Virginia Successfully Completes Testing of Torpedo Tubes

Since 04-03-04

From NSL UPDATE 03-30-04

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From Naval Sea Systems Command Public Affairs

GROTON, Conn. (NNS) -- PCU Virginia (SSN 774) successfully completed a test of its torpedo tubes at General Dynamics Electric Boat Division's shipyard, firing a dozen dummy torpedoes into the Thames River March 11-12. The two-day evolution brings the submarine, the first in a new class of fast-attack boats, closer to its sea trials, which are slated for the spring.

To conduct the torpedo tube testing, Electric Boat and U.S. Navy personnel fired three of the dummy torpedoes, or "shapes," from each of the submarine's four tubes. Virginia Prospective Commanding Officer Capt. Dave Kern, who stood dockside for the firing of the first shape, said the test was a big step forward for the submarine. "The whole reason for the ship's existence is for us to be able to use the weapon systems if called upon," he said. "So it's a great milestone to see the torpedo tubes in action."

In addition to torpedoes, the Virginia-class will be armed with Tomahawk cruise missiles and has been designed to host the Advanced SEAL Delivery System (ASDS) and Dry-Deck Shelter to support various missions. Furthermore, the Virginia-class will dominate both the open ocean and littorals while undertaking a wide range of missions, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, special operations, Information, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR), and mine warfare. "We're very pleased with the results of the torpedo tube testing and looking forward to sea trials this spring and delivery this summer," said Capt. John Heffron, Virginia-class program manager.

The Virginia class is built jointly by General Dynamics Electric Boat in Groton, Conn., and Northrop Grumman Newport News in Newport News, Va. Virginia's commissioning is scheduled for later this year at Norfolk Naval Base.