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Originally Posted by stormrider_sp
In my opinion it would be a better deal to replace the seawolf with the new virginia. The Seawolf class was more of an experiment than a real mass production submarine like the LA was or the Virginia is intended to be in near future.  |
Seawolf class was not an experiment,actually.It was a submarine,intended entirely for antisubmarine warfare and engagements of large naval surface battlegroups,and little or no role at all was dedicated to land strikes.Eight torpedo tubes and no VLS,extremely silent propulsion system and advanced sensors and combat systems are proving this fact.That was only the extreme cost per unit,that came the actual reason of cancellation of this program,as well as new threats of modern era-no more "Cold war stand-offs" and rising of global terrorism.
That is why Virginia has got VLS again,and just four torpedo tubes.Land strikes with newest versions of Tomahawk will be the primary missions for the new submarine.
However,it is my personal opinion,Seawolf is still far more capable fighter of the deep,than any other submarine in the world.Russians are turning to "Graney" class,copying ideas of Virginia in fact,U.S. is building Virginias,oriented for special operations and land strikes.Only three Seawolf submarines of US NAVY are the most up-to-date antisubmarine-antivessel fighters.