SSBN
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The Redoutable, a French SNLE (now a museum)

A ballistic missile submarine is a submarine equipped to launch ballistic missiles (SLBMs), such as the Russian R-29 or the American/British Trident.

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 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 several design features, such as anechoic tiles on their hull surfaces, carefully designed propulsion systems, machinery mounted on vibration damping mounts to remain undetected.

The need to accommodate SLBMs means that ballistic missile submarines are larger than all other classes of submarine. The most obvious examples of this were the later Russian Navy Delta III and IV classes, as well as the Typhoon-class submarines and the American Ohio-class submarines

SSBN is the United States Navy's hull classification symbol for a nuclear-powered, ballistic nuclear missile-carrying submarine. In US naval slang, ballistic missile submarines are called "boomers", while in Britain, they are referred to as "bombers".

SSBN is a designation for Ballistic Missile Submarines (Nuclear Powered), as set forth in [SECNAVINST 5030.8] [1].

The French Navy strategic nuclear submarines are designated "SNLE", for Sous-marin Nucléaire Lanceur d'Engins ("Device-Launching Nuclear Submarine").

Many navies use two crews per boat to maximize patrol time. In the U.S. Navy, the two crews are called blue crew and gold crew. In the Royal Navy, the two crews are called port crew and starboard crew. The French Navy uses blue and red for its crews.

Ballistic missile submarines equipped with nuclear warheads also serve as the third leg of the nuclear triad. The invisibility and mobility of submarines not only gives the provided nation with a reliable means of deterrence against an attack but also a surprise first strike capability.

SSBN classes (in service)

HMS Vanguard, a Royal Navy Vanguard class submarine

USS Alabama, a US Navy Ohio class submarine.

• France
  • Le Triomphant class
• Russian Federation
  • Typhoon class
  • Delta III and IV classes
• United States
  • Ohio class
• United Kingdom
  • Vanguard class
• People's Republic of China
  • Type 092
  • Type 094

SSBN classes (retired)

• France
  • Redoutable class
• United Kingdom
  • Resolution class
• United States
  • George Washington class
  • Ethan Allen class
  • Lafayette class
  • James Madison class
  • Benjamin Franklin class
• Russian Federation/Soviet
  • Hotel class
  • Yankee class
  • Yankee II class
  • Delta I class
  • Delta II class

SSBN classes (under construction)

• Russian Federation
  • Borei class
• Indian Navy
  • Advanced Technology Vessel

SSB classes (mostly retired)

SSB means diesel-propelled ballistic missile submarine, e.g. the Soviet Union Golf class. The People's Republic of China built a single modified example in 1966 which is apparently still in service for testing new SLBM designs.

Trivia

Lists of miscellaneous information should be avoided. Please relocate any relevant information into appropriate sections or articles. (March 2008)

• In American naval slang, submarines are the only vessels referred to as "boats", whereas surface vessels are colloquially referred to as "ships".
• SSBNs are referred to as "boomers" by the US Navy, while SSNs are referred to as "fast attacks."

See also

• SSN - attack submarine
• SSGN - cruise missile submarine
• SLBM - submarine launched ballistic missile
• 41 for Freedom Fleet Ballistic Missile (FBM) submarines

External links

• Video showing various SSBNs in action.