Seawolf-class submarines are larger, faster, and significantly quieter than previous Los Angeles-class submarines they also carry more weapons and have twice as many torpedo tubes. Seawolf-class hulls are constructed from HY-100 steel, which is stronger than the HY-80 steel employed in previous classes, in order to withstand water pressure at greater depths.

The Seawolf design was intended to combat the threat of advanced Soviet ballistic missile submarines such as the Typhoon class, and attack submarines such as the Akula class in a deep-ocean environment. The Seawolf class cost about $3 billion per unit ($3.5 billion for USS Jimmy Carter), making it the most expensive United States Navy fast attack submarine and second most expensive submarine ever, after the French Triomphant-class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines. This, in turn, led to the design of the smaller Virginia class. The end of the Cold War and budget constraints led to the cancellation of any further additions to the fleet in 1995, leaving the Seawolf class limited to just three boats.

A fleet of 29 submarines was to be built over a ten-year period, but that was reduced to 12 submarines. The class was the intended successor to the Los Angeles class, and design work began in 1983.

The Seawolf class is a class of nuclear-powered, fast attack submarines (SSN) in service with the United States Navy.

35 knots (40 mph 65 km/h) (maximum) Ĩ × 26.5-inch torpedo tubes, sleeved for 21-inch weapons (up to 50 Tomahawk land attack missile/ Harpoon anti-ship missile/ Mk 48 guided torpedo carried in torpedo room).

Ssn 21