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Block V Virginia
The Block V Virginia is the latest and largest version of the U.S. Navy's nuclear-powered Virginia-class attack submarines, designed with significantly increased missile capacity for enhanced strike capabilities.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
The Block V Virginia-class submarine represents the fifth variant of the U.S. Navy's nuclear-powered attack submarines, distinguished by the integration of the Virginia Payload Module (VPM) to significantly increase its Tomahawk land attack missile capacity from 12 to 40, thereby enhancing its strike warfare and special operations capabilities.
BACKGROUND
The Virginia class, or the SSN-774 class, is a class of nuclear-powered attack submarine with vertical launching system (VLS)-launched cruise missile capability in service with the United States Navy. The class is designed for a broad spectrum of open-ocean and littoral missions, including anti-submarine warfare and intelligence gathering operations. They are scheduled to replace older Los Angeles-class attack submarines, many of which have already been decommissioned, as well as four cruise missile submarine variants of the Ohio-class submarines. Upon the 25 July 2025 decommissioning of the Los Angeles-class submarine USS Helena (SSN-725), the Virginia-class became the most numerous active submarine class in the world.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- Virginia Block V
- VPM Virginia
- Block 5 Virginia
- Virginia Payload Module submarine
- SSN Block V
USAGE NOTE
Block V submarines are crucial for the U.S. Navy's undersea warfare and power projection strategies, particularly in anti-surface, anti-submarine, intelligence gathering, and precision strike missions.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Block V Virginia.
One of the two primary shipyards responsible for the design, construction, and lifecycle support of the Virginia-class submarines, including the Block V variant.
The other primary shipyard working in a teaming agreement with Electric Boat to construct Virginia-class submarines, including Block V, and provide overhaul and refueling services.
Develops and integrates critical systems for the Virginia-class submarines, including the AN/BYG-1 combat control system and sonar systems.
Provides a wide range of advanced technologies for naval platforms, potentially including sensors, sonar systems, and other electronic warfare or combat system components for the Virginia-class.
Supplies various critical components and systems for the Virginia-class submarines, such as propulsion systems, navigation systems, and other advanced electronics.
The U.S. Navy command responsible for the design, procurement, and maintenance of Navy ships and submarines, including direct oversight of the Virginia-class program and its technology development.
Contributes to various naval programs by providing advanced technologies such as electronic warfare systems, sonar systems, and combat system integration for submarines and other platforms.
Specializes in open-architecture computing environments and acoustic processing for submarines, including significant contributions to the AN/BYG-1 combat system and other critical technologies for the Virginia-class.