Newest Fast-Attack Subs Have No Periscopes Submarines Use Digital Cameras Instead [USS Virginia]

AP via WRAL ^ | Oct 23, 2004 | unknown

[pipecorp]

No screen doors, right?

[Fiddlstix]

No screen doors, right?

What! No screen doors!
(Unforgivable)

[ProudVet77]

More details:
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ship/ssn-774.htm

[LibWhacker]

Hmmm . . . Cool! I'd like to know more about the periscope. They say the Virginia can launch unmanned undersea vehicles . . . Dumb questions: So is the periscope/camera free to surface on its own, untethered to the ship, or is it attached to the sub in the normal way? How deep can the sub be and still deploy the camera? Thanks. I was a foot soldier. I know NOTHING about this naval stuff! :-)

[pbear8]

What if the camera should fail for some reason? What is the backup process for taking a look?

[Pharmboy]

Hi-tech bubblehead ping.

[madison46]

First computer generated subs if I remember correctly (CAD) and has internals with rack components so upgrades can be traded in and out.

[FreeInWV]

Looks like a pretty fancy boat.

[cynicom]

Cant have a real sub without a periscope.

[LibWhacker]

Thanks.

The most radical change in the Virginia sensor suite appears in the ship’s control room. The electromagnetic and electro-optics suite will include two no-hull-penetrating Photonics Masts, without a conventional periscope. This is a major break with tradition for the Submarine force. The Virginia class will not have a conventional periscope. The Officer of the Deck will no longer stand and “hang-on” the periscope, looking through a maze of mirrors, prisms, and lenses. Instead, the Photonics Mast contains several high-resolution, color cameras that send visual images to large screen displays in the ship’s control room. Equipped with enhanced infrared and low-level light image enhancement features, the mast also includes an infrared laser range finder, making the art of calling periscope ranges much less challenging. Furthermore, the mast will embody an improved integrated Electronic Support Measures (ESM) array and associated signal processing for unparalleled situational awareness – all gained covertly from under the sea.

[gorush]

For a fascinating 1st hand account of a submariners life in WWII, read "Silent Running" by James Calbert. He describes nine war patrols (He was the TDC operator...he aimed the torpedoes) and the surrender in Tokyo harbor aboard the USS Missouri...which he witnessed from a taller ship to which his sub was rafted.

[PA Engineer]

[ProudVet77]

Pleasure.
FWIW - "Electronic Support Measures" is EW speak for surveillance, listeng for bad guys radar.

[Terabitten]

That is one big sumbeach.

[RightWhale]

Looks good. Our subs didn't have the construction railing on top, and the walkway was not very wide. It's a long way down in drydock.

[SmithL]

NTINS

Cadets at the Coast Guard Acadamy in New London used to take their dates down to the banks of the River Thames to discuss philosophy on hot summer nights. They were unaware that on the other side of the river at the Submarine Base in Groton, Fast Attack Subs had high-tech, night vision periscopes hooked up to TV monitors, thus keeping the entire Duty Section entertained.

[DSBull]

Damn, I will take two...park these babies near Iran and see what happens... Live fire exercises/

[DSBull]

I need prints and specs, weapons accompaniment, weaknesses and all future locations, please....

Sincerely,

The Mullah of Iran

[David1]

So that you guys will know, that first pic is that of the advanced sail that will be installed around the 6th or 7th boat of the class.