America’s ballistic missile submarines are the most survivable leg of its nuclear triad
and are the biggest deterrent for its rival.
According to plan, the 12 Columbia-class submarines will slowly replace the existing 14 Ohio-class
nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines.
The first Columbia class submarine will cost $14.5 billion, this includes $5.1 billion
as one-time research and development costs and $8.8 billion for construction.
The US Navy currently estimates the average cost of all 12 submarine to be around $7.2 billion.
The first submarine is scheduled to be acquired in 2021.
All 12 submarines are expected to be completed by 2042 and remain in service till 2084.
The Columbia-class submarines will be the same length but a foot wider than the Ohio-class.
Hence they will have slightly more displacement of 20,815 tons as compared to Ohio’s 18,750 tons.
Each submarine will have sixteen missile tubes for 16 Trident D-5 missile, which will be
recycled from Ohios.
In this video, Defense Updates lists 5 improvements in upcoming Columbia class submarines that
will replace current Ohio Class.
Let's get started.
Ohio class needed its sonar transducers to be replaced every 10 years.
This results in significant downtime.
The Columbia-Class will utilize an enlarged version of Virginia-class’s large-aperture
bow array sonar.
This large aperture bow array is water backed instead of being air backed with no dome and
very small hydrophones able to last for the life of the ship.
Hence, the Columbia class do not need to replace the sonar transducers every 10-years.
Also, the performance of the sonar is much better though the exact details are classified.
Ohio Class submarine’s reactors need mid-life refueling
The nuclear reactor in Columbia will last the lifetime of the vessel.
This means they will not require midlife refueling or maintenance.
So, they will be spending more time in action and less in docks.
In terms of operations, the Columbia-Class submarines will be able to undertake more
missions than the Ohio Class they are replacing.
With this improved reactor core, the 12 Columbia class will have the same sea presence as the
current fleet of 14 Ohio ballistic missile submarines.
Ohio class has a mechanical drive system.
The Columbia class will feature an electric drive propulsion system.
In electric drive, an electric motor is used to turn the propeller of a vessel.
An electric drive system is quieter than the mechanical system and is more cost-effective
in the long run.
Columbia will also utilize Virginia-class’s fly-by-wire joystick control system making
it easy to direct.
This will come in handy especially when making an evasive maneuver.
It will have a state of art AI enabled autopilot.
The system will use algorithms to control the ship's rudder and the stern to maintain
course and depth.
Ohio has a relatively old communication system as compared to today’s standards.
For example, it still relies on periscopes.
The Columbia-Class submarines will use Virginia-class’s next-generation communications system.
The periscope will be replaced by camera mast that continuously relays images to onboard monitors.
So, the crew is aware of the vessels surrounding all the time without needing to use the periscope
at intermittent intervals.
Ohio class submarines are hard to detect and hence relevant even after being in service
for so long.
But things will change as rivals, especially Russia is carrying extensive research in next
generation of attack submarines.
Attack submarines are meant to take out ballistic missile submarines and surface vessels.
Russia lasted Yasen class submarines are considered to be a worthy opponent by US Navy commanders.
To stay one step ahead, Columbia class will have extensive design improvement to make
in even more silent when compared to Ohio class.
The vessel will have advance acoustic engineering to reduce its signature.
New materials will be used for more effective damping of vibration from mechanical parts.
Overall, the vessels will be considerably quieter when compared to Ohio class submarines.