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Originally Posted by goldorak
What are the known specs for the Virginia and Astute classes?
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Aww.. thats lazy
:p
Oh well, here's *one* source of info (even though there are no real "facts" in sub specs.)
http://www.globalsecurity.org/milita...-774-specs.htm
http://www.globalsecurity.org/milita...ope/astute.htm
In a nutshell....
The cost of the two subs is about equal. Both subs were designed to be low-cost but each had significant cost overruns.
The VA is estimated at 7800 tons crew of 113, the Astute at 6800 tons crew of 100-108.
VA is built by Electric Boat company, Newport News, Lockheed, and Raytheon. Astute is built by BAE, but halfway through the design phase, BAE needed to bring in Electric Boat Company to solve some of its problems.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/2930237.stm
Both subs probably have comparable sensors, and diving depths.
The VA has 4 horizontal tubes and 12 VLS tubes; total weapons capacity 38. The Astute carries 6 horizontal tubes with no VLS system; total weapons capcity 36 weapons
The Astute speed is estimated at 32 knots. The VA speed is unknown. Its thought to be somewhere between the LA and the SW.
That's about all I can find atm. I voted for the VA. They cost the same, but Electric Boat Company seems to know what its doing more than BAE. I have some theories about they're quieting levels as well.