Up periscope for US nuclear sub

News

The US's newest nuclear-powered submarine, USS Texas (SSN 775), has returned to Northrop Grumman's Newport News shipyard after concluding a clean sweep of initial sea trials.

'I'm pleased to report that the ship's trials were successful,' said Admiral Kirk Donald, director of naval nuclear propulsion. 'It was a great ride. I thoroughly enjoyed it myself and, more importantly, we are a step closer to delivering a great ship to the fleet.'

The sea trials provided an opportunity to test all systems, components and compartments. They included submerging for the first time, plus high-speed runs while submerged and on the surface.

The 114.91m Virginia-class submarines are capable of submerged speeds of more than 25 knots (28+mph) and can stay underwater for three months.

Northrop Grumman Newport News is working with General Dynamics Electric Boat to build the first 10 ships of the Virginia class. Current plans call for 30 Virginia-class submarines in the fleet.

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