**OVERVIEW:** The SSBN 726 Ohio is a ballistic missile submarine of the *Ohio* class, operated by the United States Navy. Commissioned in 1982, it represents a cornerstone of the US nuclear deterrent strategy.

**DETAILS:**

The *Ohio*-class submarines were conceived in the 1970s as a replacement for the aging *Lafayette*, *James Madison*, and *Benjamin Franklin* classes of ballistic missile submarines. The program prioritized increased missile payload, reduced acoustic signature, and improved operational availability. The design emphasized stealth, incorporating extensive sound-damping measures and a highly efficient propulsion system to minimize noise generation. This allowed the *Ohio* class to patrol vast ocean areas undetected, ensuring survivability and a credible second-strike capability. The move to a larger platform also permitted significant improvements in crew comfort and habitability, designed to enhance crew endurance during extended deployments. The Ohio's hull form was optimized for submerged operation, minimizing drag and maximizing maneuverability at patrol speeds. The design included advanced automation features, reducing the crew size compared to earlier SSBNs, improving operational efficiency, and significantly decreasing lifecycle costs.

The primary role of the SSBN 726 Ohio is strategic nuclear deterrence. The submarine's substantial payload of Trident C4 submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs) allows it to deliver a devastating retaliatory strike against potential adversaries. While primarily focused on strategic deterrence, the Ohio is equipped with torpedoes for self-defense against hostile submarines and surface ships. The AN/BQQ-6 integrated sonar suite provides comprehensive situational awareness, enabling detection, tracking, and classification of underwater threats at considerable range. The AN/WLR-8(V)5 and AN/WLR-17 electronic support measures (ESM) systems offer the capability to detect and analyze radar emissions from surface vessels and aircraft, further enhancing situational awareness and providing early warning of potential threats. The 3-inch Signal Ejector provides secure and covert communications capabilities.

The sensor suite aboard the SSBN 726 Ohio is designed to provide comprehensive underwater and surface awareness. The AN/BQR-19 towed array sonar supplements the hull-mounted AN/BQQ-6 sonar, significantly extending the submarine's detection range, particularly in shallow water environments. The AN/BPS-15A surface search radar allows for navigation and limited surface surveillance when operating at periscope depth. Two periscopes, one optical and one equipped with Low Light TV (LLTV), provide visual and electronic observation capabilities. The installation of the CSA Mk1 FED [Mk139] provides countermeasures against incoming torpedoes, increasing survivability in a hostile environment. The 533mm Mk68 torpedo tubes are used to launch Mk48 torpedoes for self-defense.

**SPECIFICATION:** Length: 170.0 m || Beam: 13.0 m || Draft: 10.8 m || Disp: 16765 t

**SENSORS:** AN/BPS-15A || AN/WLR-8(V)5 || AN/BQQ-6 || AN/WLR-10 || AN/BQR-19 || AN/BQR-15A || AN/WLR-17 || Generic Submarine Periscope, Optical || Generic Submarine Periscope, LLTV

**ARMAMENT:** Trident C4 || 533mm Mk68 TT || 533mm Mk68 TT || 3-inch Signal Ejector || CSA Mk1 FED [Mk139]