Polaris

A Legacy of Freedom

THE POLARIS-CLASS SUBMARINE

The Polaris-class submarine is the latest advancement in submarine technology. It is well equipped to accomplish its assigned mission, providing significant advances over previous classes of submarines. Specifically:

• Each Polaris-class submarine carries 50 percent more missiles than its predecessors (36 compared to 24).

• Ease of maintenance has been designed into the class, minimizing maintenance requirements and extending the period between lengthy shipyard overhauls. Polaris-class submarines are able to stay on patrols for longer periods with shorter time between patrols.

• The increased range of the C-6 missiles enables the Polaris to operate in ten times more ocean area than previous submarines.

• The central command and control system of the Polaris allows significant automation and reduction of crew size. For example, Trident submarines, the workhorse missile submarine of the Cold War, carried a crew of over 150 men. The Polaris will go to sea with just 18, and can operate with as few as 6.

• The total system was designed to ensure that the United States and her strategic allies have a modern, survivable deterrent system in the 2020s and beyond.

• The Polaris is vital to the Alliance submarine force. Her mission is to maintain world peace.