Military Bulletin 2 – USN OHIO SSBN replacement

The United States Navy is getting ready for the replacement of its current 14 Ohio class SSBN nuclear fleet. The plan is for 12 new boats, each one carrying 16 D5 Trident II nuclear missiles. Two successful D-5 missile tests were announced in February, confirming the extended life of the Trident missile. This will no doubt be as equally important to the UK’s future new generation of SSBN submarines for the Trident missile.

The estimated cost will be in the region of $100 Billion, with the lead boat being delivered in 2028.

Harvey Black

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US OHIO replacement concept

“OHIO Replacement Concept NAVSEA” by NAVSEA – NAVSEA. Licensed under Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons –

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The chosen propulsion system will be an Electric drive, reducing the need for reduction gearing. The nuclear and steam turbines will still be at the heart of the ship’s propulsion system.

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 It is proposed that each SSBN would have 16 launch tubes for the Trident II nuclear missile.

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The USN also plans to share a common missile compartment design with the Royal navy’s proposed replacement for the Vanguard-class SSBNs

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Cutaway image of the Ohio replacement SSBN

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“Ohio Replacement Submarine cutaway 2014 Sea, Air, and Space Symposium” by CAPT William J. Brougham, USN – PMS397 Program Manager – NAVSEA – “Document: Ohio Class Replacement 2014 Briefing Slides” – United States Naval Institute News – Published: April 9, 2014 1:31 PM. Licensed under Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons –