SSGN “Tactical Trident” Subs: Special Forces and Super Strike

[VandeWiel]

The U.S. Navy modified the four oldest Ohio class Trident submarines to SSGN configuration. This was achieved in 2002 to 2008 by the installation of vertical launching systems (VLS) in a configuration dubbed "multiple all-up-round canister (MAC)", which equips 22 of the 24 missile tubes, which previously held one large nuclear strategic ballistic missile, with 7 smaller Tomahawk cruise missiles. The 2 remaining tubes are converted to lock out chambers (LOC) to be used by special forces personnel who can be carried on board. This gives each converted sub the capability to carry up to 154 Tomahawk missiles. The MAC tubes can also be used to carry and launch UAVs or UUVs which give the ship remote controlled "eyes & ears" allowing the ship to act as a forward-deployed command & control center. If the maximum of 154 Tomahawk missiles were loaded, one Ohio class SSGN would carry an entire Battle Group's equivalent of cruise missiles. Despite the increase in stand-off strike capabilities, this conversion counts as an arms reduction against the START II treaty[1][2] (because it reduces the number of nuclear weapons that are forward-deployed).
Ohio (SSGN-726) completed its conversion and began sea trials in early 2006. Since that time, USS Michigan (SSGN-727), USS Florida (SSGN-728), and the USS Georgia (SSGN-729) have rejoined the fleet in the new configuration. Florida conducted the initial testing required to determine whether the SSGN implementation was feasible. This included the first launching of a Tomahawk missile from the SSGN platform [3].


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cruise_missile_submarine

[VandeWiel]

De afschrikwekkende werking misschien nog wel groter, halo hé, 160 Kruisrakketten en een tiental SF, is waarschijnlijk een zwaarder drukmiddel dan een paar tridentrakketten die niet afgevuurt gaan worden. Met deze subs kan een land platgelegd worden terwijl 'they never saw it comming'.

Mijn gedachten ook. Stel je voor 4 van die subs, 600 raketten, en de gemiddelde klus is al bijna voorbij!?!

[VandeWiel]

Ik kwam dit nog tegen...ombouwen van onderzeeboten voor nieuwe taken...bijzonder!!

Als het Nederlandse subs waren geweest dan zouden ze zijn omgebouwd voor "humanitaire" taken (en vervolgens niet zo zijn gebruikt). 

[Elzenga]

Ik kwam dit nog tegen...ombouwen van onderzeeboten voor nieuwe taken...bijzonder!!


SSGN "Tactical Trident" Subs: Special Forces and Super Strike

28-Sep-2009 17:48 EDT

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In the aftermath of arms control treaties, some of the USA's nuclear-powered Ohio Class SSBN nuclear missile submarines are being converted to become long range conventional strike and special operations SSGN "Tactical Tridents." Four ultra-stealthy Ohio-class SSBNs are having their 24 Trident II D-5 nuclear ballistic missiles removed and replaced with up to 154 Tomahawk cruise missiles. The USA is also adding accommodation for 66-102 special forces troops, special attachments for new Advanced SEAL Delivery System (ASDS) or older Seal Delivery Vehicle (SDV) "mini-subs," and a mission control center. In future, the SSGNs may also carry UUV underwater robotic vehicles and even UAVs for aerial operations.

These modifications provide the USA with an impressive and impressively flexible set of conventional firepower, in a survivable and virtually undetectable platform that can remain on station for very long periods.

DID FOCUS articles cover significant programs of record. This updated article covers the origins of this conversion program, the key players, the timeline, the key technologies involved, and comprehensive coverage of the announced contracts under this $1.4 billion refurbishment and conversion program to date. All 4 submarines have now returned to service, and they are beginning to execute key missions...

    * The US Navy's New SSGN Platform
    * SSGN Conversions: Timelines & Program Contractors
    * SSGN Tactical Trident: Contracts and Key Events
    * SSGN Tactical Trident: Ancillary Programs [updated]
    * Additional Readings

      Continue Reading... »
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