The Astronomical Costs
Constructing a Columbia class submarine is projected to cost $4.2 billion. However, elements, technology, and components from the Ohio and Virginia classes will be included where possible in order to save money. In total, it’s estimated that the entire fleet of Columbia-class submarines is going to cost the Navy around $347 billion. As you’d expect, building such complex and elaborate machines take a lot of paperwork.
The Astronomical Costs
300-Page Report
In April 2014, the Navy completed a 300-page specification report for the Ohio Replacement Program submarines. It’s no surprise that there are many specifications. In fact, there are 159 in all. They include weapons systems, escape routes, fluid systems, hatches, doors, sea water systems, and a set length of 560 ft (170 m). The length is set to allow enough volume inside the pressure hull at all times.
300 Page Report
