**OVERVIEW:** The SSN 784 *North Dakota* [Virginia Class, Flight III] is a nuclear-powered attack submarine operated by the United States Navy. Commissioned in 2020, it represents the latest advancements in submarine technology and serves as a key asset in maintaining U.S. maritime superiority.

**DETAILS:** The Virginia-class program was initiated in the 1990s as a successor to the Seawolf class, aiming to provide a more affordable and versatile submarine platform for a wide range of missions. The Flight III variant incorporates significant upgrades compared to earlier blocks, most notably the replacement of the spherical sonar array with the Large Aperture Bow (LAB) sonar. This design change reflects a shift in priorities toward enhanced littoral operations and improved shallow-water detection capabilities. The overall design emphasizes stealth, modularity, and adaptability to accommodate future technological advancements. The *North Dakota*, as a Flight III boat, embodies these characteristics, making it a formidable asset in the modern underwater battlespace.

The primary roles of the *North Dakota* include anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface warfare (ASuW), intelligence gathering, surveillance, and special operations support. Its advanced sensor suite and versatile armament allow it to effectively engage a wide range of threats, from enemy submarines and surface combatants to land-based targets. In its ASW role, the AN/BQQ-10 sonar suite, combined with the AN/BQG-5A LWWAA (Light Weight Wide Aperture Array), provides unparalleled detection and tracking capabilities against even the quietest submarines. For ASuW missions, the submarine can employ its torpedoes and vertically launched cruise missiles to neutralize surface threats. The AN/WLY-1 Acoustic Countermeasure system enhances survivability by providing defense against incoming torpedoes.

The *North Dakota's* technical capabilities are centered around its advanced sensor suite and weapons systems. The AN/BLQ-10(V)1 Electronic Support Measures (ESM) system enables the submarine to detect and analyze enemy radar emissions, providing valuable intelligence and situational awareness. The AN/BPS-16 radar provides surface navigation and target acquisition capabilities. The AN/BQS-15 close-in sonar provides high-resolution imaging for navigation and obstacle avoidance in littoral environments. Furthermore, the AN/TB-29 and AN/TB-34 towed arrays extend the submarine's detection range and provide improved low-frequency detection capabilities. The AN/BVS-1 Photonics Mast replaces the traditional periscope, offering enhanced imaging capabilities and reduced detectability. The Vertical Payload Tubes (VPT) enable the launch of up to 12 Tomahawk cruise missiles, providing significant strike capability against land-based targets. Finally, the 533mm torpedo tubes can launch a variety of torpedoes for engaging surface and subsurface threats.

**SPECIFICATION:** Length: 114.9 m || Beam: 10.0 m || Draft: 9.5 m || Disp: 6600 t

**SENSORS:** AN/BLQ-10(V)1 || AN/WLY-1 || AN/BQQ-10 || AN/BPS-16 || AN/BQG-5A LWWAA [BSY-2] || AN/TB-29 || AN/BQS-15 || AN/TB-34 || AN/BVS-1 Photonics Mast

**ARMAMENT:** 3-inch Signal Ejector || CSA Mk2 Mod 2 [Mk151] || 533mm TT || VPT [2 Cells, 12 Missiles]