Navy Ships: Status of SSN-21 Ship Construction Program.

摘要

This report is an unclassified version of a classified report on the results of our review of the Navy's Seawolf Nuclear Attack Submarine (SSN-21) construction program. Our objectives were to address the program's status, the SSN-21's performance capabilities, and the Navy's ability to maintain the nuclear attack submarine (SSN) force structure. The Navy is using two shipyards to design the SSN-21 and is proceeding with its ship construction plans. During the research and development phase, the program experienced some cost increases and a revised delivery schedule. Indications are that further cost increases and schedule adjustments are possible, and it is unclear whether overall performance goals will be met since the lead submarine will not be available for testing until 1995. The SSN-21's shipbuilding plan is designed to achieve the Navy's 100 SSN force goal. However, fiscal constraints and ship cost may prevent the Navy from achieving its SSN force goals. Keywords: Nuclear powered submarines; Shipbuilding. (edc)