Virginia class SSN
 

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...S_Virginia.jpg

This is the USS Virginia, SSN-774, set to replace the 688 & 688(i) class submarines.

I have heard rumors that the USS North Carolina & USS New hampshire (SSN 777 & 778) will have a new sail design.

http://www.globalsecurity.org/milita...ncedSail-1.jpg

The company that is making them is just finishing the 2nd in the class SSN-775 the Texas, and still has 776 hawaii to get done. How were the picture of the new sail design taken unless a 688 was built with it?

Because that picture is clearly doctored via computer.

That is photoshopped dfinatly we had this one before some where/

And that is SSN 21 USS Seawolf

Id doubt the american's would go down the russian path after all these years.

Despite the hydrodynamic efficentcy of the sail on russian submarines it can prove unstable during high speed turns, and can roll over where the america blockish type sail can keep the sub upright.

So a blended sail can have advantages in speed and efficentcy but also disadvantages in other areas.

I think old Doc Craven suggested a sail design like that a long time ago. But the navy ignored him.

With the power the seawolf has combine it with the sail of an al'fa or akula you be hitting speeds of what 60 knots maybe who knows.

I doubt just changing the sail would make that much diffrence. If anything the Russian sail is less hydrodynamic.

Negative thats SSN-774 USS virginia. Looks alot like the seawolf, but isnt. Look it up on Wikipedia.

No That's is Seawolf look at the water markers. :yep:

The 1st is a Va the 2nd is a photoshoped SW. In front of the sail is a... well a something... could be a sensor... that is unique to Virgina class SSNs. That is how you can tell the diffrence.

Acctualy TLAM the squat sail of the al'fa makes it very very hydrodynamic more like a sports car.

With the americans its more like putting a brick on a sausage.

I was looking at some blue prints to te VA, and the area infront of the sail is where the TLAMs are, like the 688 class.

Actualy the US Sail is more like putting a wing on a susage... ;)

But there is a tube like thing right in front of the sail, that is what I was talking about. :yep:

But i do know that hulls #4&5 have a different sail. Anyways, i like the tear drop design of the US sails. Much better that and Russians sail. most of the Russias subs have that sail design except for a few like the Delta class. I really dont know which is better, but i would go with the US type.

P.S. Arent the planes on the 688&688(i) class on the sail like the pic under the huge yellow SUBSIM.COM Radio room?