Introduction to the 688 Los Angeles Class Submarine
The 688 Los Angeles Class Submarine is a nuclear-powered attack submarine that has been a cornerstone of the United States Navy’s submarine fleet for over three decades. With its exceptional stealth capabilities, advanced sensor systems, and powerful armament, this submarine has earned a reputation as one of the most feared and respected underwater vessels in the world.
Design and Development
The Los Angeles Class Submarine was designed in the 1970s as a replacement for the Sturgeon Class Submarine. The first submarine of this class, USS Los Angeles (SSN-688), was commissioned in 1976. A total of 62 submarines of this class were built, with the last one, USS Cheyenne (SSN-773), being commissioned in 1996.
The Los Angeles Class Submarine was designed to be a multi-mission platform, capable of conducting anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, and reconnaissance. Its hull is made of high-strength steel, and its sail (the structure that houses the submarine’s command center) is designed to be as low as possible to reduce its radar cross-section.
Stealth Capabilities
The Los Angeles Class Submarine is renowned for its exceptional stealth capabilities. Its hull is shaped to minimize its acoustic signature, making it difficult to detect using sonar. The submarine’s propulsion system is also designed to be quiet, with a seven-bladed propeller that reduces cavitation (the formation of air bubbles that can give away a submarine’s position).
The submarine’s anechoic coating, a special type of sound-absorbing material, helps to reduce its acoustic signature even further. This coating is applied to the submarine’s hull and absorbs sound waves, making it even harder to detect.
Sensor Systems
The Los Angeles Class Submarine is equipped with some of the most advanced sensor systems in the world. Its AN/BQQ-5E sonar system uses a combination of active and passive sensors to detect and track targets. The submarine’s TB-16D and TB-23 towed array sonar systems provide additional detection capabilities, allowing the submarine to detect targets at long range.
The submarine’s radar system, the AN/BRD-7, is a low-probability-of-intercept (LPI) radar that uses a phased array antenna to detect and track targets. The radar system is designed to be highly resistant to electronic countermeasures.
Armament
The Los Angeles Class Submarine is equipped with a variety of armaments, including:
- Mark 48 Advanced Technology (ADCAP) torpedoes: These torpedoes are designed to attack both surface ships and submarines. They have a range of over 20 miles and can travel at speeds of up to 40 knots.
- Harpoon anti-ship missiles: These missiles are designed to attack surface ships and have a range of over 70 miles.
- Tomahawk land-attack missiles: These missiles are designed to attack land targets and have a range of over 1,000 miles.
- Mine delivery: The submarine is also capable of delivering mines, which can be used to attack enemy ships and submarines.
Command and Control
The Los Angeles Class Submarine has a highly advanced command and control system, which allows it to coordinate its efforts with other naval vessels and submarines. The submarine’s command center is equipped with a variety of systems, including:
- AN/BQQ-5E sonar system: This system provides the submarine with real-time information on its surroundings, allowing it to detect and track targets.
- AN/BRD-7 radar system: This system provides the submarine with real-time information on air and surface targets.
- Combat control system: This system allows the submarine to control its armaments and coordinate its efforts with other naval vessels and submarines.
📝 Note: The Los Angeles Class Submarine's command and control system is highly classified, and the information provided here is only a general overview of its capabilities.
Upgrades and Modernization
The Los Angeles Class Submarine has undergone several upgrades and modernization programs over the years. These upgrades have included:
- AN/BQQ-5E sonar system upgrade: This upgrade improved the submarine’s detection and tracking capabilities.
- AN/BRD-7 radar system upgrade: This upgrade improved the submarine’s radar capabilities, allowing it to detect and track targets more effectively.
- Combat control system upgrade: This upgrade improved the submarine’s ability to control its armaments and coordinate its efforts with other naval vessels and submarines.
Conclusion
The 688 Los Angeles Class Submarine is a highly advanced attack submarine that has played a critical role in the United States Navy’s submarine fleet for over three decades. Its exceptional stealth capabilities, advanced sensor systems, and powerful armament make it one of the most feared and respected underwater vessels in the world. With its ongoing upgrades and modernization programs, the Los Angeles Class Submarine will continue to play a vital role in the United States Navy’s operations for years to come.
What is the top speed of the 688 Los Angeles Class Submarine?
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The top speed of the 688 Los Angeles Class Submarine is over 20 knots (23 mph).
What is the range of the Mark 48 ADCAP torpedo?
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The range of the Mark 48 ADCAP torpedo is over 20 miles (32 km).
How many 688 Los Angeles Class Submarines were built?
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A total of 62 688 Los Angeles Class Submarines were built.
Related Terms:
- uss los angeles
- USS Honolulu SSN 718
- uss san francisco ssn 711
- USS Alexandria
- uss dallas
- uss providence
