Connecticut shipyard delivers new nuclear sub - Connecticut Post

Connecticut shipyard delivers new nuclear sub - Connecticut Post: The U.S. Navy took delivery of the nuclear-powered submarine South Dakota from the Electric Boat shipyard in Groton operated by General Dynamics, the 17th Virginia-class attack sub.

The 377-foot South Dakota carries Tomahawk cruise missiles, with the sub able to dive more than 800 feet and travel more than 25 knots. Construction commenced in 2013, with the sub slated to be commissioned early next year.

Among other innovations, Electric Boat designed the sub with two payload tubes that can each launch a half-dozen Tomahawks, representing a cost savings over separate launch tubes installed in earlier Virginia-class subs.

Given the designation SSN 790, it is the third U.S.