OVERVIEW: The SSN 685 *Glenard P. Lipscomb* is a submarine operated by the United States Navy. Entering service in 1981, she represented a key asset in Cold War underwater operations.

DETAILS:
The *Glenard P. Lipscomb*’s design emerged from the US Navy's pursuit of advanced submarine technology during the latter stages of the Cold War. While specific details of the *Lipscomb*'s development remain somewhat classified, it is generally understood that she incorporated several experimental technologies and served as a test platform for concepts later integrated into subsequent submarine classes. Her construction reflected the ongoing emphasis on stealth, acoustic quieting, and advanced sensor capabilities that defined American submarine development during this period. Given her role in testing new technologies, the *Lipscomb* likely underwent several refits and modifications throughout her service life to accommodate different equipment configurations. This adaptable design made her an invaluable asset for evaluating the performance and reliability of cutting-edge submarine warfare systems.

The primary roles of the *Glenard P. Lipscomb* were centered on anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface warfare (ASuW), and intelligence gathering. In an ASW role, the submarine would have been tasked with tracking and potentially engaging Soviet submarines, leveraging her advanced sonar systems to maintain situational awareness in contested underwater environments. In ASuW, she would have posed a significant threat to surface combatants and merchant shipping, employing torpedoes and potentially anti-ship missiles (if fitted during refits) to project power. The presence of an AN/BRD-6 direction finding system points to a signals intelligence (SIGINT) gathering role, intercepting and analyzing enemy communications to provide valuable strategic and tactical information. Her extended submerged endurance capabilities would have enabled her to conduct prolonged surveillance missions in areas of strategic importance.

The sensor suite of the *Glenard P. Lipscomb* reflected the importance of acoustic intelligence in submarine operations. The AN/BQQ-5A(V)2 [BQS-12] integrated sonar system, a significant advancement at the time, provided enhanced detection and tracking capabilities compared to earlier systems. The AN/BQS-14 active sonar, presumably used for close-range targeting or navigation, complemented the passive capabilities of the BQQ-5. The AN/WLR-9A electronic support measures (ESM) system allowed for the detection and identification of radar emissions from surface ships and aircraft, further enhancing situational awareness. The towed array sonar, AN/TB-16, offered improved low-frequency detection ranges. The inclusion of both optical and low-light television (LLTV) periscopes provided visual observation capabilities for surface targets. The vessel was armed with 533mm Mk67 torpedo tubes, capable of launching a variety of torpedoes for anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare. The 3-inch signal ejector was likely used for launching flares or other signaling devices.

SPECIFICATION: Length: 111.0 m || Beam: 9.8 m || Draft: 8.8 m || Disp: 5906 t

SENSORS: AN/WLR-9A || AN/TB-16 || AN/BQS-14 || AN/BPS-14 || AN/BQQ-5A(V)2 [BQS-12] || AN/BRD-6 || Generic Submarine Periscope, Optical || Generic Submarine Periscope, LLTV

ARMAMENT: 533mm Mk67 TT || 533mm Mk67 TT || 3-inch Signal Ejector