What is the length of a Los Angeles-class submarine (SSN-688)?

What is the length of a Los Angeles-class submarine (SSN-688)?

• A. 320 feet (98 meters)
• B. 360 feet (110 meters)
• C. 400 feet (122 meters)
• D. 350 feet (107 meters)

Answer: (B)

The length of a submarine is essentially the space budget inside the hull for the reactor plant, propulsion machinery, weapons, sensors, and crew living spaces. For the Los Angeles-class, the hull is 360 feet long (about 110 meters). That length provides enough internal volume to house the reactor and machinery spaces, the 12 21-inch torpedo tubes, and the necessary sensor suites and living quarters, while keeping the design within practical size limits for handling, maintenance, and yard work. If the hull were significantly shorter, essential systems wouldn’t fit; if it were much longer, it would add unnecessary size without proportional performance benefits. So 360 feet is the standard length that matches the submarine’s internal layout and overall design goals.

The length of a submarine is essentially the space budget inside the hull for the reactor plant, propulsion machinery, weapons, sensors, and crew living spaces. For the Los Angeles-class, the hull is 360 feet long (about 110 meters). That length provides enough internal volume to house the reactor and machinery spaces, the 12 21-inch torpedo tubes, and the necessary sensor suites and living quarters, while keeping the design within practical size limits for handling, maintenance, and yard work. If the hull were significantly shorter, essential systems wouldn’t fit; if it were much longer, it would add unnecessary size without proportional performance benefits. So 360 feet is the standard length that matches the submarine’s internal layout and overall design goals.