RandCorp">{{cite journal|title=RAND Corporation-Virginia Case Study |journal=Learning from Experience |pages=61–92 |date=2011|jstor=10.7249/j.ctt3fh0zm.13 |last1=Schank |first1=John F. |last2=Ip |first2=Cesse |last3=Lacroix |first3=Frank W. |last4=Murphy |first4=Robert E. |last5=Arena |first5=Mark V. |last6=Kamarck |first6=Kristy N. |last7=Lee |first7=Gordon T. |isbn=978-0-8330-5896-6}}</ref><ref name="USW W99" /><ref name="submarinesuppliers1">{{cite web|url=http://www.submarinesuppliers.org/programs/index.php |title=Submarine Industrial Base Council |publisher=Submarinesuppliers.org |date=22 December 2008 |access-date=6 February 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120119163338/http://www.submarinesuppliers.org/programs/index.php |archive-date=19 January 2012}}</ref>

By 2007 approximately 35 million labor hours had been spent to design the ''Virginia'' class.<ref>{{cite book |url=http://apps.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a478587.pdf |title=Sustaining U.S. Nuclear Submarine Design Capabilities |first1=John F. |last1=Schank |first2=Mark V. |last2=Arena |first3=Paul |last3=DeLuca |first4=Jessie |last4=Riposo |first5=Kimberly |last5=Curry |first6=Todd |last6=Weeks |first7=James |last7=Chiesa |publisher=National Defense Research Institute |date=2007 |isbn=978-0-8330-4160-9 |access-date=26 April 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141208221924/http://www.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a478587.pdf |archive-date=8 December 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref> Constructing a single ''Virginia''-class submarine has required around nine million labor hours,<ref name="submarinesuppliers1" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.navalsubleague.com/NSL/default.aspx|title=Naval Submarine League |publisher=Navalsubleague.com| date=27 September 2012 |access-date=26 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140625012742/http://www.navalsubleague.com/NSL/default.aspx |archive-date=25 June 2014}}</ref><ref name="navalsubleague1">{{cite web
|url=http://www.navalsubleague.com/NSL/documents/Submarine%20Road%20Show%20NSL%2017%20Aug%202011%20NSL.ppsx
|title=Submarine Road Show
|publisher=navalsubleague.com
|date=17 August 2011
|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131113065646/http://www.navalsubleague.com/NSL/documents/Submarine%20Road%20Show%20NSL%2017%20Aug%202011%20NSL.ppsx
|archive-date=13 November 2013
|access-date=27 April 2022}}</ref> and over 4,000 suppliers.<ref>{{cite web |last=Roberts |first=Jim |date=Winter 2011 |url=http://www.public.navy.mil/subfor/underseawarfaremagazine/Issues/Archives/issue_43/double_vision.html |title=Double Vision: Planning to Increase Virginia-Class Production |issue=43 |publisher=US Navy |access-date=26 April 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923060516/http://www.public.navy.mil/subfor/underseawarfaremagazine/Issues/Archives/issue_43/double_vision.html |archive-date=23 September 2015 }}</ref> Each submarine is projected to make 14–15 deployments during its 33-year service life.<ref name=Butler>{{cite web |last=Butler |first=John D.|url=http://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/2011-06/sweet-smell-acquisition-success |title=The Sweet Smell of Acquisition Success |publisher=U.S. Naval Institute |volume=137 |issue=6/1,300 |date=June 2011 |access-date=26 April 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150718071331/http://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/2011-06/sweet-smell-acquisition-success |archive-date=18 July 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref>

The ''Virginia'' class was intended in part as a less expensive alternative to the {{sclass|Seawolf|submarine|1}} ($1.8&nbsp;billion vs $2.8&nbsp;billion), whose production run was canceled after just three boats had been completed. To reduce costs, the ''Virginia''-class submarines use many "[[commercial off-the-shelf]]" (COTS) components, especially in their computers and data networks. Improvements in shipbuilding technology have trimmed production costs below the $1.8&nbsp;billion projected fiscal year 2009 dollars.<ref name="baker1005" />

In hearings before both [[U.S. House of Representatives|House of Representatives]] and [[U.S. Senate|Senate]] committees, the [[Congressional Research Service]] (CRS) and expert witnesses testified that the annual procurement rate of only one ''Virginia''-class boat—rising to two in 2012—would result in excessive unit production costs, yet an insufficient complement of attack submarines.<ref name="fas1">{{cite web |date=27 June 2000 |title=Statement of The Honorable Duncan Hunter, Chairman, Subcommittee on Military Procurement, Submarine Force Structure and Modernization |url=https://fas.org/man/congress/2000/00-06-27hunter.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150612192741/http://fas.org/man/congress/2000/00-06-27hunter.htm |archive-date=12 June 2015 |access-date=26 April 2015 |publisher=[[Federation of American Scientists]] Military Analysis Network}}</ref> In a 10 March 2005 statement to the House Armed Services Committee, Ronald O'Rourke of the CRS testified that, assuming that the production rate remains as planned, "production economies of scale for submarines would continue to remain limited or poor."<ref name="orourke1">{{cite web |url=http://www.house.gov/hasc/testimony/109thcongress/Projection%20Forces/3-10-05O'RourkeCRS.pdf |title=Statement of Ronald O'Rourke Specialist in National Defense Congressional Research Service before the House Armed Services Committee Subcommittee on Projection Forces Hearing on Navy Force Architecture and Ship Construction |date=10 March 2005 |access-date=1 March 2008 |archive-url=http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20060604000350/http%3A//www%2Ehouse%2Egov/hasc/testimony/109thcongress/Projection%2520Forces/3%2D10%2D05O%27RourkeCRS%2Epdf |archive-date= 4 June 2006}}</ref>

In 2001, [[Newport News Shipbuilding]] and the [[General Dynamics Electric Boat]] Company built a quarter-scale version of a ''Virginia''-class submarine dubbed Large Scale Vehicle II (LSV II) ''Cutthroat''. The vehicle was designed as an affordable test platform for new technologies.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://auvac.org/configurations/view/197 |title=AUV System Spec Sheet Cutthroat LSV-2 configuration |publisher=Antonymous Undersea Vehicle Applications Center |access-date=26 April 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150505000859/http://auvac.org/configurations/view/197 |archive-date=5 May 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.public.navy.mil/subfor/underseawarfaremagazine/Issues/Archives/issue_11/submarine_stealth.html |title=Small Subs Provide Big Payoffs for Submarine Stealth|publisher=public.navy.mil |last=Fox |first=David M. |date=Spring 2001 |volume=3 |number=3 |access-date=26 April 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150605233334/http://www.public.navy.mil/subfor/underseawarfaremagazine/Issues/Archives/issue_11/submarine_stealth.html |archive-date=5 June 2015 }}</ref>

The ''Virginia'' class is built through an industrial arrangement designed to maintain both GD Electric Boat and Newport News Shipbuilding, the only two U.S. shipyards capable of building nuclear-powered submarines.<ref name="fas3">{{cite web|url=https://fas.org/programs/ssp/man/uswpns/navy/submarines/ssn774_virginia.html |title=SSN-774 Virginia-class NSSN New Attack Submarine |publisher=[[Federation of American Scientists]] |date=19 January 2009 |access-date=6 August 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707133458/http://www.fas.org/programs/ssp/man/uswpns/navy/submarines/ssn774_virginia.html |archive-date=7 July 2011}}</ref> Under the present arrangement, the Newport News facility builds the stern, habitability, machinery spaces, torpedo room, sail, and bow, while Electric Boat builds the engine room and control room. The facilities alternate work on the reactor plant as well as the final assembly, test, outfit, and delivery.

O'Rourke wrote in 2004 that, "Compared to a one-yard strategy, approaches involving two yards may be more expensive but offer potential offsetting benefits."<ref name=RL32418>{{cite report |last=O'Rourke |first=Ronald |title=Navy Virginia (SSN-774) Class Attack Submarine Procurement: Background and Issues for Congress |url=https://fas.org/sgp/crs/weapons/RL32418.pdf |date=26 March 2015 |publisher=Congressional Research Service |page=6 |access-date=4 June 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150628192435/http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/weapons/RL32418.pdf |archive-date=28 June 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref> Among the claims of "offsetting benefits" that O'Rourke attributes to supporters of a two-facility construction arrangement is that it "would permit the United States to continue building submarines at one yard even if the other yard is rendered incapable of building submarines permanently or for a sustained period of time by a catastrophic event of some kind", including an enemy attack.

To get the submarine's price down to $2&nbsp;billion per submarine in FY-05 dollars, the Navy instituted a cost-reduction program to shave off approximately $400&nbsp;million of each submarine's price tag. The project was dubbed "2 for 4 in 12", referring to the Navy's desire to buy two boats for $4&nbsp;billion in FY-12. Under pressure from Congress, the Navy opted to start buying two boats per year in FY-11, meaning that officials would not be able to get the $2&nbsp;billion price tag before the service started buying two submarines per year. However, program manager Dave Johnson said at a conference on 19 March 2008 that the program was only $30&nbsp;million away from achieving the $2&nbsp;billion price goal, and would reach that target on schedule.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://insidedefense.com/secure/defense_docnum.asp?f=defense_2002.ask&docnum=NAVY-21-12-4|title=Cost reduction|access-date=25 March 2008}}{{dead link|date=May 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>

The ''Virginia''-class Program Office received the David Packard Excellence in Acquisition Award in 1996, 1998, and 2008 "for excelling in four specific award criteria: reducing life-cycle costs; making the acquisition system more efficient, responsive, and timely; integrating defense with the commercial base and practices; and promoting continuous improvement of the acquisition process."<ref>{{cite press release |url=http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=40781 |title=Navy's Virginia Class Program Recognized for Acquisition Excellence |location=Washington, DC |publisher=Team Submarines Public Affairs |date=8 November 2008 |access-date=26 April 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150605232956/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=40781 |archive-date=5 June 2015 }}</ref>

In December 2008, the Navy signed a $14&nbsp;billion contract with General Dynamics and Northrop Grumman to supply eight submarines. The contract required the delivery of one submarine in each of fiscal 2009 and 2010, and two submarines on each of fiscal 2011, 2012, and 2013.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2008/12/22/business/business-us-navy-submarines.html|title=General Dynamics And Northrop Awarded Submarine Deal|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=22 December 2008}}{{dead link|date=September 2010}}</ref> This contract was designed to bring the Navy's ''Virginia''-class fleet to 18 submarines. In December 2010, the [[United States Congress]] passed a defense authorization bill that expanded production to two subs per year.<ref>{{cite news |last=McDermott |first=Jennifer |date=23 December 2010 |title=House, Senate ok defense bill for 2011; sub plan stays on track |work=[[The Day (New London)|The Day]] |location=New London, Connecticut |url=http://www.theday.com/article/20101223/NWS09/312239514/-1/nws |url-status=live |url-access=subscription |access-date=26 April 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923090031/http://www.theday.com/article/20101223/NWS09/312239514/-1/nws |archive-date=23 September 2015}}</ref> Two submarine-per-year production resumed on 2 September 2011 with commencement of {{USS|Washington|SSN-787|3}} construction.<ref name="ssn787">{{cite press release |url=http://www.navsea.navy.mil/Newswire2011/08SEP11-01.aspx |location=Washington, DC |publisher=NAVSEA – Naval Sea Systems Command |title=Construction Begins on SSN 787; Navy Transitions to Building Two Virginia Class Submarines Per Year |date=8 September 2011 |access-date=11 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120402175120/http://www.navsea.navy.mil/Newswire2011/08SEP11-01.aspx |archive-date=2 April 2012}}</ref>

On 21 June 2008, the Navy christened {{USS|New Hampshire|SSN-778|6}}, the first Block II submarine. This boat was delivered eight months ahead of schedule and $54&nbsp;million under budget. Block&nbsp;II boats are built in four sections, compared to the ten sections of the Block I boats. This enables a cost saving of about $300&nbsp;million per boat, reducing the overall cost to $2&nbsp;billion per boat and the construction of two new boats per year. Beginning in 2010, new submarines of this class were to have included a software system that can monitor and reduce their [[Electromagnetism|electromagnetic]] signatures when needed.<ref>{{cite web |first=John |last=Pike |url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ship/ssn-774-spiral-1.htm |title=SSN-774 Virginia-class NSSN New Attack Submarine |website=Global Security |access-date=26 April 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150605021257/http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ship/ssn-774-spiral-1.htm |archive-date=5 June 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref>

The first full-duration six-month deployment was successfully carried out from 15 October 2009 to 13 April 2010.<ref>{{cite web|last=Communication |first=Mass |url=http://www.public.navy.mil/subfor/csg2/Pages/VARFD.aspx |title=VARFD.aspx |publisher=Public.navy.mil |access-date=26 July 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222101140/http://www.public.navy.mil/subfor/csg2/Pages/VARFD.aspx |archive-date=22 February 2014}}</ref> Authorization of full-rate production and the declaration of full operational capability was achieved five months later.<ref>{{cite press release |author=<!-- This story was written by Naval Sea Systems Command Team Submarine Public Affairs --> |url=http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=55866 |title=Virginia Class Program Reaches Major Milestone |publisher=United States Navy |location=Washington, DC |date=10 October 2010 |access-date=26 July 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222101140/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=55866 |archive-date=22 February 2014 }}</ref> In September 2010, it was found that [[Polyurethane|urethane]] tiles, applied to the hull to damp internal sound and absorb rather than reflect sonar pulses, were falling off while the subs were at sea.<ref>{{cite web |first=Craig |last=Hooper |url=http://nextnavy.com/virginia-class-when-does-hull-coating-separation-endanger-the-boat/ |title=Virginia Class: When does hull coating separation endanger the boat? |website=Next Navy |date=6 September 2010 |access-date=30 September 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120705034205/http://nextnavy.com/virginia-class-when-does-hull-coating-separation-endanger-the-boat/ |archive-date=5 July 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref> Admiral Kevin McCoy announced that the problems with the Mold-in-Place [[Special Hull Treatment]] for the early subs had been fixed in 2011, then ''Minnesota'' was built and found to have the same problem.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://nextnavy.com/the-virginia-peel-why-are-2-billion-dollar-subs-losing-their-skin/ |title=The Virginia Peel: Why are $2 Billion Dollar Subs Losing Their Skin? |last1=Hooper |first1=Craig |date=7 November 2013 |website=Next Navy |access-date=7 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131112025500/http://nextnavy.com/the-virginia-peel-why-are-2-billion-dollar-subs-losing-their-skin/ |archive-date=12 November 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2013, just as two-per-year sub construction was supposed to commence, Congress failed to resolve the [[United States fiscal cliff]], forcing the Navy to attempt to "de-obligate" construction funds.<ref>{{cite web |author=Christopher Cavas |url=http://archive.defensenews.com/article/20130303/DEFREG02/303030004/U-S-Navy-Sets-Budget-Cutting-Plans-Motion |title=U.S. Navy Sets Budget-cutting Plans in Motion |publisher=Blogs.defensenews.com |date=2 March 2013 |access-date=22 July 2015}}{{dead link|date=August 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>

In April 2019, the CRS reported that the Navy estimated the cost of a boat was $2.8&nbsp;billion.<ref name="CRS2019" /> In July 2023, the CRS reported that the Navy estimates at the present production rate of two boats per year that the cost per boat when equipped with the additional Virginia Payload Module (VPM) mid-body section was $4.3&nbsp;billion.<ref name="CRS2023" />

On 14 September 2023, at a [[United_States_congressional_hearing#Confirmation_hearings|Senate confirmation hearing]], Admiral [[Lisa Franchetti]] said that the [[US Navy]] would have to work with builders to raise the rate of production from 1.2/year to 2.2/year to meet the AUKUS target.<ref name="2023-09-15_DN">[https://www.defensenews.com/congress/2023/09/14/aukus-agreement-requires-submarine-production-boost-franchetti-says/ AUKUS agreement requires submarine production boost, Franchetti says], Bryant Harris, [[Defense News]], 2023-09-15</ref>

== Innovations ==
[[File:USS North Carolina (SSN-777) commissioning 2.jpg|thumb|{{USS|North Carolina|SSN-777|6}}, the last Block I boat, at her commissioning ceremony. Her advanced masts are visible in this image.]]
The ''Virginia'' class incorporates several innovations not found in previous US submarine classes.<ref name="baker1005">{{cite book |title=Combat Fleets of the World, 1998–1999 |last= Baker|first=A. D. III|publisher=Naval Institute Press |year=1998 |location=USA|isbn= 978-1-55750-111-0|page=1005}}</ref>

=== Technology barriers ===
Because of the low rate of ''Virginia'' production, the Navy entered into a program with [[DARPA]] to overcome technology barriers to lower the cost of attack submarines so that more could be built, to maintain the size of the fleet.<ref>{{cite report|last= O'Rourke |first= Ronald|url= https://fas.org/sgp/crs/weapons/RL32914.pdf|title=Navy Ship Acquisition: Options for Lower-Cost Ship Designs — Issues for Congress |series=RL32914|publisher=Congressional Research Service|date=23 June 2005|access-date=23 November 2012|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20121025051947/http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/weapons/RL32914.pdf|archive-date=25 October 2012|url-status= live}}</ref>

These include:<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.darpa.mil/Our_Work/STO/Programs/Tango_Bravo.aspx|title=Tango Bravo|work=Strategic Technology Office|publisher=[[DARPA]]|access-date=17 October 2012|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20121014043812/http://www.darpa.mil/Our_Work/STO/Programs/Tango_Bravo.aspx|archive-date=14 October 2012}}</ref>
* Propulsion concepts not constrained by a centerline shaft.
* Externally stowed and launched weapons (especially torpedoes).
* Conformal alternatives to the existing spherical sonar array.
* Technologies that eliminate or substantially simplify existing submarine hull, mechanical, and electrical systems.
* Automation to reduce crew workload for standard tasks

=== Unified Modular Masts ===
''Virginia''-class subs are the first class where all [[Radio masts and towers|masts]] share common design – the Universal Modular Mast (UMM) – designed by [[L3 Technologies|L3]] KEO<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www2.l-3com.com/keo/products/submarine.htm#o |title=Submarine Imaging |publisher= L-3com |access-date=26 April 2015 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150420040436/http://www2.l-3com.com/keo/products/submarine.htm#o |archive-date=20 April 2015 }}</ref> (previously Kollmorgen).<ref>{{cite press release |url= http://www.l-3com.com/media-center/press-releases.html?pr_id=1658097 |title=L-3 Completes Acquisition of Kollmorgen Electro-Optical |number= 212–697–1111 |publisher=L-3com |date=7 February 2012 |access-date= 26 April 2015 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150402111442/http://www.l-3com.com/media-center/press-releases.html?pr_id=1658097 |archive-date=2 April 2015 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |publisher=SPIE Europe |url=http://optics.org/news/3/2/7 |title=L-3 completes $210M Kollmorgen acquisition |work=Optics.org |date=8 February 2012 |access-date=26 April 2015 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150904031441/http://optics.org/news/3/2/7 |archive-date=4 September 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref> Shared components have been maximized and some design choices are also shared between different masts. The first UMM was installed on {{USS |Memphis|SSN-691|6}}, a ''Los Angeles''-class submarine.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www2.l-3com.com/keo/pdfs/AD-16%20PMP%20datasht.pdf |title= Photonics Mast Program |publisher=L-3 KEO |date=20 March 2008 |access-date=26 April 2015 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20121223014422/http://www2.l-3com.com/keo/pdfs/AD-16%20PMP%20datasht.pdf |archive-date=23 December 2012 }}</ref> The UMM is an integrated system for housing, erecting, and supporting submarine mast-mounted antennas and sensors.<ref>{{cite web |date=30 July 1998 |title=U.S. Navy: Vision… Presence… Power |url= http://www.navy.mil/navydata/policy/vision/vis98/vis-p10.html |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150420230121/http://www.navy.mil/navydata/policy/vision/vis98/vis-p10.html |archive-date=20 April 2015 |access-date=26 April 2015 |publisher=US Navy}}</ref> The UMMs are the following:
* Snorkel mast<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Virginia class Attack Submarine – SSN |url= https://www.seaforces.org/usnships/ssn/Virginia-class.htm |access-date=9 November 2011 |website= Sea forces}}</ref>
* Two photonic masts<ref name=":0" />
* Two communication masts<ref name=":0" />
* One or two high-data-rate satellite communication (SATCOM) masts,<ref>{{cite speech |url= http://www.navy.mil/navydata/cno/n87/congress/fages062000.html |title=RADM Fages' 2000 Testimony |publisher=Chief of Naval Operations, Submarine Warfare Division |date=27 June 2000 |access-date=26 April 2015 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20091222091814/http://www.navy.mil/navydata/cno/n87/congress/fages062000.html |archive-date=22 December 2009 }}</ref> built by Raytheon,<ref name= "raytheon1">{{cite press release |url= http://investor.raytheon.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=84193&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=597551 |title=Raytheon to Produce SATCOM System for New Virginia Class Submarine; Contract Valued at $29.4 Million |publisher=Raytheon |date=28 July 2000 |access-date=26 April 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151016051956/http://investor.raytheon.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=84193&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=597551 |archive-date=16 October 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref> enabling communication at [[Super High Frequency|super high frequency]] (for downlink) and [[Extremely High Frequency|extremely high frequency]] (for uplink) range<ref name=":0" /><ref name="raytheon1" /><ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.afspc.af.mil/library/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=7758 |title=Factsheets: Advanced Extremely High Frequency System |publisher=Air Force Space Command |date=25 March 2015 |access-date= 26 April 2015 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150919125701/http://www.afspc.af.mil/library/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=7758 |archive-date=19 September 2015}}</ref>
* Radar mast (carrying AN/BPS-16 surface search and navigation radar)<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite web |date=6 December 2013 |title = AN/BPS-15/16 Radar |url= http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_display.asp?cid=2100&tid=309&ct=2 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150327044420/http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_display.asp?cid=2100&tid=309&ct=2 |archive-date=27 March 2015 |access-date=26 April 2015 |website=Fact File |publisher=US Navy}}</ref>
* Electronic warfare mast (AN/BLQ-10 Electronic Support Measures) used to detect, analyze, and identify both radar and communication signals from ships, aircraft, submarines, and land-based transmitters<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.public.navy.mil/subfor/underseawarfaremagazine/Issues/Archives/issue_11/ship_sensors_weapons.html |title=Ships, Sensors, and Weapons |publisher=US Navy |date=Spring 2001 |volume=3 |issue=3 |access-date=26 April 2015 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150605233336/http://www.public.navy.mil/subfor/underseawarfaremagazine/Issues/Archives/issue_11/ship_sensors_weapons.html |archive-date=5 June 2015 }}</ref><ref>{{cite conference |url = https://www.myaoc.org/eweb/images/aoc_library/Events/2002/102802_CONV/02CONV_Proceedings/Day3/Track4/Phelps.pdf |title=AN/BLQ-10(V): Submarine Electronic Warfare Support for the 21st Century |last = Phelps |first=William |conference=39th Annual AOC International Symposium and Convention |location=Nashville, [[Tennessee | TN]] |publisher= Association of Old Crows |date=29 October 2002 |access-date=26 April 2015 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150402181142/https://www.myaoc.org/eweb/images/aoc_library/Events/2002/102802_CONV/02CONV_Proceedings/Day3/Track4/Phelps.pdf |archive-date=2 April 2015 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.dote.osd.mil/pub/reports/FY2013/pdf/navy/2013anblq10.pdf |title=AN/BLQ-10 Submarine Electronic Warfare Support System |publisher= OSD |access-date=26 April 2015 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150402115407/http://www.dote.osd.mil/pub/reports/FY2013/pdf/navy/2013anblq10.pdf |archive-date=2 April 2015 }}</ref>

===Photonics masts===
[[File:Manette de Xbox360, USS Colorado.jpg|thumb|A sailor using an [[Xbox 360 controller]] to control the photonic masts of [[USS Colorado (SSN-788)|USS ''Colorado'']] in 2018. It is the first submarine to use this Xbox controller.]]

The ''Virginia'' class is the first to utilize photonic sensors instead of a traditional [[periscope]]. The class is equipped with high-[[image resolution|resolution]] cameras, along with light-intensification and [[thermographic camera|infrared sensors]], an infrared [[laser rangefinder]], and an integrated [[Electronic Support Measures]] (ESM) array. Two redundant sets of these sensors are mounted on two [[AN/BVS-1]] [[photonics mast]]s<ref name= "baker1005" /> located outside the [[pressure hull]]. Signals from the masts' sensors are transmitted through [[optical fiber]] data lines through [[signal processor]]s to the control center.<ref>{{cite web |first=Claudio |last=Paschoa |url = http://www.marinetechnologynews.com/blogs/umm-photonics-mast-for-virginia-class-attack-submarines-700510 |title=UMM Photonics Mast for ''Virginia''-class Attack | work =Marine technology news |date= 11 September 2014 |access-date=26 April 2015 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150402162107/http://www.marinetechnologynews.com/blogs/umm-photonics-mast-for-virginia-class-attack-submarines-700510 |archive-date=2 April 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref> Visual feeds from the masts are displayed on [[liquid-crystal display]] interfaces in the command center.<ref name= "USW W99">{{cite web |last1=Graves |first1=Barbara |last2= Whitman |first2=Edward |date=Winter 1999 |title=''Virginia''-class: America's Next Submarine |url= http://www.public.navy.mil/subfor/underseawarfaremagazine/Issues/Archives/issue_02/virginia_class.htm |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150831001014/http://www.public.navy.mil/subfor/underseawarfaremagazine/Issues/Archives/issue_02/virginia_class.htm |archive-date=31 August 2015 |access-date= 26 April 2015 |publisher=US Navy |volume=1 |number=2}}</ref>

The design of earlier optical periscopes required them to penetrate the pressure hull, reducing the structural integrity of the pressure hull as well as increasing the risk of flooding, and also required the submarine's control room to be located directly below the sail/fin.<ref>{{cite web |last=Holian |first=Thomas |date=Fall 2004 |title=Eyes from the Deep: A History of U.S. Navy Submarine Periscopes |url= http://www.public.navy.mil/subfor/underseawarfaremagazine/Issues/Archives/issue_24/eyes.htm |publisher=US Navy |access-date=26 April 2015 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150904031441/http://www.public.navy.mil/subfor/underseawarfaremagazine/Issues/Archives/issue_24/eyes.htm |archive-date=4 September 2015 }}</ref> Implementation of photonics masts (which do not penetrate the pressure hull) enabled the submarine control room to be relocated to a position inside the pressure hull which is not necessarily directly below the sail.<ref name=":0" />

The current photonics masts have a visual appearance so different from ordinary periscopes that when the submarine is detected, it can be distinctly identified as a ''Virginia''-class vessel. As a result, current photonic masts will be replaced with Low-Profile Photonics Masts (LPPM) which resemble traditional submarine periscopes more closely.<ref name=":0" />

In the future, a non-rotational Affordable Modular Panoramic Photonics Mast may be fitted, enabling the submarine to obtain a simultaneous 360° view of the sea surface.<ref>{{cite web |date= October 2012 |title=Affordable Modular Panoramic Photonics Mast |url= http://www.onr.navy.mil/~/media/Files/Fact-Sheets/31/Affordable-Modular-Panoramic-Photonics.ashx |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150402125034/http://www.onr.navy.mil/~/media/Files/Fact-Sheets/31/Affordable-Modular-Panoramic-Photonics.ashx |archive-date=2 April 2015 |access-date=26 April 2015 |publisher=Office of Naval Research}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title= Affordable Modular Panoramic Photonics |url= http://www.onr.navy.mil/en/Media-Center/Fact-Sheets/Affordable-Modular-Panoramic-Photonics-Mast.aspx |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150402144708/http://www.onr.navy.mil/en/Media-Center/Fact-Sheets/Affordable-Modular-Panoramic-Photonics-Mast.aspx |archive-date=2 April 2015 |access-date=26 April 2015 |publisher=Office of Naval Research}}</ref>

=== Propulsor ===
In contrast to a traditional bladed propeller, the ''Virginia'' class uses pump-jet [[propulsor]]s by [[BAE Systems]],<ref>{{cite press release |url= http://www.baesystems.com/article/BAES_049643/bae-systems-delivers-first-us-navy-submarine-propulsor-from-louisville-facility-receives-additional-243-million-contract |title=BAE Systems Delivers First U.S. Navy Submarine Propulsor from Louisville Facility, Receives Additional $24.3 Million Contract |publisher=BAE Systems |date=1 June 2012 |access-date=26 April 2015 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150605233253/http://www.baesystems.com/article/BAES_049643/bae-systems-delivers-first-us-navy-submarine-propulsor-from-louisville-facility-receives-additional-243-million-contract |archive-date=5 June 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref> originally developed for the [[Royal Navy]]'s {{sclass|Swiftsure|submarine|1}}s.<ref>{{cite book |last1= Hool |first1=Jack |last2= Nutter |first2=Keith |title=Damned Un-English Machines, a history of Barrow-built submarines |publisher=Tempus |year=2003 |isbn= 978-0-7524-2781-2 |page=180}}</ref> The propulsor significantly reduces the risks of [[cavitation]], and allows quieter operation.

=== Improved sonar systems ===
[[Sonar]] arrays aboard ''Virginia''-class submarines have an "[[Open system (computing)|Open System Architecture]]" (OSA) which enables rapid insertion of new hardware and software as they become available. [[Hardware upgrade]]s (dubbed Technology Insertions) are usually carried out every four years, while [[software update]]s (dubbed Advanced Processor Builds) are carried out every two years. ''Virginia''-class submarines feature several types of sonar arrays.<ref name="npg13">{{cite web |date=2013 |title=US Navy Program Guide 2013 |url= http://www.navy.mil/navydata/policy/seapower/npg13/top-npg13.pdf |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160821160828/http://www.navy.mil/navydata/policy/seapower/npg13/top-npg13.pdf |archive-date=21 August 2016 |access-date=26 April 2015 |publisher=US Navy}}</ref>
* BQQ-10 bow-mounted spherical [[active sonar|active]]/[[passive sonar]] array<ref name="npg13" /><ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.soltron.co.kr/data/file/tech1_13/990609174_a5GOlHdf_Sonar_Type_Descriptions.pdf |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160629031446/http://www.soltron.co.kr/data/file/tech1_13/990609174_a5GOlHdf_Sonar_Type_Descriptions.pdf |archive-date=29 June 2016 |title=APPENDIX C Exercise and Sonar Type Descriptions |date=December 2008 |access-date= 26 April 2015}}</ref> (Large Aperture Bow (LAB) sonar array from SSN-784 onward)
* A wide aperture lightweight fiber optic sonar array, consisting of three flat panels mounted low along either side of the hull<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.northropgrumman.com/Capabilities/SubmarineHullArrays/Pages/ |title=Submarine Hull Arrays |publisher= Northrop Grumman |access-date=26 April 2015 }}{{dead link|date=August 2023|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>
* Two high frequency active sonars mounted in the sail and bow. The chin-mounted (below the bow) and sail-mounted high frequency sonars supplement the (spherical/LAB) main sonar array, enabling safer operations in coastal waters, enhancing under-ice navigation, and improving [[anti-submarine warfare]] performance.<ref>{{cite web
|url= http://www.ultra-os.com/special.php |title=Special Purpose Sonar |publisher= Ultra Electronics Ocean Systems |access-date= 26 April 2015|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150314050256/http://www.ultra-os.com/special.php |archive-date=14 March 2015 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.navy.mil/navydata/cno/n87/usw/issue_3/uss_asheville.htm |title = USS ''Asheville'' Leads the Way in High Frequency Sonar
|publisher = Navy|volume = 1 |issue = 3|year = 1999|first1 = Leonard|last1 = Moreavek |first2 = T.J|last2 = Brudner
|access-date = 26 April 2015 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121002042424/http://www.navy.mil/navydata/cno/n87/usw/issue_3/uss_asheville.htm |archive-date = 2 October 2012}}</ref>
* Low-Cost [[wikt:conformal|Conformal]] Array (LCCA) [[high frequency]] sonar, mounted on both sides of the submarine's sail. Provides coverage above and behind the submarine.<ref>{{cite web |last=Keller |first=John |url= http://www.militaryaerospace.com/articles/2012/03/lockheed-martin-to-provide-navy-submarines-with-360-degree-situational-awareness-sail-mounted-sonar.html |title=Lockheed Martin to provide Navy submarines with 360-degree situational-awareness sail-mounted sonar |publisher=Military & Aerospace Electronics |date=25 March 2012 |access-date=26 April 2015 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150215230732/http://www.militaryaerospace.com/articles/2012/03/lockheed-martin-to-provide-navy-submarines-with-360-degree-situational-awareness-sail-mounted-sonar.html |archive-date=15 February 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref>

''Virginia''-class submarines are also equipped with a low frequency [[towed array sonar|towed sonar array]] and a high frequency towed sonar array.<ref name="military.com">{{cite web |url= http://www.military.com/equipment/virginia-class-attack-submarine-ssn |title=Virginia Class Attack Submarine - SSN | work =Military |access-date=26 April 2015 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150507084934/http://www.military.com/equipment/virginia-class-attack-submarine-ssn |archive-date=7 May 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref>
* TB-16 or TB-34 fat line tactical towed sonar array<ref name= "autogenerated3">{{cite web |url= http://www.dote.osd.mil/pub/reports/FY2013/pdf/navy/2013arci.pdf |title=Acoustic Rapid Commercial Off‑the‑Shelf (COTS) Insertion (A-RCI) and AN/BYG‑1 Combat Control System |publisher= OSD |access-date=26 April 2015 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150923220213/http://www.dote.osd.mil/pub/reports/FY2013/pdf/navy/2013arci.pdf |archive-date=23 September 2015 }}</ref><ref name= "globalsecurity1">{{cite web |url= http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/budget/fy2009/dot-e/navy/2009arci.pdf |title=Acoustic Rapid Commercial Off-the-Shelf (COTS) Insertion for Sonar AN/BQQ-10 (V) (A-RCI) |publisher=Global Security |access-date=26 April 2015 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150924065357/http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/budget/fy2009/dot-e/navy/2009arci.pdf |archive-date=24 September 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref>
* TB-29 or TB-33 thin line long-range search towed sonar array<ref name="autogenerated3" /><ref name="globalsecurity1" />

=== Rescue equipment ===
* [[Submarine Escape Immersion Equipment]] MK11 suit(s) that enable ascent from a sunken submarine (maximum ascent depth {{convert|600|ft|m}})<ref name="npg13" /><ref>{{cite web |author=Crafty Devil |url= http://www.survitecgroup.com/products/seie-mk11 |title=Products » RFD Beaufort – SEIE MK11 |publisher=Survitec Group |access-date=26 April 2015 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150427111710/http://survitecgroup.com/products/seie-mk11 |archive-date=27 April 2015 }}</ref>
* [[Lithium hydroxide]] canisters that remove [[carbon dioxide]] from the submarine's atmosphere<ref name="npg13" />
* Submarine Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon ([[SEPIRB]])<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.ultra-os.com/underwater.php |title=Ultra Electronics Ocean Systems - Underwater Communications |publisher=Ultra Electronics |access-date=26 April 2015 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150506081603/http://www.ultra-os.com/underwater.php |archive-date=6 May 2015 }}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=SSN 774 Class Guard Book – Disabled Submarine Survival Guide – Aft Escape Trunk (Logistics Escape Truck) |url= http://www.public.navy.mil/fltfor/insurv3/Getting_Inspected/Documents/Submarine/References/Survivability%20and%20Escape/774_Guard_Book/774CL%20Aft%20Guard%20Book%20S9594-AP-SAR-H10%20Rev00%20with%20ACN%201-1%20ACN%201-2%20ACN%201-3.pdf |at=Card 6I |publisher=US Navy |date=29 March 2012 |access-date=4 June 2015 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140602213254/http://www.public.navy.mil/fltfor/insurv3/Getting_Inspected/Documents/Submarine/References/Survivability%20and%20Escape/774_Guard_Book/774CL%20Aft%20Guard%20Book%20S9594-AP-SAR-H10%20Rev00%20with%20ACN%201-1%20ACN%201-2%20ACN%201-3.pdf |archive-date=2 June 2014 }}</ref>

=== Virginia Payload Module ===
[[File:150801-N-EO381-162.JPG|thumb|right|{{USS|John Warner|SSN-785|6}} at her commissioning ceremony on 1 August 2015, with forward Virginia Payload Tube hatch open]]
The Block III submarines have two multipurpose Virginia Payload Tubes (VPT) replacing the dozen single purpose cruise missile launch tubes.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://breakingdefense.com/2014/04/navy-sub-program-stumbles-ssn-north-dakota-delayed-by-launch-tube-troubles/ |title=Navy Sub Program Stumbles: SSN North Dakota Delayed By Launch Tube Troubles |last1=Freedberg Jr. |first1=Sydney J. |date=16 April 2014 |work = Breaking Defense |publisher=Breaking Media |access-date=16 April 2014 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140417083219/http://breakingdefense.com/2014/04/navy-sub-program-stumbles-ssn-north-dakota-delayed-by-launch-tube-troubles/ |archive-date=17 April 2014 |url-status= live}}</ref>

The Block V submarines built from 2019 onward will have an additional Virginia Payload Module (VPM) mid-body section, increasing their overall length. The VPM will add four more VPTs of the same diameter and greater height, located on the centerline, carrying up to seven Tomahawk missiles apiece, that would replace some of the capabilities lost when the SSGN conversion {{sclass|Ohio|submarine|1}}s are retired from the fleet.<ref name=RL32418 /><ref name="VPM">{{cite web |url= http://www.public.navy.mil/subfor/underseawarfaremagazine/issues/archives/issue_47/virginia.html |title=The Virginia Payload Module: A Revolutionary Concept for Attack Submarines |last1=Hasslinger |first1=Karl |last2=Pavlos |first2=John |date=Winter 2012 |issue=47 |publisher=US Navy |access-date=16 April 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140903104754/http://www.public.navy.mil/subfor/underseawarfaremagazine/issues/archives/issue_47/virginia.html |archive-date=3 September 2014 }}</ref> Initially eight payload tubes/silos were planned<ref name="VPM" /> but this was later rejected in favor of four tubes installed in a {{convert|70|ft|adj=on}} long module between the operations compartment and the propulsion spaces.<ref name="VPM" /><ref>{{cite news |url= http://news.usni.org/2013/11/04/navy-selects-virginia-payload-module-design-concept |title=Navy Selects Virginia Payload Module Design Concept |work=USNI News |publisher=U.S. Naval Institute |date=4 November 2013 |access-date=17 November 2013 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131111113057/http://news.usni.org/2013/11/04/navy-selects-virginia-payload-module-design-concept |archive-date=11 November 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url= http://news.usni.org/2013/10/24/document-peo-subs-overview-u-s-navy-undersea-programs#more-5177 |title=Document: PEO Subs Overview of U.S. Navy Undersea Programs |work=USNI News |publisher=U.S. Naval Institute |date=24 October 2013 |access-date=17 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131111113609/http://news.usni.org/2013/10/24/document-peo-subs-overview-u-s-navy-undersea-programs#more-5177 |archive-date=11 November 2013 |url-status= live}}</ref>

The VPM could potentially carry (non-nuclear) medium-range ballistic missiles. Adding the VPM would increase the cost of each submarine by $500&nbsp;million (2012 prices).<ref>{{cite news |last=Grossman |first=Elaine M. |url=http://www.nti.org/gsn/article/us-senate-panel-limits-navy-effort-add-missiles-attack-submarines/ |title=U.S. Senate Panel Curbs Navy Effort to Add Missiles to Attack Submarines |agency=Global Security Newswire |publisher=Nuclear Threat Initiative |date=1 August 2012 |access-date=6 February 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130203025801/http://www.nti.org/gsn/article/us-senate-panel-limits-navy-effort-add-missiles-attack-submarines/ |archive-date=3 February 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref> This additional cost would be offset by reducing the total submarine force by four boats.<ref>{{cite news |last=Cavas |first=Christopher P. |url=http://archive.navytimes.com/article/20130204/NEWS/302040306/Navy-cuts-fleet-goal-to-306-ships |title=Navy cuts fleet goal to 306 ships |work=Navy Times |date=4 February 2013 |access-date=6 February 2013}}{{Dead link|date=August 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes}}</ref> More recent reports state that as a cost reduction measure the VPM would carry only Tomahawk SLCM and possibly unmanned undersea vehicles (UUV) with the new price tag now estimated at $360–380&nbsp;million per boat (in 2010 prices). The VPM launch tubes/silos will reportedly be similar in design to the ones planned for the ''Ohio'' class replacement.<ref>{{cite web |last=Ross |first=Robert T. |url=https://portal.ct.gov/oma/in-the-news/2013-news/lower-ohioclass-replacement-cost-tied-to-vaclass-multiyear-deal-could-achieve-8-to-15-percent-saving |title=Lower Ohio-Class Replacement Cost Tied To VA-Class Multiyear Deal: Could Achieve 8 To 15 Percent Savings |website=State of Connecticut, Office of Military Affairs |date=17 May 2013 |access-date=26 July 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130925093729/http://www.ct.gov/oma/cwp/view.asp?a=3422&q=525006 |archive-date=25 September 2013 |url-status= live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first=Kris |last= Osborn |url= http://defensetech.org/2014/01/28/navy-electric-boat-test-tube-launched-underwater-vehicle/ |title=Navy, Electric Boat Test Tube-Launched Underwater Vehicle |publisher=Defense Tech |location= Groton, [[Connecticut | CT]] |date=28 January 2014 |access-date=9 February 2014 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140204222103/http://defensetech.org/2014/01/28/navy-electric-boat-test-tube-launched-underwater-vehicle/ |archive-date=4 February 2014 |url-status=usurped}}</ref> In July 2016 General Dynamics was awarded $19&nbsp;million for VPM development.<ref>{{cite web |date=19 July 2016 |title=General Dynamics Awarded $19 Million by U.S. Navy for Virginia Payload Module Development |url= http://www.generaldynamics.com/news/press-releases/2016/07/general-dynamics-awarded-19-million-us-navy-virginia-payload-module |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170302114956/http://www.generaldynamics.com/news/press-releases/2016/07/general-dynamics-awarded-19-million-us-navy-virginia-payload-module |archive-date=2 March 2017 |access-date=1 March 2017}}</ref> In February 2017 General Dynamics was awarded $126&nbsp;million for long lead time construction of Block V submarines equipped with VPM.<ref>{{cite web |date=16 February 2017 |title=General Dynamics Awarded $126 Million by U.S. Navy for Virginia-Class Block V Long Lead Time Material |url= http://www.generaldynamics.com/news/press-releases/2017/02/general-dynamics-awarded-126-million-us-navy-virginia-class-block-v-long |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170302114946/http://www.generaldynamics.com/news/press-releases/2017/02/general-dynamics-awarded-126-million-us-navy-virginia-class-block-v-long |archive-date=2 March 2017 |access-date=1 March 2017}}</ref>

The VPM was designed by General Dynamics Electric Boat;<ref>{{cite web |title=BWX Technologies to Develop Payload Tubes for Virginia-class Submarines |url= http://www.defenseworld.net/news/18058/BWX_Technologies_To_Develop_Payload_Tubes_For_Virginia_class_Submarines |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180630161702/http://www.defenseworld.net/news/18058/BWX_Technologies_To_Develop_Payload_Tubes_For_Virginia_class_Submarines |archive-date=30 June 2018 |access-date= 30 June 2018}}</ref> however, manufacturing is undertaken by BWX Technologies and BAE Systems.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.baesystems.com/en/article/bae-systems-ramps-up-for-virginia-class-payload-module-launch-tube-production |title=BAE Systems ramps up for Virginia-class submarine payload module launch tube production |access-date=30 June 2018 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180630161908/https://www.baesystems.com/en/article/bae-systems-ramps-up-for-virginia-class-payload-module-launch-tube-production |archive-date=30 June 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref>

===High-energy laser weapon===
According to open-source budget documents, ''Virginia''-class submarines are planned to be equipped with a high-energy [[laser weapon]] likely to be incorporated into the photonics mast and have a power output of 300–500 kilowatts, based on the submarine's 30 megawatts reactor capacity.<ref name="pop_mech_laser_weapon">{{cite magazine |url= https://www.popularmechanics.com/military/navy-ships/a30647372/laser-nuclear-subs/ |title=The Navy Is Arming Nuclear Subs With Lasers. No One Knows Why |magazine=[[Popular Mechanics]] |date=4 February 2020 |access-date=9 February 2020}}</ref><ref name= "Sutton_forbes_laser_weapon">{{cite magazine |url= https://www.forbes.com/sites/hisutton/2020/02/09/the-navy-will-arm-attack-submarines-with-high-energy-lasers/ |title=The Navy Is Arming Attack Submarines With High Energy Lasers |magazine= [[Forbes]] |date=9 February 2020 |access-date=9 February 2020}}</ref>

=== Other improved equipment ===
[[File:US Navy 040822-N-2653P-344 One of PCU Virginia's (SSN 774) new components is it's diesel generator, a Caterpillar 3512B V-12 Twin-turbo charged engine.jpg|thumb|''Virginia'' class diesel generator control panel]]
* [[Optical fiber]] [[fly-by-wire]] ''Ship Control System'' replaces electro-hydraulic systems for control surface actuation.
* [[Command and control]] system module (CCSM) built by Lockheed Martin.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.naval-technology.com/projects/nssn/ |title=NSSN Virginia Class Attack Submarine |publisher=naval-technology |date=15 June 2011 |access-date=26 April 2015 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150420153602/http://www.naval-technology.com/projects/nssn/ |archive-date=20 April 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Kearney |first=Tom|url=http://www.public.navy.mil/subfor/underseawarfaremagazine/Issues/Archives/issue_11/pcu_virginia.html |title=Status Report: PCU Virginia (SSN-774) |publisher=US Navy |date=Spring 2001 |volume=3 |number=3 |access-date=26 April 2015 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150606034138/http://www.public.navy.mil/subfor/underseawarfaremagazine/Issues/Archives/issue_11/pcu_virginia.html |archive-date=6 June 2015 }}</ref>
* The auxiliary generator is powered by a Caterpillar model 3512B V-12 marine diesel engine. This replaced the [[Fairbanks-Morse]] diesel engine, which would not fit in ''Virginia''{{'}}s auxiliary machinery room.
* Modernized version of the AN/BSY-1 integrated combat system<ref name="SSN-774 Virginia class" /> designated AN/BYG-1 (previously designated CCS Mk2) and built by [[General Dynamics]] AIS (previously [[Raytheon]]).<ref>{{cite web |url= http://raytheon.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=360 |title= Raytheon Delivers Submarine Combat System to Royal Australian Navy |publisher=Raytheon |date=30 January 2006 |access-date=26 April 2015 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150215231030/http://raytheon.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=360 |archive-date=15 February 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/General-Dynamics-To-Upgrade-Submarine-Weapons-Control-Systems-05631/ |title=General Dynamics To Upgrade Submarine Weapons Control Systems |date=21 July 2009 |work = Defense Industry Daily |access-date=26 April 2015 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150511021719/http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/General-Dynamics-To-Upgrade-Submarine-Weapons-Control-Systems-05631/ |archive-date=11 May 2015 |url-status= live}}</ref> AN/BYG-1 integrates the submarine Tactical Control System (TCS), Payload Control System (PCS) (formerly Weapon Control System (WCS)), and Information Assurance (IA).<ref>{{cite web |title=AN/BYG-1 Submarine Tactical Control System (TCS) |url= http://www.gd-ais.com/Domains/ANBYG-1-Submarine-Tactical-Control-System-(TCS) |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160304192350/http://www.gd-ais.com/Domains/ANBYG-1-Submarine-Tactical-Control-System-(TCS) |archive-date=4 March 2016 |access-date=26 April 2015 |publisher = General Dynamics}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.militaryaerospace.com/articles/2013/06/gd-cots-submarine.html |title=General Dynamics continues project to upgrade submarine electronics with COTS computers |publisher=Military & Aerospace Electronics |date=27 June 2013 |access-date=26 April 2015 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150215220456/http://www.militaryaerospace.com/articles/2013/06/gd-cots-submarine.html |archive-date=15 February 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Progeny Systems to build and upgrade submarine combat system to control weapons on Navy fast-attack boats |url=https://www.militaryaerospace.com/computers/article/14201664/submarine-weapons-combat-system |website=Military+Aerospace Electronics |date=20 April 2021 |access-date=25 February 2024}}</ref>
* USS ''California'' was the first ''Virginia''-class submarine with the advanced electromagnetic signature reduction system built into it, but this system is being retrofitted into the other submarines of the class.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d09326sp.pdf |title= GAO-09-326SP
|publisher=[[Government Accounting Office]] |date=March 2009 |access-date=26 April 2015 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20141206115911/http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d09326sp.pdf |archive-date=6 December 2014 }}</ref>
* Integral 9-man [[Diving chamber|lock-out diving chamber]].<ref name= "aticourses">{{cite web |title=USS Virginia SSN-774-A New Steel Shark at Sea |url = http://www.aticourses.com/blog/index.php/2011/07/19/uss-virginia-ssn-774a-new-steel-shark-at-sea/ |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150509163728/http://www.aticourses.com/blog/index.php/2011/07/19/uss-virginia-ssn-774a-new-steel-shark-at-sea |archive-date=9 May 2015 |access-date=26 April 2015 |publisher=Applied Technology Institute}}</ref>

== Specifications ==
[[File:774 Virginia construction.jpg|thumb|Lead boat ''Virginia'' under construction]]
* Builders: [[General Dynamics Electric Boat]] and [[Huntington Ingalls Industries|HII Newport News Shipbuilding]]
* Length: {{convert|377|ft|m|2|abbr=on}} [Block V: 460&nbsp;ft (140.2 m)]
* Beam: {{convert|34|ft|m|2|abbr=on}}
* Displacement: {{convert|7800|LT|t|sp=us}} [Block V: {{convert|10200|LT|t|sp=us}}
* Payload: 40 weapons, [[special operations force]]s, [[unmanned undersea vehicle]]s, Advanced [[United States Navy SEALs|SEAL]] Delivery System ([[Advanced SEAL Delivery System|ASDS]]) [Block V: 40 [[Tomahawk (missile family)|Tomahawk cruise missiles]]]
* Propulsion: [[S9G reactor|S9G nuclear reactor]] delivering {{convert|40,000|shp|MW}}.<ref>{{cite thesis |last=Ragheb |first=M. |title=Nuclear Marine Propulsion |url=http://www.ewp.rpi.edu/hartford/~ernesto/F2010/EP2/Materials4Students/Misiaszek/NuclearMarinePropulsion.pdf |publisher=Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute |date=11 November 2010 |access-date=4 June 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150226055625/http://www.ewp.rpi.edu/hartford/~ernesto/F2010/EP2/Materials4Students/Misiaszek/NuclearMarinePropulsion.pdf |archive-date=26 February 2015 }}</ref> Nuclear core life estimated at 33 years.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.alternatewars.com/BBOW/Nuclear/US_Naval_Reactors.htm|title=U.S. Naval Reactors|access-date=4 December 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121231134230/http://www.alternatewars.com/BBOW/Nuclear/US_Naval_Reactors.htm|archive-date=31 December 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> Nuclear fuel manufactured by BWX Technologies.<ref>{{cite press release |url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180226005115/en/BWXT-Announces-492-Million-Naval-Nuclear-Reactor |title=BWXT Announces $492 Million in Naval Nuclear Reactor Contract Option Awards |date=26 February 2018 |access-date=30 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180630161657/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180226005115/en/BWXT-Announces-492-Million-Naval-Nuclear-Reactor |archive-date=30 June 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web
|url=http://www.nuclearfuelservices.com/
|title=Protecting the Future of Freedom across the globe
|publisher=nuclearfuelservices.com
|date=11 May 2018
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180630161721/http://www.nuclearfuelservices.com/ |archive-date=30 June 2018
|access-date=27 April 2022}}</ref>
* Test depth: greater than {{convert|800|ft|m|abbr=on}}, allegedly around {{convert|1600|ft}}.<ref name="aticourses" />
* Speed: Greater than {{convert|25|kn}},<ref name="NavyFactFile">{{Cite web |title=Attack Submarines - SSN |url=https://www.navy.mil/Resources/Fact-Files/Display-FactFiles/article/2169558/attack-submarines-ssn/ |access-date=2023-03-12 |website=www.navy.mil |language=en-US}}</ref> allegedly up to {{convert|35|kn}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://zbigniewmazurak.wordpress.com/2015/02/17/how-american-russian-and-chinese-nuclear-powered-submarines-compare|title=How American, Russian, and Chinese Nuclear-POwered Submarines Compare|year=2015|access-date=17 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160824153417/https://zbigniewmazurak.wordpress.com/2015/02/17/how-american-russian-and-chinese-nuclear-powered-submarines-compare/|archive-date=24 August 2016|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.scout.com/military/warrior/story/1713246-virginia-class-vs-russian-yasen-class-sub-war|title= US Virginia Class vs Russian Yasen Class Submarine Warfare - Who Wins?|year= 2017|access-date = 17 June 2017|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170623043613/http://www.scout.com/military/warrior/story/1713246-virginia-class-vs-russian-yasen-class-sub-war|archive-date = 23 June 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=RESP9IOmczoC&q=virginia+class+35+knots&pg=PA160|title=Modern Warships|year=2007|isbn=978-1-61673-260-8|last1=Kit Bonner|first1=Carolyn Bonner|publisher=Zenith Imprint }}</ref>
* Planned cost: about US$1.65 billion each (based on FY95 dollars, 30-boat class and two boat/year build-rate)
* Actual cost: US$1.5 billion (in 1994 prices), US$2.6 billion (in 2012 prices)<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.gao.gov/assets/230/220367.pdf|title=Lessons of Prior Programs May Reduce New Attack Submarine Cost Increases and Delays|author1=Ted Kennedy|author2-link=John Conyers|author2=John Conyers|date=20 October 1994|work=[[Government Accountability Office]]|access-date=12 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131113071414/http://www.gao.gov/assets/230/220367.pdf|archive-date=13 November 2013|author1-link=Ted Kennedy}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/Virginia-Class-Sub-Program-Wins-Acquisition-Award-05167/ |title=Virginia Class Sub Program Wins Acquisition Award |publisher=Defenseindustrydaily.com |date=20 November 2008 |access-date=23 March 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130501104350/http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/Virginia-Class-Sub-Program-Wins-Acquisition-Award-05167/ |archive-date=1 May 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref>
* Annual operating cost: $50 million per unit (in 2012 prices)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineopinion.com.au/view.asp?article=14311|title=Facts favour nuclear-powered submarines|first=Simon|last=Cowan|date=5 November 2012|access-date=9 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121115023855/http://onlineopinion.com.au/view.asp?article=14311|archive-date=2012-11-15|url-status=live}}</ref>
* Crew: 120 enlisted and 14 officers
* Armament: 12 [[Vertical Launching System|VLS]] & four [[torpedo]] tubes, capable of launching [[Mark 48 torpedo]]es, [[Tomahawk (missile family)#Upgrades|UGM-109 Tactical Tomahawks]], [[Harpoon missile]]s<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://news.usni.org/2016/02/18/west-u-s-navy-anti-ship-tomahawk-set-for-surface-ships-subs-starting-in-2021
|title=West: U.S. Navy Anti-Ship Tomahawk Set for Surface Ships, Subs Starting in 2021
|date=18 February 2016
|access-date=18 February 2016
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170611002318/https://news.usni.org/2016/02/18/west-u-s-navy-anti-ship-tomahawk-set-for-surface-ships-subs-starting-in-2021
|archive-date=11 June 2017
|url-status=live}}</ref> and the new advanced mobile [[naval mine|mine]] when it becomes available.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Wahoo (SSN-806) |url=http://www.navsource.net/archives/08/08806.htm |access-date=9 November 2022 |website=NavSource}}</ref> Block V boats will have the additional VPM module which contains four large diameter tubes which can accommodate seven Tomahawk cruise missiles each. This would increase the total number of torpedo-sized weapons (such as Tomahawks) carried by the ''Virginia''-class design from about 37 to about 65—an increase of about 76%.<ref>{{cite web
|url=https://fas.org/sgp/crs/weapons/RL32418.pdf |title= Navy Virginia (SSN774) Class Attack Submarine Procurement: Background and Issues for Congress (updated)
|publisher=fas.org
|date=31 March 2022
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151126101711/https://fas.org/sgp/crs/weapons/RL32418.pdf
|archive-date=26 November 2015
|access-date=27 April 2022}}<!--Note:url was updated after archiving--></ref>
* Decoys: Acoustic Device Countermeasure Mk 3/4<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://www.ultra-os.com/acoustic.php
|title=Acoustic Countermeasures
|publisher=Ultra Electronics Ocean Systems
|access-date=15 December 2012
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120815031301/http://www.ultra-os.com/acoustic.php
|archive-date=15 August 2012
}}</ref>

== Blocks ==
=== Block I ===
[[File:USS Texas (SSN-775) christening ceremony.jpg|thumb|{{USS|Texas|SSN-775|6}}, the second Block I boat at her christening ceremony]]
Block I includes 4 boats and modular construction techniques were incorporated during construction.<ref>{{cite web |last=Patani |first=Arif |url=http://navylive.dodlive.mil/2012/09/24/next-generation-ohio-class/ |title=Next Generation Ohio-Class |website=Navy Live |publisher=US Navy |date=24 September 2012 |access-date=21 April 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130428124226/http://navylive.dodlive.mil/2012/09/24/next-generation-ohio-class/ |archive-date=28 April 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref> Earlier submarines (e.g., ''Los Angeles''-class SSNs) were built by assembling the pressure hull and then installing the equipment via cavities in the pressure hull. This required extensive construction activities within the narrow confines of the pressure hull which was time-consuming and dangerous. Modular construction was implemented in an effort to overcome these problems and make the construction process more efficient. Modular construction techniques incorporated during construction include constructing large segments of equipment outside the hull. These segments (dubbed rafts) are then inserted into a hull section (a large segment of the pressure hull). The integrated raft and hull section form a module which, when joined with other modules, forms a ''Virginia''-class submarine.<ref name=Holmander>{{cite news |first1=John D. |last1=Holmander |first2=Thomas |last2=Plante |title=The Four-Module Build Plan: The Second Decade of Virginia-class Construction Gets Better |journal=Undersea Warfare |url=http://www.public.navy.mil/subfor/underseawarfaremagazine/Issues/Archives/issue_43/build_plan.html |publisher=US Navy |date=Winter 2011 |issue=43 |access-date=4 June 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924120328/http://www.public.navy.mil/subfor/underseawarfaremagazine/Issues/Archives/issue_43/build_plan.html |archive-date=24 September 2015 }}</ref> Block I boats were built in 10 modules with each submarine requiring roughly 7 years (84 months) to build.<ref>{{cite conference |last1=Johnson |first1=David C. |first2=George M. |last2=Drakeley |first3=George M. |last3=Smith |title=Engineering the Solution: Virginia-Class Submarine Cost Reduction |conference=Engineering the Total Ship (ETS) 2008 |url=https://www.navalengineers.org/SiteCollectionDocuments/2008%20Proceedings%20Documents/ETS%202008/VA%20Class%20ASNE%20Paper%20FINAL.pdf |location=Falls Church, Virginia |publisher=American Society of Naval Engineers |date=23 September 2008 |access-date=21 April 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140203084604/https://www.navalengineers.org/SiteCollectionDocuments/2008%20Proceedings%20Documents/ETS%202008/VA%20Class%20ASNE%20Paper%20FINAL.pdf |archive-date=3 February 2014}}</ref>
{{clear}}

=== Block II ===
[[File:US Navy 080621-N-8467N-001 Pre-commissioning Unit New Hampshire (SSN 778) sits moored to the pier at General Dynamics Electric Boat shipyard moments before her christening ceremony commenced.jpg|thumb|{{USS|New Hampshire|SSN-778|6}}, the first of the Block II boats]]
Block II comprised 6 boats; they were built in four sections rather than ten, saving about $300&nbsp;million per boat. Block II boats (except the ''New Hampshire'') were also built under a multi-year procurement agreement as opposed to a block-buy contract in Block I, enabling savings in the range of $400&nbsp;million ($80&nbsp;million per boat).<ref name=RL32418 /><ref name=Butler /> As a result of improvements in the construction process, ''New Hampshire'' (SSN-778) was US$500&nbsp;million cheaper, required 3.7&nbsp;million fewer labor hours to build (25% less), thus shortening the construction period by 15 months (20% less) compared to ''Virginia''.<ref name=Holmander />
{{clear}}

=== Block III ===
[[File:USS North Dakota (SSN-784) at sea in August 2014.JPG|thumb|{{USS|North Dakota|SSN-784|6}}, the first of the VPT-equipped Block III ''Virginia''-class submarines.]]
Construction of Block III, {{USS|North Dakota|SSN-784|1}} through [[SSN-791]] (8 boats), began in 2009. Block III subs feature a revised bow with a Large Aperture Bow (LAB) sonar array, as well as technology from ''Ohio''-class [[SSGN]]s (2 VLS tubes each containing 6 missiles).<ref name="RevisedBow">{{cite news |date=21 December 2008 |title=Virginia Block III: The Revised Bow |work=Defense Industry Daily |url=http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/virginia-block-iii-the-revised-bow-04159/ |access-date=20 May 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080621073152/http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/virginia-block-iii-the-revised-bow-04159/ |archive-date=21 June 2008 |url-status=live}}</ref> The horseshoe-shaped LAB sonar array replaces the spherical main sonar array which has been used on all U.S. Navy SSNs since 1960.<ref name=Butler/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.navy.mil/navydata/cno/n87/history/subhistory3.html |title=Submarine Technology Through the Years |website=Chief of Naval Operations, Submarine Warfare Division, Submarine History |publisher=US Navy |date=19 July 1997 |access-date=23 March 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120212063112/http://www.navy.mil/navydata/cno/n87/history/subhistory3.html |archive-date=12 February 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Paul |last=Lambert |url=http://www.usstullibee.com/tullibeehistory.html |title=Official USS Tullibee (SSN 597) Web Site - USS Tullibee History |access-date=23 March 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140517121715/http://www.usstullibee.com/tullibeehistory.html |archive-date=17 May 2014 }}</ref> The LAB sonar array is water-backed—as opposed to earlier sonar arrays which were air-backed—and consists of a passive array and a medium-frequency active array.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.navsource.net/archives/08/08784.htm |title=North Dakota (SSN-784) |website=NavSource |access-date=22 April 2014}}</ref> Compared to earlier ''Virginia''-class submarines about 40% of the bow has been redesigned.{{clarify|date=January 2015}}<ref>{{cite news |last=LaGrone |first=Sam |url=http://news.usni.org/2014/04/17/navy-delays-commissioning-latest-nuclear-attack-submarine |title=Navy Delays Commissioning of Latest Nuclear Attack Submarine |work=USNI News |publisher=U.S. Naval Institute |date=17 April 2014 |access-date=22 April 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140429121624/http://news.usni.org/2014/04/17/navy-delays-commissioning-latest-nuclear-attack-submarine |archive-date=29 April 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref>

''South Dakota'' (SSN-790) will be equipped with a new propulsor,<ref name="seapowermagazine.org">{{cite web
|url=http://seapowermagazine.org/stories/20160812-sdak.html
|title=Posted:New Acoustic Quieting to be Tested on Submarine South Dakota
|publisher=seapowermagazine.org
|date=12 August 2016
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161022223715/http://seapowermagazine.org/stories/20160812-sdak.html
|archive-date=22 October 2016
|access-date=27 April 2022}}</ref> possibly the Hybrid Multi-Material Rotor (HMMR),<ref name="darpa.mil">{{cite web
|url=http://www.darpa.mil/attachments/TTOProposersDay2016PresentationFINAL.PDF |title=Welcome to Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Tactical Technology Office (TTO) Proposers Day
|publisher=darpa.mil
|date=21 April 2016
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161023050834/http://www.darpa.mil/attachments/TTOProposersDay2016PresentationFINAL.PDF |archive-date=23 October 2016
|access-date=27 April 2022}}</ref><ref name="summit-group.com">{{cite web
|url=http://www.summit-group.com/Projects/Maritime.html
|title=SEG projects in the Maritime domain
|publisher=summit-group.com
|date=2012
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150331235250/http://summit-group.com/Projects/Maritime.html
|archive-date=31 March 2015
|access-date=27 April 2022}}</ref> developed by Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency ([[DARPA]]).<ref name="seapowermagazine.org" /> The Hybrid Multi-Material Rotor program is an attempt to improve the design and manufacturing process of submarine propellers with an aim of reducing the cost and weight of the propeller/rotor as well as improving overall acoustic performance.<ref name="seapowermagazine.org" /><ref name="darpa.mil"/><ref name="summit-group.com" />
{{clear}}

=== Block IV ===
[[File:USS Vermont (SSN-792) underway on the Thames River at Groton, Connecticut (USA), on 15 October 2020 (201015-N-AY957-202).JPG|alt=USS Vermont is the first Block IV Virginia class submarine|thumb|{{USS|Vermont|SSN-792|6}} is the first Block IV ''Virginia''-class submarine.]]
Block IV consists of ten submarines.<ref>{{cite web |title=U.S. Navy Fact Sheet Attack Submarines - SSN |url=http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_print.asp?cid=4100&tid=100&ct=4&page=1 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081122021103/http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_print.asp?cid=4100&tid=100&ct=4&page=1 |archive-date=22 November 2008 |access-date=7 September 2016 |publisher=Naval Sea Systems Command}}</ref> The [[2013 United States budget sequestration|2013 budget sequestration]] put this ten-submarine in doubt by budget sequestration that same year.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://breakingdefense.com/2013/09/navy-to-hasc-were-about-to-sign-sub-deals-we-cant-pay-for/ |title=Navy To HASC: We're About To Sign Sub Deals We Can't Pay For |first=Sydney |last=Freedburg |date=12 September 2013 |work=Breaking Defense |access-date=12 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131113065601/http://breakingdefense.com/2013/09/navy-to-hasc-were-about-to-sign-sub-deals-we-cant-pay-for/ |archive-date=13 November 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref> The most costly shipbuilding contract in history, worth $17.6&nbsp;billion, was awarded on 28 April 2014 to General Dynamics Electric Boat. The main improvement over the Block III is the reduction of major maintenance periods from four to three, increasing each boat's total lifetime deployments by one.<ref>{{cite news |last=LaGrone |first=Sam |title=U.S. Navy Awards 'Largest Shipbuilding Contract' in Service History |url=http://news.usni.org/2014/04/28/u-s-navy-awards-largest-shipbuilding-contract-service-history |date=28 April 2014 |work=USNI News |publisher=U.S. Naval Institute |access-date=28 April 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140429051159/http://news.usni.org/2014/04/28/u-s-navy-awards-largest-shipbuilding-contract-service-history |archive-date=29 April 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref>

The long-lead-time materials contract for SSN-792 was awarded on 17 April 2012, with SSN-793 and SSN-794 following on 28 December 2012.<ref>{{cite press release |url=https://www.defense.gov/contracts/contract.aspx?contractid=4771 |title=Contracts |date=17 April 2012 |publisher=U.S. Department of Defense |access-date=26 July 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130522171706/http://www.defense.gov/contracts/contract.aspx?contractid=4771 |archive-date=22 May 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |url=http://www.defense.gov/contracts/contract.aspx?contractid=4946 |title=Contracts |date=28 December 2012 |publisher=U.S. Department of Defense |access-date=26 July 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921085438/http://www.defense.gov/contracts/contract.aspx?contractid=4946 |archive-date=21 September 2013 }}</ref> The U.S. Navy has awarded General Dynamics Electric Boat a $208.6&nbsp;million contract modification for the second [[fiscal year]] (FY) 14 ''Virginia''-class submarine, SSN-793, and two FY 15 submarines, SSN-794 and SSN-795. With this modification, the overall contract is worth $595&nbsp;million.<ref>{{cite press release |title=General Dynamics Awarded $209 Million for Future Virginia-class Submarines |url=http://www.generaldynamics.com/news/press-releases/detail.cfm?customel_dataPageID_1811=18534 |publisher=General Dynamics - Electric Boat |location=Groton, Connecticut |date=1 July 2013 |access-date=26 July 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130808103005/http://generaldynamics.com/news/press-releases/detail.cfm?customel_dataPageID_1811=18534 |archive-date=8 August 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref>
{{clear}}

===Block V===
Block V has twelve boats and may incorporate the Virginia Payload Module (VPM), which would give guided-missile capability when the [[Cruise missile submarine#U.S. Navy|SSGN]]s are retired from service.<ref>{{cite web |title=Virginia Payload Module (VPM) |website=General Dynamics - Electric Boat |url=http://www.gdeb.com/news/advertising/ |access-date=4 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110524095723/http://www.gdeb.com/news/advertising/ |archive-date=24 May 2011 |url-status=live}}</ref> The Virginia Payload Module will be included on Block V submarines starting with the second boat, SSN-803.<ref name="nff1">{{cite web|url=https://www.navy.mil/Resources/Fact-Files/Display-FactFiles/Article/2169558/attack-submarines-ssn/|title=Attack Submarines - SSN |date=8 October 2021|access-date=14 August 2022}}</ref> The Block V boats with VPM are expected to triple the capacity of shore targets for each boat.<ref name="forbes1" /> Construction on the first two boats of this block was expected to begin in 2019 but was pushed back to 2020, with contracts for long lead time material for [[USS Oklahoma (SSN-802)|SSN-802]] and [[USS Arizona (SSN-803)|SSN-803]] being awarded to General Dynamics Electric Boat.<ref name="GenDyn">{{cite web|url=https://www.gd.com/news/press-releases/2017/02/general-dynamics-awarded-126-million-us-navy-virginia-class-block-v-long|title=General Dynamics Awarded $126 Million by US Navy for Virginia-class Block V Long Lead Time Material|publisher=gd.com|date=16 February 2017|access-date=25 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171226130302/https://www.gd.com/news/press-releases/2017/02/general-dynamics-awarded-126-million-us-navy-virginia-class-block-v-long|archive-date=26 December 2017}}</ref><ref name=GDEBarchives>{{cite web|url=http://www.gdeb.com/news/news_archives/2017archives.html#02-16-17|title=General Dynamics Electric Boat archives: 26 February 2017 Block V press release|publisher=gdeb.com|access-date=7 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180108062513/http://www.gdeb.com/news/news_archives/2017archives.html#02-16-17|archive-date=8 January 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> HII Newport News Shipbuilding was awarded a long-lead materials contract for two Block V boats in 2017, the first Block Vs for the company.<ref name="HIINN">{{cite web|url=http://newsroom.huntingtoningalls.com/releases/huntington-ingalls-industries-reports-first-quarter-2017-results|title=Huntington Ingalls Industries reports first quarter 2017 results|date=4 May 2017|access-date=7 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180108063636/http://newsroom.huntingtoningalls.com/releases/huntington-ingalls-industries-reports-first-quarter-2017-results|archive-date=8 January 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 2 December 2019, the Navy announced an order for nine new ''Virginia''-class submarines—eight Block Vs and one Block IV—for a total contract price of $22&nbsp;billion with an option for a tenth boat.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.popularmechanics.com/military/navy-ships/a30109198/block-v-virginia-submarine/| title = ''Popular Mechanics''| date = 3 December 2019}}</ref> The Block V subs were confirmed to have an increased length, from 377&nbsp;ft (115 m) to 460&nbsp;ft (140 m), and displacement, from 7,800 tons to 10,200 tons. This would make the Block V the second-longest US submarine, behind only the {{sclass|Ohio|submarine|1}}s (at 560&nbsp;ft; 170 m).<ref name="blockVa">{{cite web|url=https://www.maritime-executive.com/article/u-s-navy-orders-new-block-of-attack-submarines|title=U.S. Navy Orders New Block of Attack Submarines|publisher=maritime-executive.com|date=3 December 2019|access-date=18 August 2021}}</ref>

On 22 March 2021, the U.S. Navy added the tenth boat of the Block V series of the ''Virginia''-class attack submarine, issuing a $2.4&nbsp;billion adjustment on the December 2019 contract. This brings the total cost of the contract with prime contractor General Dynamics Electric Boat to $24.1&nbsp;billion. The net increase for the contract is $1.89&nbsp;billion, according to a General Dynamics release. Huntington Ingalls Industries' Newport News Shipbuilding is the partner yard in the program.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.defensenews.com/naval/2021/03/19/the-us-navy-inks-a-deal-for-a-tenth-block-v-virginia-class-submarine/ |title = US Navy inks deal for a tenth Virginia-class submarine |author = David Larter |publisher = Defense News |date = 2021-03-22}}</ref>

===Block VI===
For the Fiscal Year 2025, the Navy announced procurement of three Block VI boats, with plans to eventually acquire nine to ten boats in total. The Navy awarded General Dynamics Electric Boat a $1.3 billion long lead materials contract for the first Block VI Virginia-class boats, with a future multi-year contract between the submarine yard and the Navy expected.<ref name="USNI">{{cite news |last1=Lagrone |first1=Sam |title=Navy Awards $1.3B Long-Lead Contract for Virginia Block VI Boats Ahead of Anticipated Multi-Year Contract |url=https://news.usni.org/2024/08/06/navy-awards-1-3b-long-lead-contract-for-virginia-block-vi-boats-ahead-of-anticipated-multi-year-contract |access-date=24 October 2025 |work=USNI News |publisher=[[United States Naval Institute]] |date=6 August 2024}}</ref> The Block VIs will be the second set of ''Virginia''-class attack submarines to feature the [[Virginia Payload Module]], which will meet the Navy's requirement for a large-scale land strike missile platform after the four {{sclass|Ohio|submarine|0}} guided-missile submarines are decommissioned by 2030. Block VI boats will feature six 84-foot wide Multiple All-up-round Canister (MAC) VPMs, four in the middle of the submarine and two on the bow, with each VPM holding seven TLAMs, this will give the Block VI a total capacity of over forty [[Tomahawk missile|Tomahawk Cruise Missiles]].<ref name="Military Aerospace">{{cite news |last1=Keller |first1=John |title=General Dynamics moves ahead on Virginia-class Block VI attack submarines and sensors for undersea warfare |url=https://www.militaryaerospace.com/sensors/article/55302996/general-dynamics-mission-systems-sensors-for-attack-submarines-and-undersea-warfare |access-date=24 October 2025 |work=Military Aerospace |publisher=EndeavorB2B |date=15 July 2025}}</ref> The Navy is also planning to equip its attack submarines, including some of the Block VI's VPMs, with the new [[Conventional Prompt Strike]] hypersonic missile system starting in 2028.<ref name="NSJ">{{cite news |last1=Balestrieri |first1=Steve |title=The Navy's New Block VI Virginia-Class Submarine Is Built to Fight Russia |url=https://nationalsecurityjournal.org/the-navys-new-block-vi-virginia-class-submarine-is-built-to-fight-russia/ |access-date=24 October 2025 |work=NSJ |issue=Military Hardware |publisher=© National Security Journal Corp |date=5 June 2025}}</ref> The Navy has said it would need twenty VPM boats to make up for the strike missile loss when the Ohios retire.<ref name="USNI" /> Design improvements on the Block VI include improvements in stealth, propulsion, weapons and specialized technology for interacting with the water column from the surface to the seabed, allowing the Block VI to perform land strike missions, anti-submarine and surface ship warfare, special operations support, and [[Intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance|intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance]] (ISR) missions.<ref name="Military Aerospace" /> Block VI boats will also be equipped with a special type of drone that can be deployed from the submarine, connected by a strong fiber optic cable, and interface with military communications networks, allowing the submarine to share data gathered by their sonar and other acoustic systems with air, surface, and land communications nodes.<ref name="NSJ" /> At least one Block VI boat is expected to be a specialized seabed warfare variant, specially designed for undersea espionage and other special missions such as deploying special operations teams, and would eventually replace the {{sclass|Seawolf|submarine|1}} {{USS|Jimmy Carter||6}}.<ref name="USNI" /><ref name="Military Aerospace" /> In January, 2025 it was announced the first three Block VI boats would be named {{USS|Potomac|SSN-814|6}}, {{USS|Norfolk|SSN-815|6}} and {{USS|Brooklyn|SSN-816|6}}; the contract to build ''Potomac'' is expected to be issued in FY2026 with delivery and commissioning in 2034 or 2035.<ref name="Military Aerospace" /><ref>{{cite news |last1=Shelbourne |first1=Mallory |title=SECNAV Del Toro Names Four More Warships at SNA, 16 Ships Named This Month |url=https://news.usni.org/2025/01/15/secnav-del-toro-names-four-more-warships-at-sna-16-ships-named-this-month |access-date=24 October 2025 |work=USNI News |publisher=[[United States Naval Institute]] |date=15 January 2025}}</ref>

== Boats in class ==
{|class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders"
|- style="background:#efefef;"
! Name
! Hull number
! Block
! Builder
! Ordered
! Laid down
! Launched
! Commissioned
! Status
|-
|{{USS|Virginia|SSN-774|2}}
|SSN-774
| rowspan="4" style="text-align: center;" | I
|[[General Dynamics Electric Boat]], [[Groton, Connecticut|Groton, CT]]
|rowspan=4|30 September 1998
|2 September 1999
|16 August 2003
|23 October 2004
|In service<ref>{{cite press release |first=Mark O. |last=Piggott |title=Commissioning of USS Virginia Ushers in New Era of Undersea Warfare |url=http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=15662 |location=Norfolk, Virginia |publisher=Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet Public Affairs |date=24 October 2004 |access-date=5 June 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150605232944/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=15662 |archive-date=5 June 2015 }}</ref>
|-
|{{USS|Texas|SSN-775|2}}
|SSN-775
|[[Newport News Shipbuilding]], [[Newport News, Virginia|Newport News, VA]]
|12 July 2002
|9 April 2005
|9 September 2006
|In service<ref>{{cite press release |first=Scott |last=Shoffner |title=Texas Arrives in Galveston |location=Galveston, Texas |publisher=Commander, Naval Submarine Force, Atlantic Fleet Public Affairs |url=http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=25410 |date=5 September 2006 |access-date=5 June 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150605233334/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=25410 |archive-date=5 June 2015 }}</ref>
|-
|{{USS|Hawaii|SSN-776|2}}
|SSN-776
|General Dynamics Electric Boat, Groton, CT
|27 August 2004
|17 June 2006
|5 May 2007
|In service<ref>{{cite press release |first=Ira J. |last=Elinson |title=Navy Commissions USS Hawaii |url=http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=29224 |location=Groton, Connecticut |publisher=Naval Submarine Base New London Public Affairs |date=5 May 2007 |access-date=5 June 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150605232749/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=29224 |archive-date=5 June 2015 }}</ref>
|-
|{{USS|North Carolina|SSN-777|2}}
|SSN-777
|Newport News Shipbuilding, Newport News, VA
|22 May 2004
|5 May 2007
|3 May 2008
|In service<ref>{{cite press release |first=Jennifer|last=Zeldis |title=USS North Carolina Joins the Fleet |url=http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=36836 |location=Wilmington, North Carolina |publisher=Fleet Public Affairs Center Atlantic |date=4 May 2008 |access-date=5 June 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150605233110/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=36836 |archive-date=5 June 2015 }}</ref>
|-
|{{USS|New Hampshire|SSN-778|2}}
|SSN-778
| rowspan="6" style="text-align: center;" | II
|General Dynamics Electric Boat, Groton, CT
|rowspan=6|14 August 2003
|30 April 2007
|21 February 2008
|25 October 2008<ref>{{cite press release |first=Jennifer |last=Zeldis |title=USS New Hampshire Joins Fleet |url=http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=40532 |location=Kittery, Maine |publisher=Fleet Public Affairs Center Atlantic |date=26 October 2008 |access-date=5 June 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150605232812/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=40532 |archive-date=5 June 2015 }}</ref>
|In service
|-
|{{USS|New Mexico|SSN-779|2}}
|SSN-779
|Newport News Shipbuilding, Newport News, VA
|12 April 2008
|18 January 2009
|27 March 2010<ref>{{cite press release |first=Kleynia |last=McKnight |title=Submarine New Mexico Joins the Fleet |url=http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=52227 |location=Norfolk, Virginia |publisher=Navy Public Affairs Support Element - East |date=27 March 2010 |access-date=5 June 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150605232801/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=52227 |archive-date=5 June 2015 }}</ref>
|In service
|-
|{{USS|Missouri|SSN-780|2}}
|SSN-780
|General Dynamics Electric Boat, Groton, CT
|27 September 2008
|20 November 2009
|31 July 2010<ref>{{cite press release |first=T.H. |last=Merritt |title=USS Missouri Joins Commissioned Fleet |url=http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=55038 |location=Groton, Connecticut |publisher=Submarine Group 2 Public Affairs |date=1 August 2010 |access-date=5 June 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150605232825/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=55038 |archive-date=5 June 2015 }}</ref><ref name="NVR Missouri">{{cite web
|url={{Naval Vessel Register URL|SSN-780}}
|title=''Missouri'' (SSN 780)
|website=Naval Vessel Register
|date=28 January 2016
|access-date=21 October 2017
}}</ref>
|In service
|-
|{{USS|California|SSN-781|2}}
|SSN-781
|[[Huntington Ingalls Industries]], Newport News, VA
|1 May 2009
|14 November 2010
|29 October 2011<ref>{{cite press release |first=Eric|last=Durie |title=Navy's Newest Submarine, California Namesake Joins Fleet in Norfolk |url=http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=63550 |location=Norfolk, Virginia |publisher=Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet Public Affairs |date=29 October 2011 |access-date=5 June 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150605232849/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=63550 |archive-date=5 June 2015 }}</ref>
|In service
|-
|{{USS|Mississippi|SSN-782|2}}
|SSN-782
|General Dynamics Electric Boat, Groton, CT
|9 June 2010
|10 December 2011
|2 June 2012<ref>{{cite press release |first=Hayley|last=Sims |title=USS Mississippi Commissioned in Namesake State |url=http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=67569 |location=Pascagoula, Mississippi |publisher=Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet Public Affairs |date=4 June 2012 |access-date=5 June 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150605233255/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=67569 |archive-date=5 June 2015 }}</ref>
|In service
|-
|{{USS|Minnesota|SSN-783|2}}
|SSN-783
|Huntington Ingalls Industries, Newport News, VA
|20 May 2011
|10 November 2012
|7 September 2013<ref>{{cite press release |title=Navy to Christen Submarine Minnesota |url=http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=70343 |location=Washington, DC |publisher=Department of Defense Public Affairs |date=25 October 2012 |access-date=5 June 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150605232932/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=70343 |archive-date=5 June 2015 }}</ref><ref name="Pioneer Press">{{cite news |last=Lindberg |first=Joseph |title=Submarine USS Minnesota to be commissioned Saturday |url=http://www.twincities.com/localnews/ci_21844456/uss-minnesota-be-christened-saturday |work=[[St. Paul Pioneer Press]] |date=24 October 2012 |access-date=27 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121027030441/http://www.twincities.com/localnews/ci_21844456/uss-minnesota-be-christened-saturday |archive-date=27 October 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref>
|In service
|-
|{{USS|North Dakota|SSN-784|2}}
|SSN-784
| rowspan="8" style="text-align: center;" | III
|General Dynamics Electric Boat, Groton, CT
|14 August 2003
|11 May 2012<ref name="NVR North Dakota">{{cite web|url={{Naval Vessel Register URL|SSN-784}}|title=''North Dakota'' (SSN 784)|website=[[Naval Vessel Register]]|access-date=29 August 2016}}</ref>
|15 September 2013<ref name="NVR North Dakota" />
|25 October 2014<ref name="NVR North Dakota" />
|In service<ref name="NVR North Dakota" />
|-
|{{USS|John Warner|SSN-785|2}}
|SSN-785
|Huntington Ingalls Industries, Newport News, VA
|rowspan=7|22 December 2008
|16 March 2013<ref name="NVR John Warner">{{cite web|url={{Naval Vessel Register URL|SSN-785}} |title=''John Warner'' (SSN 785)|website=[[Naval Vessel Register]]|access-date=29 August 2016}}</ref>
|10 September 2014<ref name="NVR John Warner" />
|1 August 2015<ref name="NVR John Warner" />
|In service<ref name="NVR John Warner" />
|-
|{{USS|Illinois|SSN-786|2}}
|SSN-786
|General Dynamics Electric Boat, Groton, CT
|2 June 2014<ref name="NVR Illinois">{{cite web|url={{Naval Vessel Register URL|SSN-786}} |title=''Illinois'' (SSN 786)|website=[[Naval Vessel Register]]|access-date=29 August 2016}}</ref>
|8 August 2015<ref name="NVR Illinois" />
|29 October 2016<ref name="USNI Illinois Delivered">{{cite news |url=https://news.usni.org/2016/08/29/attack-boat-illinois-delivers-early-navy |title=Attack Boat Illinois Delivers Early to Navy |publisher=USNI News |last=LaGrone |first=Sam |date=29 August 2016 |access-date=29 August 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160830022333/https://news.usni.org/2016/08/29/attack-boat-illinois-delivers-early-navy |archive-date=30 August 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref>
|In service<ref name="USNI Illinois Delivered" />
|-
|{{USS|Washington|SSN-787|2}}
|SSN-787
|Huntington Ingalls Industries, Newport News, VA
|22 November 2014<ref name="NVR Washington">{{cite web|url={{Naval Vessel Register URL|SSN-787}} |title=''Washington'' (SSN 787)|website=[[Naval Vessel Register]]|access-date=29 August 2016}}</ref>
|25 March 2016<ref name="NVR Washington" />
|7 October 2017<ref name="Kitsap Sun">{{cite news |url=http://www.kitsapsun.com/story/news/local/2017/10/05/new-uss-washington-commissioned-saturday/710106001/ |title=New USS Washington to be commissioned Saturday |newspaper=Kitsap Sun |last=Stanford |first=Julianne |date=7 October 2017 |access-date=7 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171214061033/http://www.kitsapsun.com/story/news/local/2017/10/05/new-uss-washington-commissioned-saturday/710106001/ |archive-date=14 December 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref>
|In service
|-
|{{USS|Colorado|SSN-788|2}}
|SSN-788
|General Dynamics Electric Boat, Groton, CT
|7 March 2015<ref name="NVR Colorado">{{cite web|url={{Naval Vessel Register URL|SSN-788}} |title=''Colorado'' (SSN 788)|website=[[Naval Vessel Register]]|access-date=29 August 2016}}</ref>
|29 December 2016
|17 March 2018<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.navycommissionings.org/index.php|title=Upcoming US Navy Ship Commissionings|website=navycommissionings.org|access-date=1 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180301164513/http://www.navycommissionings.org/index.php|archive-date=1 March 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
|In service
|-
|{{USS|Indiana|SSN-789|2}}
|SSN-789
|Huntington Ingalls Industries, Newport News, VA
|16 May 2015<ref name="NVR Indiana">{{cite web|url={{Naval Vessel Register URL|SSN-789}}|title=''Indiana'' (SSN 789)|website=[[Naval Vessel Register]]|access-date=29 August 2016}}</ref>
|9 June 2017
|29 September 2018<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ussindiana.org/events/commissioning.html|title=Commissioning - USS Indiana (SSN 789) Commissioning Committee|website=ussindiana.org|access-date=11 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612141144/http://ussindiana.org/events/commissioning.html|archive-date=12 June 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
|In service
|-
|{{USS|South Dakota|SSN-790|2}}
|SSN-790
|General Dynamics Electric Boat, Groton, CT
|4 April 2016<ref name="NVR South Dakota">{{cite web|url={{Naval Vessel Register URL|SSN-790}} |title=''South Dakota'' (SSN 790)|website=[[Naval Vessel Register]]|access-date=29 August 2016}}</ref>
|14 October 2017
|2 February 2019<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://ssn790.org/events/|title=Events {{!}} USS South Dakota SSN 790|work=USS South Dakota (SSN 790)|access-date=8 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180808073409/https://ssn790.org/events/|archive-date=8 August 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
|In service
|-
|{{USS|Delaware|SSN-791|2}}
|SSN-791
|Huntington Ingalls Industries, Newport News, VA
|30 April 2016<ref name="NVR Delaware">{{cite web|url={{Naval Vessel Register URL|SSN-791}} |title=''Delaware'' (SSN 791)|website=[[Naval Vessel Register]]|access-date=29 August 2016}}</ref>
|17 December 2018
|4 April 2020<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/news/defence-news/2020/april-2020/8244-us-navy-has-commissioned-uss-delaware-ssn-791-virginia-class-nuclear-attack-submarine.html|title=US Navy has commissioned USS Delaware SSN 791 Virginia-class nuclear attack submarine|date=4 April 2020|work=navyrecognition.com|access-date=4 April 2020}}</ref>
|In service
|-
|{{USS|Vermont|SSN-792|2}}
|SSN-792
| rowspan="10" style="text-align: center;" | IV
| rowspan="2" |General Dynamics Electric Boat, Groton, CT
|rowspan=10|28 April 2014
|c. February 2017
|29 March 2019
|18 April 2020<ref>{{Cite web |title=Navy Celebrates Commissioning of USS Vermont (SSN 792) |url=https://www.navy.mil/Press-Office/News-Stories/Article/2756140/navy-celebrates-commissioning-of-uss-vermont-ssn-792/https://www.navy.mil/Press-Office/News-Stories/Article/2756140/navy-celebrates-commissioning-of-uss-vermont-ssn-792/ |access-date=2022-07-31 |website=United States Navy |language=en-US }}{{dead link|date=April 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>
|In service<ref name="NVR Vermont">{{cite web|url={{Naval Vessel Register URL|SSN-792}} |title=''Vermont'' (SSN 792)|website=[[Naval Vessel Register]]|access-date=29 August 2016}}</ref>
|-
|{{USS|Oregon|SSN-793|2}}
|SSN-793
|8 July 2017<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/rhode-island/articles/2017-07-08/the-latest-keel-laying-marks-attack-submarine-construction|title=The latest keel laying marks attack submarine construction|publisher=usnews.com|access-date=25 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171226021234/https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/rhode-island/articles/2017-07-08/the-latest-keel-laying-marks-attack-submarine-construction|archive-date=26 December 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>
|25 June 2020
|28 May 2022<ref>{{Cite web |title=Navy commissions USS Oregon (SSN 793) |url=https://www.navy.mil/Press-Office/News-Stories/Article/3046855/navy-commissions-uss-oregon-ssn-793/ |access-date=2022-07-31 |website=United States Navy |language=en-US}}</ref>
|In service
|-
|{{USS|Montana|SSN-794|2}}
|SSN-794
|Huntington Ingalls Industries, Newport News, VA
|16 May 2018<ref>{{cite web|url=http://newsroom.huntingtoningalls.com/releases/submarine-montana-ssn794-keel-authentication|title=Photo Release--Huntington Ingalls Industries Authenticates Keel of Submarine Montana (SSN 794)|last=Industries|first=Huntington Ingalls|website=Huntington Ingalls Newsroom|access-date=17 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180517130630/http://newsroom.huntingtoningalls.com/releases/submarine-montana-ssn794-keel-authentication|archive-date=17 May 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
|8 February 2021
|25 June 2022<ref>{{Cite web |title=Navy Commissions USS Montana (SSN 794) |url=https://www.navy.mil/Press-Office/News-Stories/Article/3074846/navy-commissions-uss-montana-ssn-794/https://www.navy.mil/Press-Office/News-Stories/Article/3074846/navy-commissions-uss-montana-ssn-794/ |access-date=2022-07-31 |website=United States Navy |language=en-US }}{{dead link|date=April 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>
|In service<ref name="NVR Montana">{{cite web|url={{Naval Vessel Register URL|SSN-794}} |title=''Montana'' (SSN 794)|website=[[Naval Vessel Register]]|access-date=22 October 2016}}</ref>
|-
|{{USS|Hyman G. Rickover|SSN-795|2}}
|SSN-795
|General Dynamics Electric Boat, Groton, CT
|11 May 2018
|26 August 2021
|14 October 2023<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.navy.mil/Press-Office/News-Stories/Article/3562033/navy-commissions-uss-hyman-g-rickover-ssn-795/ |title=Navy Commissions USS Hyman G. Rickover (SSN 795)}}</ref>
|In service<ref name="NVR Hyman G. Rickover">{{cite web|url={{Naval Vessel Register URL|SSN-795}}|title=''Hyman G. Rickover'' (SSN 795)|website=[[Naval Vessel Register]]|access-date=22 October 2016}}</ref>
|-
|{{USS|New Jersey|SSN-796|2}}
|SSN-796
|Huntington Ingalls Industries, Newport News, VA
|25 March 2019
|14 April 2022
|14 September 2024<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.navy.mil/Press-Office/News-Stories/Article/3906317/navy-commissions-uss-new-jersey-ssn-796/|title=Navy Commissions USS New Jersey (SSN 796)}}</ref>
|In service<ref name="NVR New Jersey">{{cite web|url={{Naval Vessel Register URL|SSN-796}} |title=''New Jersey'' (SSN 796)|website=[[Naval Vessel Register]]|access-date=29 August 2016}}</ref>
|-
|{{USS|Iowa|SSN-797|2}}
|SSN-797
|General Dynamics Electric Boat, Groton, CT
|20 August 2019
|18 June 2023<ref name="USS Iowa Christening">{{cite web |last1=Ozberk |first1=Tayfun |title=U.S. Navy Christens 6th Block IV Virginia-Class Submarine USS Iowa (SSN-797) |url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2023/06/u-s-navy-christens-6th-block-iv-virginia-class-submarine-uss-iowa-ssn-797/ |website=Naval News |access-date=10 July 2023 |date=19 June 2023}}</ref>
|5 April 2025<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.navy.mil/Press-Office/Press-Releases/display-pressreleases/Article/4146098/navy-to-commission-submarine-iowa-ssn-797/ |title=Navy to Commission Submarine Iowa (SSN 797)}}</ref>
|In service<ref>{{Cite web |last=Markowski |first=Joe |date=7 April 2025 |title=Navy Commissions USS Iowa (SSN 797) |url=https://www.navy.mil/Press-Office/News-Stories/Article/4147365/navy-commissions-uss-iowa-ssn-797/ |access-date=8 April 2025 |website=United States Navy}}</ref>
|-
|{{USS|Massachusetts|SSN-798|2}}
|SSN-798
|Huntington Ingalls Industries, Newport News, VA
|11 December 2020<ref>{{cite web |last=Industries|first=Huntington Ingalls |title=Photo Release — Huntington Ingalls Industries Authenticates Keel of Virginia-Class Attack Submarine Massachusetts (SSN 798) |url=https://newsroom.huntingtoningalls.com/releases/massachusetts-ssn-798-keel-laying |access-date=2020-12-12 |website=Huntington Ingalls Newsroom |language=en}}</ref>
|23 February 2024<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nvr.navy.mil/nvr/getHull.htm?shipId=5549 |title=Naval Vessel Register }}</ref>
|Expected in 2026<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ussmassachusetts.org/ |title= USS Massachusetts (SSN 798) Commissioning Committee }}</ref>
|Sea Trials{{cn|date=November 2025}}
|-
|{{USS|Idaho|SSN-799|2}}
|SSN-799
|General Dynamics Electric Boat, Groton, CT
|24 August 2020
|6 August 2024<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Bahtić |first=Fatima |date=2024-08-15 |title=US Navy launches new Virginia-class submarine USS Idaho |url=https://www.navaltoday.com/2024/08/15/us-navy-launches-new-virginia-class-submarine-uss-idaho/ |access-date=2024-08-16 |website=Naval Today |language=en-US}}</ref>
|Expected in 2026<ref>{{cite web |url=https://ussidahocommittee.org/ |title=USS Idaho (SSN-799) Commissioning Committee }}</ref>
|Sea Trials{{cn|date=November 2025}}
|-
|{{USS|Arkansas|SSN-800|2}}
|SSN-800
|Huntington Ingalls Industries, Newport News, VA
|19 November 2022
|2 July 2025<ref>{{Cite web |title=HII Launches Virginia-class Submarine Arkansas (SSN 800) at Newport News Shipbuilding |url= https://hii.com/news/hii-launches-virginia-class-submarine-arkansas-ssn-800-at-newport-news-shipbuilding/ }}</ref>
|Estimated in 2027/2028
|Launched<ref>{{Cite web |title=HII Launches Virginia-class Submarine Arkansas (SSN 800) at Newport News Shipbuilding |url=https://hii.com/news/hii-launches-virginia-class-submarine-arkansas-ssn-800-at-newport-news-shipbuilding/}}</ref>
|-
|{{USS|Utah|SSN-801|2}}
|SSN-801
|General Dynamics Electric Boat, Groton, CT
|1 September 2021
|
|Estimated in 2027
|Christened<ref>{{Cite web |title=USS UTAH (SSN 801) Commissioning Committee|url=https://uss-utah.org/}}</ref>
|-
|{{USS|Oklahoma|SSN-802|2}}
|SSN-802
| rowspan="12" style="text-align: center;" | V
|Huntington Ingalls Industries, Newport News, VA
| rowspan="2" |2 December 2017
|2 August 2023
|
|
|Under construction<ref name="NVR Oklahoma">{{cite web|url={{Naval Vessel Register URL|id=SSN-802}}|title=''Oklahoma'' (SSN 802)|website=[[Naval Vessel Register]]|access-date=18 April 2020}}</ref>
|-
|{{USS|Arizona|SSN-803|2}}
|SSN-803
|General Dynamics Electric Boat, Groton, CT
|7 December 2022
|
|
|Under construction<ref name="NVR Arizona">{{cite web|url={{Naval Vessel Register URL|SSN-803}} |title=''Arizona'' (SSN 803)|website=[[Naval Vessel Register]]|access-date=18 April 2020}}</ref>
|-
|{{USS|Barb|SSN-804|2}}
|SSN-804
|Huntington Ingalls Industries, Newport News, VA
| rowspan="8" | 2 December 2019
|
|
|
|Under construction<ref>{{cite web |date=2 September 2020 |title=''Barb'' (SSN 804) |url={{Naval Vessel Register URL|SSN-804}} |website=Naval Vessel Register}}</ref>
|-
|{{USS|Tang|SSN-805|2}}
|SSN-805
|General Dynamics Electric Boat, Groton, CT
|17 August 2023
|
|
|Under construction<ref name="NVR Tang">{{cite web |date=1 December 2021 |title=''Tang'' (SSN 805) |url={{Naval Vessel Register URL|SSN-805}} |website=Naval Vessel Register |access-date=2021-11-20}}</ref>
|-
|{{USS|Wahoo|SSN-806|2}}
|SSN-806
|rowspan="2"|Huntington Ingalls Industries, Newport News, VA
|
|
|
|Under construction<ref name="NVR Wahoo">{{cite web |date=1 December 2021 |title=''Wahoo'' (SSN 806) |url={{Naval Vessel Register URL|SSN-806}} |website=Naval Vessel Register |access-date=2021-11-20}}</ref>
|-
|{{USS|Silversides|SSN-807|2}}
|SSN-807
|
|
|
|Under Construction<ref>{{cite web|title=Secretary of the Navy Kenneth J. Braithwaite - Growing the Fleet|website = [[YouTube]]| date=15 January 2021 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r51WpCbUYVk |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/r51WpCbUYVk| archive-date=2021-12-11 |url-status=live}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
|-
|{{USS|John H. Dalton|SSN-808|2}}
|SSN-808
|General Dynamics Electric Boat, Groton, CT
|
|
|
|Authorized<ref>{{cite web |date=1 March 2023 |title=''John H Dalton'' (SSN 808) |url={{Naval Vessel Register URL|SSN-808}} |website=Naval Vessel Register |access-date=2019-12-02}}</ref>
|-
|{{USS|Long Island|SSN-809|2}}
|SSN-809
|Huntington Ingalls Industries, Newport News, VA
|
|
|
|Authorized<ref>{{cite press release|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/uss-long-island-new-navy-submarine/|title=New submarine to be named USS Long Island, Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro says|website=cbsnews.com|date=25 May 2023|access-date=30 August 2023}}</ref>
|-
|{{USS|San Francisco|SSN-810|2}}
|SSN-810
|General Dynamics Electric Boat, Groton, CT
|
|
|
|Authorized<ref>{{cite press release|url=https://www.navy.mil/Press-Office/Press-Releases/display-pressreleases/Article/3547101/secnav-del-toro-names-future-nuclear-powered-attack-submarine-uss-san-francisco/|title=SECNAV Del Toro Names Future Nuclear-Powered Attack Submarine USS San Francisco (SSN 810)|publisher=United States Navy|date=3 October 2023|access-date=4 October 2023}}</ref>
|-
|{{USS|Miami|SSN-811|2}}
|SSN-811
|Huntington Ingalls Industries, Newport News, VA
|
|
|
|Authorized<ref>{{cite web|url={{Naval Vessel Register URL|SSN-811}} |title=''Miami'' (SSN 811) |website=Naval Vessel Register |date=20 June 2023|access-date=16 November 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release|url=https://www.navy.mil/Press-Office/Press-Releases/display-pressreleases/Article/3768198/secnav-del-toro-names-future-nuclear-powered-attack-submarine-uss-miami-ssn-811/|title=SECNAV Del Toro Names Future Nuclear-Powered Attack Submarine USS Miami (SSN 811) with Gloria Estefan as Sponsor|publisher=United States Navy|date=7 May 2024|access-date=8 May 2024}}</ref>
|-
| ''[[USS Baltimore (SSN-812)|Baltimore]]''
| SSN-812
|General Dynamics Electric Boat, Groton, CT
|
|
|
|
|Announced<ref>{{cite press release|url=https://www.navy.mil/Press-Office/Press-Releases/display-pressreleases/Article/3913372/secnav-del-toro-names-future-nuclear-powered-attack-submarine-uss-baltimore-ssn/|title=SECNAV Del Toro Names Future Nuclear-Powered Attack Submarine USS Baltimore (SSN 812)|publisher=United States Navy|date=20 September 2024|access-date=4 September 2024}}</ref>
|-
| ''[[USS Atlanta (SSN-813)|Atlanta]]''
| SSN-813
|General Dynamics Electric Boat, Groton, CT
|
|
|
|
|Announced<ref>{{cite web |url=https://news.usni.org/2024/10/10/navy-awards-gd-electric-boat-1-28b-in-contracts-while-service-continues-sub-negotiations |title=Navy Awards GD Electric Boat $1.28B in Contracts While Service Continues Sub Negotiations |publisher=United States Naval Institute |date=10 October 2024 |access-date=11 October 2024}}</ref>
|-
| ''[[USS Potomac (SSN-814)|Potomac]]''
|SSN-814
| rowspan="3" style="text-align: center;" | VI
|
|
|
|
|
|Announced<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=SECNAV Del Toro Names Future Virginia-class Submarines SSN 814, SSN 815, and SSN 816 |url=https://www.navy.mil/Press-Office/Press-Releases/display-pressreleases/Article/4027572/secnav-del-toro-names-future-virginia-class-submarines-ssn-814-ssn-815-and-ssn/ |access-date=2025-01-14 |website=United States Navy |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite web |date=2024-10-09 |title=General Dynamics Receives $1.2B in Navy Contract Modifications for Virginia-Class Submarine Materials |url=https://www.govconwire.com/2024/10/general-dynamics-receives-1-2b-in-navy-contract-modifications-for-virginia-class-submarine-materials/ |access-date=2025-01-18 |website=GovCon Wire |language=en-US}}</ref>
|-
| ''[[USS Norfolk (SSN-815)|Norfolk]]''
|SSN-815
|
|
|
|
|
|Announced<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3" />
|-
| ''[[USS Brooklyn (SSN-816)|Brooklyn]]''
|SSN-816
|
|
|
|
|
|Announced<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3" />
|-
! Name
! Hull number
! Block
! Builder
! Ordered
! Laid down
! Launched
! Commissioned
! Status
|-
|}

=== Future acquisitions ===
The Navy initially planned to acquire at least 30 ''Virginia''-class submarines,<ref name="jeffhead1">{{cite web |url=http://www.jeffhead.com/usn21/nssn.htm |title=US Navy 21st Century - SSN Virginia Class |publisher=Jeffhead.com |access-date=25 February 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130411004055/http://www.jeffhead.com/usn21/nssn.htm |archive-date=11 April 2013 |url-status=usurped}}</ref><ref name="submarinesuppliers2">{{cite web |url=http://www.submarinesuppliers.org/programs/index.php |title=Submarine Industrial Base Council |publisher=Submarinesuppliers.org |date=22 December 2008 |access-date=25 February 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120119163338/http://www.submarinesuppliers.org/programs/index.php |archive-date=19 January 2012}}</ref> however, more recent data provided by the Naval Submarine League (in 2011) and the Congressional Budget Office (in 2012) seems to imply that more than 30 submarines may eventually be built. The Naval Submarine League believes that up to 10&nbsp;Block&nbsp;V boats will be built.<ref name="navalsubleague1"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.navalsubleague.com/NSL/default.aspx |title=Naval Submarine League |publisher=Navalsubleague.com |access-date=25 February 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130125120330/http://www.navalsubleague.com/NSL/default.aspx/ |archive-date=25 January 2013}}</ref> The same source also states that 10 additional submarines could be built after Block&nbsp;V submarines, with 5 in the so-called Block&nbsp;VI and 5 in Block&nbsp;VII, largely due to the delays experienced with the "Improved ''Virginia''". These 20&nbsp;submarines (10&nbsp;Block&nbsp;V, 5&nbsp;Block&nbsp;VI, 5&nbsp;Block&nbsp;VII) would carry VPM bringing the total number of ''Virginia''-class submarines to 48 (including the 28&nbsp;submarines in Blocks I, II, III and IV). The CBO in its 2012 report states that 33&nbsp;''Virginia''-class submarines will be procured in the 2013–2032 timeframe,<ref name="cbo" /> resulting in 49&nbsp;submarines in total since 16 were already procured by the end of 2012.<ref name="FAS Weapons">{{cite web |url=http://www.aviationweek.com/Article.aspx?id=/article-xml/awx_04_10_2013_p0-567382.xml |title=Funding For U.S. Navy Subs Runs Deep |work=Aviation Week |date=10 April 2013 |access-date=26 July 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130520220537/http://www.aviationweek.com/Article.aspx?id=%2Farticle-xml%2Fawx_04_10_2013_p0-567382.xml |archive-date=20 May 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref> Such a long production run seems unlikely but another naval program, the {{sclass|Arleigh Burke|destroyer|1}}, is still ongoing even though the first vessel was ordered in 1985.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://fas.org/sgp/crs/weapons/RL32109.pdf |title=Navy DDG-51 and DDG-1000 Destroyer Programs: Background and Issues for Congress |first=Ronald |last=O'Rourke |date=22 October 2013 |work=[[Congressional Research Service]] |access-date=12 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150328211730/http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/weapons/RL32109.pdf |archive-date=28 March 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=McCullough III |first=Bernard |url=http://www.usni.org/print/25780 |title=Now Hear This - The Right Destroyer at the Right Time |publisher=U.S. Naval Institute |date=January 2013 |volume=139 |issue=1/1,319 |access-date=17 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151016051956/http://www.usni.org/print/25780 |archive-date=16 October 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref> However, other sources believe that production will end with Block&nbsp;V.<ref>{{cite web |first=John |last=Pike |url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ship/ssn-774.htm |title=SSN-774 Virginia-class NSSN New Attack Submarine |publisher=Globalsecurity.org |access-date=25 February 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130122000352/http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ship/ssn-774.htm |archive-date=22 January 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref> In addition, data provided in CBO reports tends to vary considerably compared to earlier editions.<ref name="cbo" />

One Block VI submarine will include an organic ability to employ [[seabed warfare]] equipment.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Eckstein |first1=Megan |title=Navy New Virginia Block VI Virginia Attack Boat Will Inform SSN(X) |url=https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/prized-ohio-guided-missile-submarine-will-be-gone-from-navy-by-2028 |website=thedrive.com |date=18 April 2023 |publisher=TheDrive |access-date=18 April 2023 |archive-date=19 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230419185837/https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/prized-ohio-guided-missile-submarine-will-be-gone-from-navy-by-2028 }}</ref>

General Dynamics Electric Boat, a business unit of General Dynamics, announced on 5 August 2024 it has been awarded a $1.3 billion undefinitized contract modification allowing Electric Boat to purchase long lead time materials for ''Virginia''-class Block VI submarines.<ref>[https://www.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract/Article/3862089/ General Dynamics Electric Boat awarded $1.3 billion contract modification for long lead time material for Virginia-class submarines]. defense.gov </ref>

During the Naval Submarine League's annual symposium on 13 November 2024, plans for extending the ''Virginia''-class to Block VIII - due to [[SSN(X)]] delays - were voiced.<ref>[https://news.usni.org/2024/11/13/naval-reactors-virginia-class-will-extend-to-block-viii-ssnx-start-in-2040s Naval Reactors: Virginia-class Will Extend to Block VIII, SSN(X) Start in 2040s]</ref>

==SSN(X)/Improved ''Virginia''==
{{Main|SSN(X)-class submarine}}
Initially dubbed Future Attack Submarine<ref>{{cite web|url=https://fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/ship/fas.htm|title=Future Attack Submarine|publisher=Federation of American Scientists|access-date=25 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151126100134/https://fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/ship/fas.htm|archive-date=26 November 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> and Improved ''Virginia'' class in early Congressional Budget Office (CBO) reports,<ref name="cbo" /> the SSN(X) will instead be a largely new design that initially supplements and eventually replaces the ''Virginia'' class submarines.

In late 2014, the US Navy began early preparation work on the SSN(X). It was planned that the first submarine would be procured in 2025. However, their introduction (i.e., procurement of the first submarine) has been pushed back to 2033/2034.<ref name="cbo" /><ref>{{cite report |title=An Analysis of the Navy's Fiscal Year 2011 Shipbuilding Plan |url=http://www.cbo.gov/sites/default/files/05-25-navyshipbuilding.pdf |publisher=Congressional Budget Office |number=Pub. No. 4116 |date=May 2010 |access-date=4 June 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141208153155/http://www.cbo.gov/sites/default/files/05-25-navyshipbuilding.pdf |archive-date=8 December 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref> The long-range shipbuilding plan is for the new SSN to be authorized in 2034, and become operational by 2044 after the last Block VII ''Virginia'' is built. Roughly a decade would be spent identifying, designing, and demonstrating new technologies before an analysis of alternatives is issued in 2024. An initial small team has been formed to consult with industry and identify the threat environment and technologies the submarine will need to operate against in the 2050-plus timeframe.

In 2019, the Congressional Budget Office estimated that the SSN(X) boats could cost up to $5.5&nbsp;billion per hull. The current ''Virginia''-class boats cost about $2.8&nbsp;billion per hull, while the Block V boats with the 80-foot Virginia Payload Module will cost about $3.2&nbsp;billion. "The Navy indicates that the next-generation attack submarine should be faster, stealthier, and able to carry more torpedoes than the ''Virginia''-class, similar to the ''Seawolf''-class submarine. CBO therefore assumed that the SSN(X) would be a ''Seawolf''-sized SSN, which displaces about 9,100 tons when submerged, and would have an all-new design in keeping with the Navy's description of it as a fast, lethal next-generation attack submarine", the CBO wrote.<ref>{{cite news |first=Sam |last=LaGore |title=Next Generation SSN(X) Attack Sub 'Is Going to Carry a Lot of Torpedoes,' Says Admiral |url=https://news.usni.org/2021/11/22/next-generation-ssnx-attack-sub-is-going-to-carry-a-lot-of-torpedoes-says-admiral |work=USNI News |publisher=U.S. Naval Institute |date=22 November 2021 |access-date=24 November 2021 }}</ref>

== Potential exports ==
On 16 September 2021, Australian [[Prime Minister of Australia|Prime Minister]] [[Scott Morrison]] announced that Australia had canceled its contract with French shipbuilder [[Naval Group]] for 12 {{sclass|Attack|submarine|0}} diesel-electric submarines based on the French {{sclass2|Barracuda|submarine|0||France}} nuclear submarine that were to replace Australia's diesel-electric {{sclass|Collins|submarine|2}}s.<ref name="Pursuenuclear">{{cite press release |author1=Prime Minister |author2=Minister for Defence |author3=Minister for Foreign Affairs |author4=Minister for Women |title=Australia to pursue Nuclear-powered Submarines through new Trilateral Enhanced Security Partnership |url=https://www.pm.gov.au/media/australia-pursue-nuclear-powered-submarines-through-new-trilateral-enhanced-security |website=Prime Minister of Australia |access-date=25 September 2021 |date=16 September 2021 |archive-date=27 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210927191633/https://www.pm.gov.au/media/australia-pursue-nuclear-powered-submarines-through-new-trilateral-enhanced-security }}</ref> The [[AUKUS]] trilateral security partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, was announced the same day.<ref name="Announce">{{cite press release |author1=Prime Minister of Australia Scott Morrison |author2=Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Boris Johnson |author3=President of the United States of America Joseph R. Biden |title=Joint Leaders Statement on AUKUS |url=https://www.pm.gov.au/media/joint-leaders-statement-aukus |website=Prime Minister of Australia |access-date=25 September 2021 |date=16 September 2021 |archive-date=27 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210927191438/https://www.pm.gov.au/media/joint-leaders-statement-aukus }}</ref> Under the pact, the US will share nuclear propulsion technology with Australia the same as it has with the UK since [[1958 US–UK Mutual Defence Agreement#Special nuclear materials barter|1958]], as will the UK.<ref>{{cite interview |last=Morrison |first=Prime Minister Scott |subject-link=Scott Morrison |interviewer=Jane Marwick |title=Interview with Jane Marwick, 6PR |work=[[6PR]] |date=16 September 2021 |location=Perth, Perth, Western Australia |url=https://www.pm.gov.au/media/interview-jane-marwick-6pr |access-date=27 September 2021 |archive-date=27 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210927120740/https://www.pm.gov.au/media/interview-jane-marwick-6pr }}</ref><ref>{{cite report |last1=Ritchie |first1=Dr Nick |title=The UK Naval Nuclear Propulsion Programme and Highly Enriched Uranium |url=https://uploads.fas.org/2015/03/2015-FAS-UK-NNPP-HEU-final2.pdf |location=University of York, UK |date=February 2015 |access-date=27 September 2021}}</ref> The [[Royal Australian Navy]] (RAN) would acquire at least eight nuclear-powered submarines armed with conventional weapons with basic design and key technologies decided by an 18-month research project.<ref name="Pursuenuclear" /> On 22 November 2021, Australia, the UK and the US signed the ''Exchange of Naval Nuclear Propulsion Information Agreement'' (ENNPIA) [[treaty]] to share classified information about nuclear propulsion.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=2021-11-23 |title=Australia, UK and USA Formally Sign Agreement On Nuclear Submarine |url=https://www.globaldefensecorp.com/2021/11/23/australia-uk-and-usa-formally-sign-agreement-on-nuclear-submarine/ |access-date=2021-11-23 |website=Global Defense Corp |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="ENNPIA">{{cite book |author1=Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office |title=Agreement between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the Government of Australia, and the Government of the United States of America for the Exchange of Naval Nuclear Propulsion Information |date=2021 |publisher=Her Majesty's Stationery Office |isbn=978-1-5286-3035-1 |url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1036009/MS_8.2021_Agreement_UK_USA_Australia_Naval_Nuclear_Propulsion.pdf |access-date=13 January 2022 |series=Miscellaneous Series No.8 (2021)}}</ref>

On 13 March 2023, AUKUS announced that "in the early 2030s, pending Congressional approval, the United States intends to sell Australia three ''Virginia''-class submarines, with the potential to sell up to two more if needed".<ref name="AUKUSMar23"/> These submarines will ensure there is no capability gap between when the ''Collins''-class is retired and the introduction of a new class of nuclear-powered submarines, the [[SSN-AUKUS]].<ref>{{OGL-attribution|version=3.0|{{cite web |author1=[[Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom)|Ministry of Defence]] |author2=[[Defence Nuclear Organisation]] |title=The AUKUS Nuclear Powered-Submarine Pathway: A Partnership for the Future |url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1142588/The_AUKUS_nuclear_powered_submarine_pathway_a_partnership_for_the_future.pdf |access-date=17 March 2023 |date=14 March 2023 |ref={{harvid|Ministry of Defence|2023}} |page=7}}}}</ref><ref name="FTMar23">{{cite web|title=Australia to buy US submarines to bridge gap before UK-design boats|date=10 March 2023|first1= Demetri|last1= Sevastopulo|first2 =Sylvia|last2 =Pfeifer|first3 =John Paul|last3=Rathbone|website= Financial Times|url=https://www.ft.com/content/d5035343-8816-4390-a4dc-04579665849c|access-date=11 March 2023}}</ref> AUKUS also announced on the same day that the UK's SSNR submarine design will be renamed SSN-AUKUS and be trilaterally developed and built in the UK and in Australia.<ref name="FTMar23"/>{{sfn|Ministry of Defence|2023|p=7}}<ref>{{cite web |title=Design work begins on successor to Astute-class submarines in £170m deal |url=https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2021/september/17/20210917-astute-successor |website=Royal Navy |access-date=19 March 2023 |date=17 September 2021}}</ref> The SSN-AUKUS class "will have a high degree of commonality" with the ''Virginia''-class, including "sharing elements of the propulsion plant, combat system and weapons".{{sfn|Ministry of Defence|2023|p=29}}

The first in-service United States Navy Block IV ''Virginia''-class boat is planned to be sold to the RAN in 2032 and the second in-service Block IV in 2035.<ref name="DefenseNews23">{{cite news |last1=Eckstein |first1=Megan |title=Here's when the US Navy plans to sell subs to Australia under AUKUS |url=https://www.defensenews.com/naval/2023/11/13/heres-when-the-us-navy-plans-to-sell-subs-to-australia-under-aukus/ |access-date=17 November 2023 |work=Defense News |publisher=Sightline Media Group |date=17 November 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author1=Defence Minister Richard Marles |title=Interview with Andrew Clennell, Sky News |url=https://www.minister.defence.gov.au/transcripts/2023-03-14/interview-andrew-clennell-sky-news |website=Department of Defence Ministers |access-date=17 March 2023 |date=14 March 2023 |archive-date=17 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230317140713/https://www.minister.defence.gov.au/transcripts/2023-03-14/interview-andrew-clennell-sky-news }}</ref> The third boat to be sold to the RAN, in 2038, will be a new Block VII without the Virginia Payload Module.<ref name="DefenseNews23"/><ref>{{cite news |last1=Greene |first1=Andrew |title=First newly built nuclear-powered submarine under AUKUS likely to be sold in 2038, US admiral reveals |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-11-09/aukus-submarine-sales-timelines-revealed/103083780 |access-date=17 November 2023 |work=[[ABC News (Australia)|ABC News]] |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |date=9 November 2023}}</ref> The first boat of the SSN-AUKUS class for the RAN is planned to be delivered in the early 2040s;{{sfn|Ministry of Defence|2023|p=7}} five boats are planned to be built, with a boat built every three years.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Briggs |first1=Peter |title=How many nuclear-powered submarines for Australia? |url=https://www.aspistrategist.org.au/how-many-nuclear-powered-submarines-for-australia/ |website=The Strategist — [[Australian Strategic Policy Institute]] |access-date=15 October 2023 |date=12 October 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author1=Minister for Defence Richard Marles |title=AUKUS nuclear-powered submarine pathway, House of Representatives, Parliament House, Canberra ACT |url=https://www.minister.defence.gov.au/statements/2023-03-22/aukus-nuclear-powered-submarine-pathway-house-representatives-parliament-house-canberra-act |website=Department of Defence Ministers |access-date=15 October 2023 |date=22 March 2023 |archive-date=31 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230831000719/https://www.minister.defence.gov.au/statements/2023-03-22/aukus-nuclear-powered-submarine-pathway-house-representatives-parliament-house-canberra-act }}</ref> If the SSN-AUKUS build schedule falls behind, the RAN has the option of purchasing up to two additional ''Virginia''-class boats.<ref>{{cite web |author1=Defence Minister Richard Marles |author2=Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy |title=Press conference - Parliament House, Canberra |url=https://www.minister.defence.gov.au/transcripts/2023-03-14/press-conference-parliament-house-canberra |website=Department of Defence Ministers |access-date=16 March 2023 |date=14 March 2023 |archive-date=16 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230316152157/https://www.minister.defence.gov.au/transcripts/2023-03-14/press-conference-parliament-house-canberra }}</ref><ref name="Aust14March23" />

==See also==
{{Portal|United States}}
* [[List of submarine classes of the United States Navy]]
* [[List of submarines of the United States Navy]]
* [[List of submarine classes in service]]
* [[Submarines in the United States Navy]]
* [[Cruise missile submarine]]
* [[List of current United States Navy ships]]
* [[Future of the Royal Australian Navy]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

==Further reading==
* {{cite book |last=Clancy |first=Tom |date=2002 |title=Submarine: A Guided Tour Inside A Nuclear Warship |location=New York |publisher=Berkley Books |isbn=978-0-425-18300-7 |oclc=48749330 |url-access=registration |url=https://archive.org/details/submarineguidedt00clan}}
* {{cite book |last=Christley |first=J. L. |date=2000 |title=United States Naval Submarine Force Information Book |location=Marblehead, Massachusetts |publisher=Graphic Enterprises of Marblehead |oclc=53364278}}
* {{cite book |last=Christley |first=Jim |title=US Nuclear Submarines: The Fast Attack |location=Oxford, UK |publisher=Bloomsbury Publishing|date=2007 |isbn=978-1-84603-168-7 |oclc=141383046}}
* {{cite book |last1=Cross |first1=Wilbur |first2=George W. |last2=Feise |title=Encyclopedia of American Submarines |location=New York |publisher=Facts on File |date=2003 |isbn=978-0-8160-4460-3 |oclc=48131805 |url-access=registration |url=https://archive.org/details/encyclopediaofam0000cros}}
* {{cite book |last1=Gresham |first1=John |last2=Westwell |first2=Ian |title=Seapower |location=Edison, New Jersey |publisher=Chartwell Books |date=2004 |isbn=978-0-7858-1792-5 |oclc=56578494}}
* {{cite journal |last=Holian |first=Thomas |url=http://www.public.navy.mil/subfor/underseawarfaremagazine/Issues/Archives/issue_33/virginia.html |title=Voices from ''Virginia'': Early Impressions from a First-in-Class |journal=Undersea Warfare |date=Winter 2007 |volume=9 |issue=2 |access-date=5 June 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160131031335/http://www.public.navy.mil/subfor/underseawarfaremagazine/Issues/Archives/issue_33/virginia.html |archive-date=31 January 2016 }}
* {{cite journal |last1=Johnson |first1=Dave|last2=Muniz |first2=Dustin |url=http://www.public.navy.mil/subfor/underseawarfaremagazine/Issues/Archives/issue_33/more.html |title=More for Less: The Navy's Plan to Reduce Costs on ''Virginia''-class Submarines While Increasing Production |journal=Undersea Warfare |date=Winter 2007 |volume=9 |issue=2 |access-date=5 June 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160131041351/http://www.public.navy.mil/subfor/underseawarfaremagazine/Issues/Archives/issue_33/more.html |archive-date=31 January 2016 }}
* {{cite journal |last=Little |first=Molly |url=http://www.navy.mil/navydata/cno/n87/usw/usw_summer_08/elements.html |title=The Elements of ''Virginia'' |journal=Undersea Warfare Magazine |date=Summer 2008 |issue=38|access-date=15 January 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090401050951/http://www.navy.mil/navydata/cno/n87/usw/usw_summer_08/elements.html |archive-date=1 April 2009 }} Updates on the boats of the ''Virginia''-class
* {{cite journal |last=Little |first=Molly |url=http://www.navy.mil/navydata/cno/n87/usw/usw_summer_08/q&a.html |title=A Snapshot of the ''Virginia''-class With Rear Adm. (sel.) Dave Johnson |journal=Undersea Warfare |date=Summer 2008 |issue=38 |access-date=15 January 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090401050519/http://www.navy.mil/navydata/cno/n87/usw/usw_summer_08/q%26a.html |archive-date=1 April 2009 }} Q&A on the ''Virginia''-class program since the Winter 2007 article
* {{cite book |last=Parker |first=John |title=The World Encyclopedia of Submarines |location=London |publisher=Lorenz |date=2007 |isbn=978-0-7548-1707-9 |oclc=75713655}}
* {{cite book |last=Polmar |first=Norman |title=The Naval Institute Guide to the Ships and Aircraft of the U.S. Fleet |location=Annapolis, Maryland |publisher=Naval Institute Press |date=2001 |isbn=978-1-55750-656-6 |oclc=47105698}}
* {{cite report |title=The Virginia Class Submarine Program |location=Fort Belvoir, Virginia |publisher=Defense Standardization Program Office |date=2007 |oclc=427536804}}

{{Library resources box}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category|Virginia class submarines}}
* [https://www.history.navy.mil/ Naval History & Heritage Command]
* [http://www.military.com/equipment/virginia-class-attack-submarine-ssn VIRGINIA CLASS ATTACK SUBMARINE - SSN]
* {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20140420055222/https://www.public.navy.mil/subfor/hq/Pages/VirginiaClass.aspx Stealth, Endurance, and Agility Under the Sea]}}
* [http://xpda.com/virginiasubs/ Virginia Class Submarines] Some U.S. Navy Photos of ''Virginia''-class submarines
* [http://www.submarinesuppliers.org/ Submarine Industrial Base Resources] Information about the Submarine Industrial Base

{{Virginia class submarine}}
{{Active ship classes of the United States Navy}}
{{Current SSN}}
{{US submarine classes after 1945}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Virginia Class Submarine}}
[[Category:Submarine classes]]
[[Category:Cruise missile submarines]]
[[Category:Attack submarines]]
[[Category:Naval ships of the United States]]
[[Category:Virginia-class submarines| ]]
[[Category:Submarines of the United States Navy]]
[[Category:Submarines of the United States]]