US Navy’s New Submarines Go Electric

The next-generation US Navy’s submarines will be outfitted with an electric propulsion system, as reported by the Engineering news portal.

The Ohio-class submarines currently in use will be replaced with the new submarines in 2029.

These new submarines, also called Ohio Replacement Programs’ (ORP) subs, are going to enter fabrication in 2021.

The novelty introduced by the ORP subs will be a dramatic change in the boat’s engine room where ORP will use an electric propulsion system instead of mechanical propulsion.

This new system will help ORPs to generate electricity for the ships’ electronics, sensors and weapons systems.

In addition, the electric propulsion system will considerably reduce the noise submarines make.

The new submarines will cost USD 4 Billion each.

[mappress]
Press Release, October 02, 2013