**OVERVIEW:** The SSN 784 *North Dakota* [Virginia Class, Flight III] is a nuclear-powered fast attack submarine operated by the United States Navy. Commissioned in 2020, it represents a significant advancement in US submarine technology, incorporating enhanced sensor capabilities and updated weapons systems compared to earlier Virginia-class flights.

**DETAILS:**
The Virginia-class program was initiated in the late 1990s as a successor to the Seawolf-class, balancing advanced capabilities with cost-effectiveness for large-scale production. The Flight III variant, to which *North Dakota* belongs, incorporates a redesigned bow, replacing the traditional spherical sonar array with the Large Aperture Bow (LAB) sonar system. This modification, coupled with other enhancements, drastically improves the submarine's acoustic performance, allowing for superior detection and tracking of both surface and subsurface contacts in challenging acoustic environments. The design philosophy behind the Virginia-class emphasizes a multi-mission capability, enabling the submarine to perform a wide range of tasks, from anti-submarine warfare (ASW) to intelligence gathering and special operations support.

The primary roles of *North Dakota* are Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), Anti-Surface Warfare (ASuW), and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR). The submarine's advanced sensors and weapons allow it to effectively engage enemy submarines and surface combatants. Furthermore, the Virginia-class submarines are designed for littoral operations, making them well-suited for missions in shallow waters and near coastlines. The vessel is equipped to deploy special operations forces (SOF), offering a covert platform for insertion and extraction. The *North Dakota*'s commissioning in 2020 reflects the US Navy's commitment to maintaining a technologically superior submarine force.

The installation of the AN/BLQ-10(V)1 electronic warfare support system allows for the detection, identification, and geolocation of radar emissions, providing critical situational awareness. The AN/WLY-1 acoustic intercept system further enhances its ability to detect and classify potential threats based on their acoustic signatures. The AN/BQQ-10 sonar suite, including the AN/BQG-5A LWWAA (Wide Aperture Array), provides enhanced passive and active sonar capabilities for detecting and tracking targets at extended ranges. The AN/BPS-16 radar provides surface search and navigation capabilities. Offensive capabilities are provided by four 533mm torpedo tubes capable of launching a variety of torpedoes and cruise missiles. Furthermore, the Vertical Payload Tubes (VPT) allow the launch of up to 12 Tomahawk land-attack cruise missiles, providing a potent strike capability against land-based targets. The AN/BVS-1 Photonics Mast replaces the traditional periscope, providing high-resolution imagery and video with enhanced situational awareness.

**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]