Although it was launched in 2015 and commissioned in 2016, all technical specifications of the nuclear submarine USS Illinois remain very mysterious.
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| The nuclear-powered submarine USS Illinois (SSN-786) is the third ship of the Virginia Block III class of nuclear-powered submarines designed by General Dynamics and the US Navy. Photo source: Sina. |
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| Although it is the third submarine of the Virginia Block III class, all parameters of this submarine are still very vague, the most important technical parameters have not been revealed, even the new technologies applied on this ship have not been announced. Photo source: Sina. |
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| The submarine USS Illinois has a displacement of 7,800 tons when surfaced, a length of 114.9 meters, a width of 10.3 meters, and a draft of 9.8 meters when surfaced. The ship is capable of moving at a speed of 25 knots, equivalent to 46 km/h, but it is unclear whether this is the speed when submerged or when surfaced, and there is no confirmation that this is the maximum speed of the ship. Photo source: Sina. |
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| The ship has a full complement of 134 sailors and commanding officers. It is still unclear how long the ship can operate continuously before having to resupply the more than 130 officers and sailors. Photo source: Sina. |
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| The USS Illinois submarine has the ability to operate at an unlimited range and operate continuously for up to 33 years before needing to be refueled. Photo source: Sina. |
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| This is quite a surprising number because most modern nuclear attack submarines or aircraft carriers today usually only have a maximum operating time of 25 years before having to replace the reactor core, and not only the Virginia Block III but even the Block I version can operate continuously for up to 33 years before having to replace the reactor core. Photo source: Sina. |
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| The US has not yet announced what kind of technology this is and it will probably take a long time for the advanced countries in the world to find the technology to use nuclear reactors for such a long time. Photo source: Sina. |
According to Kienthuc
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| The US is planning to build a total of 8 Virginia Block III nuclear attack submarines, of which 3 have been completed, 2 have been launched and 3 are under construction. The entire US Navy plans to build a total of 48 Virginia nuclear submarines (including all types), currently the US has completed 13. Photo source: Sina. |
According to Knowledge
