USN Ohio Class SSBN
SSN-726 USS Ohio
1/350th scale model kit
By Blue Water Navy
http://www.bluewaternavy.com
In-box review by: John Sheridan
The Ship:
SSBN-726 class FBM submarines can carry 24 ballistic missiles with MIRV warheads that can be accurately delivered to selected targets from almost anywhere in the world's oceans. Earlier FBM ships carry 16 missiles. A cylindrical pressure hull structure of HY-80 steel is supported by circular frames and enclosed by hemispherical heads at both ends. The pressure hull provides an enclosure large enough for weapons, crew, and equipment with enough strength to enable the ship to operate deep enough to avoid easy detection.The Ohio-class submarines are specifically designed for extended
deterrent patrols. To increase the time in port for crew turnover and
replenishment, three large logistics hatches are fitted to provide large
diameter resupply and repair openings. These hatches allow sailors to rapidly
transfer supply pallets, equipment replacement modules and machinery components,
significantly reducing the time required for replenishment and maintenance. The
class design and modern main concepts allow the submarines to operate for 15+
years between overhauls. Each SSBN is at sea at least 66 percent of the time,
including major overhaul periods of twelve months every nine years. One SSBN
combat employment cycle includes a 70-day patrol and 25-day period of transfer
of the submarine to the other crew, between-deployment maintenance, and
reloading of munitions.
Like all submarines in use by the U.S. Navy today, the Ohio class submarine is
powered by a pressurized water reactor (PWR) driving steam turbines to a single
propeller shaft. It can attain depths in excess of 800 feet at speeds in excess
of 25 knots.
| Ohio Class
SSBN Data |
|||
Displacement |
16,764 tons (surface) |
Max Speed |
20+ kts (surface) 30+ kts (submerged) |
| Length | 560 feet |
Complement |
Crew 140 Enlisted 15 Officers |
Beam |
42 feet |
Test Depth | 800+ feet |
Power Plant |
S8G Pressurized Water Nuclear Reactor, |
Armament | 4 Torpedo Tubes 24 tubes for Trident D-5 Missiles |
The Kit:
The 1:350th scale Blue Water Navy kit of the SSN-726 USS Ohio is a multimedia kit consisting of Resin, White Metal, and Photo-etched parts.
The resin parts consists of the hull which is a large solid one-piece hunk of resin with all the detail cast in. Hatches, access-ports, and other openings are scribed into the hull. The hull has a large casting plug on the keel that will have to be removed and sanded smooth. The rudders and stabilizers are resin as well which is a change from other BWN kits. The dive planes and scopes are made of White Metal and require a light sanding to fit in their place. Several choices of propellers are offered in photoetch brass. The instruction sheet is a one-page two-sided affair that clearly shows where the parts go. A decal sheet with hull numbers, pennants, and rescue markings round out this kit.
Conclusion:
This is a great kit for a person who is looking for a simple, yet very detailed resin kit to build. Those who have never built a resin kit would find this kit to be an excellent first-time kit to build. I would highly recommend this, or any other Blue Water Navy submarine kit to anyone
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