In both procurement and production, the US Navy's (USN's) Virginia-class attack submarine programme has succeeded where several other major platforms have fallen short.rnBy utilising a modular construction concept, the Virginia class, currently numbering five in service with a sixth to enter the fleet in 2009, has demonstrated an uncanny ability to meet construction schedules while remaining within budget.rnShipbuilders attribute the success of the Virginia class to a streamlined construction process that enables the pairing of speed with efficiency. The process has enabled the Virginia class to become one of the most successful USN submarine production programmes to date.
展开▼
