Ballistic missile submarine
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A ballistic missile submarine is a submarine equipped to launch ballistic missiles (SLBMs).
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[edit] Description
Ballistic missile submarines are larger than any other type of submarine, in order to accommodate SLBMs such as the Russian R-29 or the American Trident. Although some early models had to surface to launch their missiles, modern vessels typically launch while submerged at keel depths, usually less than 50 meters (164 feet).
[edit] Purpose
Ballistic missile submarines differ in purpose from attack submarines and cruise missile submarines; while attack submarines specialise in combat with other naval vessels (including enemy submarines and merchant shipping), and cruise missile submarines are designed to attack large warships and tactical targets on land, the primary mission of the ballistic missile is nuclear deterrence. Accordingly, the mission profile of a ballistic missile submarine concentrates on remaining undetected, rather than aggressively pursuing other vessels. Ballistic missile submarines are designed for stealth, to avoid detection at all costs. They use many sound-reducing design features, such as anechoic tiles on their hull surfaces, carefully designed propulsion systems, and machinery mounted on vibration-damping mounts.
Ballistic missile submarines equipped with nuclear warheads serve as the third leg of the nuclear triad. The invisibility and mobility of submarines offer both a reliable means of deterrence against an attack (by maintaining the threat of a second strike), and a surprise first-strike capability.
[edit] Terminology
Ballistic missile submarines are often referred to as SSBNs, after the United States Navy's hull classification symbol for a nuclear-powered, ballistic nuclear missile-carrying submarine.[1] The SS denotes a "ship submersible ", the B denotes "ballistic missile," and the N denotes "nuclear powered."
In US naval slang, ballistic missile submarines are called "boomers", while in Britain, they are referred to as "bombers". Many navies use two crews per boat to maximize patrol time. The U.S. Navy calls them 'blue' and 'gold' crews; the Royal Navy calls them 'port' and 'starboard' crews; and the French Navy uses 'blue' and 'red' designations.
[edit] Active classes
- France
- Russian Federation
- United States
- United Kingdom
- People's Republic of China
- Type 092
- Type 094
- PRC reportedly still operates a single modified Golf-class diesel-powered ballistic missile submarine built in 1966, used for testing new SLBM designs.[2]
[edit] Classes under development
- Indian Navy
- Advanced Technology Vessel (to be unveiled in 2009 but tests will commence in mid later 2009)
[edit] Retired classes
- France
- United Kingdom
- United States
- Russian Federation/Soviet
- Hotel class
- Yankee class
- Yankee II class
- Delta I class
- Delta II class
- Golf class (diesel powered)
[edit] See also
- SSN - attack submarine
- SSGN - cruise missile submarine
- 41 for Freedom - US Navy Fleet Ballistic Missile (FBM) submarines
- Nuclear War
[edit] References
- ^ "SECNAVINST 5030.8" (PDF). United States Navy. 21 November 2006. http://doni.daps.dla.mil/Directives/05000%20General%20Management%20Security%20and%20Safety%20Services/05-00%20General%20Admin%20and%20Management%20Support/5030.8.pdf. Retrieved on 10 September 2008.
- ^ See JL-2 (The first sea launch of the JL-2 was reported to have taken place mid January 2001 from a modified Golf class Submarine.)
[edit] External links
- Video showing various SSBNs in action.
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