OVERVIEW: The SSN 774 *Virginia* [Flight I] is a nuclear-powered fast attack submarine of the United States Navy.

DETAILS: The *Virginia* class was conceived as a more affordable successor to the *Seawolf* class, prioritizing littoral operations alongside traditional blue-water anti-submarine warfare (ASW). The Flight I boats, while incorporating advanced technologies, represent the initial iteration of the class design, benefiting from lessons learned during construction and early operational deployments. The design emphasizes modularity and open architecture to facilitate future upgrades and technology insertion, a key design consideration to maintain operational relevance in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. Development was influenced by the need for a platform capable of supporting Special Operations Forces (SOF) activities, anti-surface warfare (ASuW), and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions in addition to traditional ASW roles. The *Virginia* class represents a shift towards a more versatile and adaptable submarine platform.

The primary role of the SSN 774 *Virginia* [Flight I] is multi-mission capable, excelling in ASW, ASuW, and ISR operations. The submarine's stealth characteristics, combined with its advanced sensor suite, enable it to operate effectively in both deep ocean and littoral environments. The *Virginia's* ASW capability is significant, allowing it to track and engage hostile submarines. The anti-surface warfare role is supported through the use of torpedoes and missiles against surface combatants. The class is also capable of supporting SOF operations, providing covert insertion and extraction capabilities.

The sensor suite aboard the SSN 774 is comprehensive. The AN/BLQ-10(V)1 provides electronic support measures (ESM), allowing the submarine to detect and analyze enemy radar emissions. The AN/WLY-1 acoustic intercept system enhances situational awareness by passively detecting and classifying underwater acoustic signals. The AN/BQQ-10 sonar suite is the primary sonar system, providing detection, tracking, and classification of underwater targets. The AN/BPS-16 radar provides surface search and navigation capabilities. The AN/BQG-5A LWWAA (BSY-2) provides a wide aperture array for long-range detection of submarines. The AN/TB-29 towed array sonar enhances low-frequency detection capabilities, while the AN/BQS-15 high-frequency sonar is used for close-range detection and navigation. The AN/TB-34 thin line towed array complements the other sonar systems. The AN/BVS-1 Photonics Mast replaces the traditional periscope, providing enhanced visual and electronic imaging capabilities. The CSA Mk2 Mod 2 [Mk151] is a countermeasures system for defense against torpedoes. The Vertical Payload Tubes (VPT) provide the capability to launch Tomahawk cruise missiles for land attack or anti-ship missions. The 533mm torpedo tubes can launch a variety of torpedoes.

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