Designed as the ultimate stealthy hunter-killer submarine, the Seawolf class submarines are the most deadly attack submarines in the world. They have a unique array of electronics including a 24-foot spherical sounder array, eight 660mm tubes and a Raytheon AN/BQQ-10, V4 sonar processing unit. These systems allow the submarine's autonomy against the most formidable threats. These submarines have torpedoes, Tomahawk cruise missiles and Harpoon anti ship missiles. They have a range effective of 130 km and can carry 50 Torpedoes.
The Seawolf was built to combat the Soviet threat of sophisticated ballistic missile submarines. Designed to cruise at twenty-five knots, the submarine is also capable of diving to depths of up to 2,000 feet. The US's first submarine, the Seawolf, uses a pump-jet propulsion system. This makes it quieter than propeller-driven boats.
The Seawolf-class submarines have hulls made from a high strength steel alloy. The steel is two inches thick, and is designed to withstand water pressure at greater depths. It also features an eight-tube double deck torpedo room. These submarines can transport 100 marine mines as well as 50 torpedoes.
The first Seawolf class submarines were ordered from the Electric Boat Division of General Dynamics in Connecticut. The first Seawolf was officially commissioned in July 1997. The submarine was eventually downsized to three boats and renamed USS Jimmy Carter. The submarine was modified to improve underwater manoevability, and was launched in June 2004.
Seawolf-class submarines became necessary after the Soviet Union collapsed. The Soviet Union, which developed and operated the largest submarine fleet in the world, had been reduced in numbers and was no longer capable of producing submarines capable of reaching the United States. The Seawolf was designed to be ultra-quiet and quiet submarines. The submarine was designed to operate autonomously against the world's largest and most powerful threats. The submarine was equipped with the BSY-2 combat system, which allowed it to engage multiple enemies simultaneously.
Seawolf submarines can carry a variety torpedoes including Gould’s Mk 48 ADCAP and Tomahawk cruise missiles as well as Harpoon antiship missiles. The submarine has a two-way satellite connection that allows for the transmission battle damage indicator imagery and can be reprogrammed during flight.
The Seawolf class submarine was the first new American submarine design in over three decades. It was created to counter Soviet threats and operate autonomously against some of the world's most powerful and dangerous threats. The submarine was originally meant to attack Vladivostok. Seawolf's construction was halted by the collapse of Soviet Union. While the Seawolf's main mission was to counter Soviet aggression and conduct special operations in Europe, it also served other missions. It briefly visited Tronjordan.
The Seawolf-class submarines are the most expensive submarines in the world, with a cost of over $3 billion for each boat. In addition, the submarines are the fastest, most maneuverable, and most deadly attack submarines in the world. They can handle multiple targets simultaneously due to their high-performance missiles, heavy weapons loads, and robust electronics. They can carry fifty torpedoes.