Ракетные подводные крейсеры стратегического назначения типа Ohio (США)
Ракетные подводные крейсеры стратегического назначения типа Ohio (США)
На вооружение ВМС США принята самая мощная в мире флотилия из 18 стратегических атомных субмарин типа Ohio, 14 из которых оснащены стратегическими баллистическими ракетами и принадлежат к классу РПКСН. Их предназначение — наносить массированные или точечные удары, в том числе и ядерными боеголовками, по наземным объектам стратегического назначения противника.
Кроме того, четыре субмарины типа Ohio «разжалованы» в «младший» класс ракетных подводных крейсеров (сокращенно РПК либо ПЛАРК — подводная лодка атомная, ракетный крейсер). Они оснащены обычными (небаллистическими) крылатыми ракетами и предназначены для поиска и уничтожения вражеских подводных лодок и кораблей, нанесения ударов по береговым объектам противника, а также поддержки надводных судов. ПЛАРК может служить кораблем передового базирования либо запасным кораблем объединенного командного центра.
Подводные лодки типа Ohio способны проводить длительное боевое патрулирование.
Ohio SSGN submarine conversion
According to the requirements of the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, START II, which was agreed in June 1992, the number of strategic missile submarines was limited to 14 from 2002. Rather than decommissioning these four submarines, the US Navy has converted them to conventionally armed nuclear-powered (SSGNs) submarines.
In September 2002, Electric Boat received a contract for the conversion of USS Ohio (SSBN 726), Michigan (727), Florida (728) and Georgia (729). The submarines were refitted with up to 154 Tomahawk TLAM (land attack) or Tactical Tomahawk (block IV) missiles and are also capable of conducting special operations missions with accommodation for Northrop Grumman advanced SEAL delivery systems (ASDS), mission control centre and 102 special operation troops.
General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems is modifying the Trident fire control system for the Tomahawk weapon control.
Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems is adapting the missile launch tubes, developing a multiple all-up round canister (MAC), which provides storage and launch of up to seven Tomahawk missiles from each of the submarine’s 22 missile tubes. The SSGN submarines are also fitted with the Raytheon AN/BYG-1 combat data system.
USS Ohio began conversion in November 2002, which was completed in January 2006, when the ship rejoined the fleet following sea trials in December 2005. USS Florida began the SSGN conversion in July 2003 and rejoined the fleet in April 2006. USS Michigan returned to service in June 2007. USS Georgia was delivered from conversion in December 2007 and returned to service in March 2008. SSBN’s USS Pennsylvania and USS Kentucky have shifted homeport from Kings Bay to Bangor to balance the strategic force.
In November 2007, USS Ohio left for final trials off Hawaii before beginning its first operational deployment as an SSGN in the western Pacific Ocean.
In January 2003, USS Florida took part in Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) experiment ‘Giant Shadow’ to test the capabilities of the new SSGNs. The experiment included validation launches of two Tomahawk missiles, the first-ever launch of an unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) and insertion of a navy SEALs force. The SSGN will have the capacity to accommodate 66 SEALS.
