Tech & Auto
How The USS Seawolf Changed Underwater Warfare Forever
By BARNABY BRITTON
Developed during the Cold War by the U.S. Navy to confront Soviet Union forces, the USS Seawolf nuclear submarine is one of the most advanced ships worldwide.
The advent of nuclear-powered engines allowed submarines to remain submerged indefinitely and travel at speeds to keep up with surface vessels.
By the time the Seawolf was developed, nuclear power was a mature technology. However, other aspects of the sub were revolutionary.
The Seawolf class features a stronger hull made of high-pressure HY-100 steel, a greatly increased weapons capacity, and the highest tactical speed of any sub in the U.S. fleet.
However, one of its main tactical advantages is that it can operate around 10 times more quietly than even the quietest Los Angeles-class submarines.
Its silence makes the Seawolf capable of "stealth" missions that would have been impossible for previous-generation subs, including covert surveillance of sensitive areas.
Exact performance figures are known only to the U.S. Navy, but officially, the submarine can make around 20 knots on the surface and around 35 knots submerged.
Its operating depth is given at 800+ feet, with a safe depth of 1,600 feet and a rated "crash" depth of 2,250 feet. It's equipped with Tomahawk missiles, mines, and MK48 torpedoes.