USS Silversides (SSN-807) will be a Block 5 Virginia-class submarine for the United States Navy, its third submarine to bear the name, beginning with the World War II-era USS Silversides (SS-236). It was ordered on 2 December 2019. Secretary of the Navy Kenneth Braithwaite announced the name on 15 January 2021 during a visit to the USS Constitution.
Design
Compared to Blocks I-IV of Virginia-class submarines, Block V vessels will incorporate previously introduced modifications to the base design in addition to a Virginia Payload Module (VPM). The VPM inserts a segment into the boat's hull which adds four vertical launch tubes. Each tube allows for the carrying of seven Tomahawk strike missiles, increasing her armament to a total of 40 missiles.
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