GD Electric Boat floated out Virginia class submarine USS Iowa.

According to a tweet published by GD Electric Boat on August 25, 2023, after being unveiled at GD Electric Boat's facility in Groton, CT, the Virginia class Block IV submarine USS Iowa embarked on her journey to Graving Dock 3. The dock was subsequently flooded, marking a pivotal moment in her progress: the float off.
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Virginia class Block IV submarine USS Iowa. (Picture source: GD Electric Boat)

The Virginia class Block IV has 10 submarines. Their build was jeopardized by 2013's budget cuts. However, General Dynamics Electric Boat received a historic $17.6 billion contract in 2014. These subs have reduced maintenance needs, allowing for an additional deployment.

Technical data

When submerged, the submarine has a displacement of 7,900 metric tons (8,700 short tons) and measures 460 feet (140 meters) in length, with a beam of 34 feet (10 meters).

Propulsion is achieved through a combination of a S9G nuclear reactor generating 280,000 horsepower (210 megawatts), along with two steam turbines producing a combined 40,000 shaft horsepower (30 megawatts). This power system drives a single shaft pump-jet propulsor and a secondary propulsion motor.

The submarine is capable of reaching speeds of 25 knots (46 km/h; 29 mph) or more and boasts an unlimited operational range. Its endurance is governed solely by crew sustenance and maintenance demands. The vessel's maximum test depth reaches beyond 800 feet (240 meters), a testament to its design.

Operating the Virginia-class Block IV submarine requires a crew of 135 individuals, encompassing 15 officers and 120 enlisted personnel. The submarine's armament includes 12 Vertical Launch System (VLS) tubes used for launching Tomahawk cruise missiles, along with 4 torpedo tubes measuring 21 inches, designed to launch Mk-48 torpedoes or UGM-84 Harpoon missiles.

Storage provisions comprise room for 25 torpedoes and missiles in the torpedo chamber, with an additional capacity for 12 missiles in the VLS tubes.