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A ballistic missile submarine is a submarine equipped to launch ballistic missiles (SLBMs). Ballistic missile submarines are larger than any other type of submarine, in order to accommodate SLBMs such as the Russian R-29 or the American Trident.
The SS denotes a "ship submersible ", the B denotes "ballistic missile," and the N denotes "nuclear powered."
Although some early models had to surface to launch their missiles, modern vessels typically launch while submerged at keel depths, usually less than 50 meters (164 feet). Ballistic missile submarines differ in purpose from attack submarines and cruise missile submarines; while attack submarines specialise in combat with other naval vessels (including enemy submarines and merchant shipping), and cruise missile submarines are designed to attack large warships and tactical targets on land, the primary mission of the ballistic missile is nuclear deterrence. Accordingly, the mission profile of a ballistic missile submarine concentrates on remaining undetected, rather than aggressively pursuing other vessels. Ballistic missile submarines are designed for stealth, to avoid detection at all costs. They use many sound-reducing design features, such as anechoic tiles on their hull surfaces, carefully designed propulsion systems, and machinery mounted on vibration-damping mounts.
Ballistic missile submarines are often referred to as SSBNs, after the United States Navy's hull classification symbol for a nuclear-powered, ballistic nuclear missile-carrying submarine.[1] In US naval slang, ballistic missile submarines are called "boomers", while in Britain, they are referred to as "bombers". Many navies use two crews per boat to maximize patrol time. The U.S. Navy calls them 'blue' and 'gold' crews; the Royal Navy calls them 'port' and 'starboard' crews; and the French Navy uses 'blue' and 'red' designations.
Ballistic missile submarines equipped with nuclear warheads serve as the third leg of the nuclear triad. The invisibility and mobility of submarines offer both a reliable means of deterrence against an attack and a surprise first-strike capability.
Active classes
Classes under development
Retired classes
- France
- United Kingdom
- United States
- Russian Federation/Soviet
See also
- SSN - US Navy attack submarine
- SSGN - US Navy cruise missile submarine
- 41 for Freedom US Navy Fleet Ballistic Missile (FBM) submarines
References
- ^ "SECNAVINST 5030.8" (PDF). United States Navy (November 21, 2006). Retrieved on September 10, 2008.
External links
- Video showing various SSBNs in action.
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