Columbia SSBN Delayed 16 months but on *budget
Added 2024-07-10 22:22:35 +0000 UTCAs promised, I am following the development of of the Columbia-class SSBN program. The latest report is the first hull will be delivered 16 months late, but at a slightly lower estimated Unit Cost.
This is R&D and Procurement cost.*
Three of the Nine new technologies are not tested. Two are expected to be tested by 2025 and the final technology will be tested during sea trials.
There is some concern in this report from the Government Accountability Office who claim delays increase cost, new detailed design drawings for in experienced workers increase cost, some resequencing is required during assembly phase that is currently in progress.
Nothing new here. The 16 month delay was realized months ago. The GAO estimates the final cost will be about 3x the original estimate. We will know when hull 1 is commissioned in 2027.
Comments
Despite all of the saber rattling going on, it doesn't look like any development projects can achieve their timeline, let alone speed up.
Paul D Berkebile
2024-07-11 15:17:53 +0000 UTC
