Virginia Block III: The Revised Bow

"GDEB Receives $148M as Virginia Class Lead Yard" described changes to the Virginia Class submarine's design that are expected to reach 20% of the $200 million savings goal by the time orders for the versatile sea attack/ land attack/ special forces submarines rise to 2 per year, in 2012. Note that just 2% inflation per year would make that $2 billion $FY05 target about $2.3 billion in FY 2012 dollars, and 3% average inflation would raise the real dollars price tag to $2.46 billion.

The bow changes cover the FY 2009-2013 ships, referred to as Block III. SSN 774 Virginia – SSN 774 North Carolina are be Block I and SSNs 778-783 will be Block II. Block III begins with the 11th ship of class, SSN 784. That boat will be ordered in October 2008 (beginning FY 2009), for delivery around 2015. A fuller explanation of the bow changes, and the accompanying graphic, may be found below:

Continue reading…