Tweet
RELIABILITY IMPROVEMENTS TO MINI-SUB ADD $200 MILLION TO PRICE TAG
April 28, 2008 -- Reliability improvements to a mini-submarine used to transport Navy SEALs have tacked on an extra $200 million to the troubled program’s cost per sub, according to Rear Adm. William Hilarides, the program executive officer for submarines.
http://www.militaryphotos.net/forums/ar ... 35173.html
View Full Version ] available." With only one unit, maintenance and other down time makes it unavailable, and it cannot be two places at once. He believes the right number of ASDS units required is "probably around eight."
The Navy has stated a requirement for six units, but that was established before it decided to convert four Ohio-class ballistic-missile submarines to guided-missile submarines (SSGNs) with the additional mission of support of special operations forces. Each of the SSGNs will be capable of carrying two ASDS units.
Two Los Angeles-class attack submarines have been modified to deploy the ASDS, and the new Virginia-class attack submarine is being built with the inherent capability to deploy the mini-sub. Planners originally intended the two pilots for the ASDS include one submarine officer and one SEAL. So far, the first ASDS has been piloted by two submarine officers. With all its rough edges smoothed out, the ASDS will be a welcome alternative to the cold and wet rides of its predecessors, and has already made some important steps in helping Navy SEALs weather the extremes.